The Next Chapter

We're embarking on the 4th annual Winter CSA this week amid what feels like a mild autumn. This was the type of autumn that initially inspired us to extend the growing season and offer additional CSA shares and was also what we enjoyed during the first season, 2012. The two years in between this year and the first felt more like growing produce in January and February, not November and December. Can we thank El Nino? Or is this more normal? I'm not sure. After 7 seasons at Anchor Run I've come to expect the unexpected, weather wise. Having too many rigid expectations would narrow our vision and allow the farm to become totally mechanized and streamlined, I perceive. We're able to withstand the vagaries of the weather and its forecast because we're diverse; we grow hundreds of varieties of crops over 9 months on perhaps 13 acres, fallowing 5 acres, rotating plant families around the farm. Crops tolerate different conditions, temperatures, moisture, so having diversity guarantees something will survive, or thrive. We're always thankful for good growing conditions.