We picked up the BCS and four implements. The tractor and three of the implements fit in a 10′ x 5′ cargo trailer. We had to go back for the fourth implement, a utility trailer. The tractor and the implements are all equally heavy-duty and good construction. If you are not familiar with the BCS, […]
Farming
Farming and Covid-19
No doubt Covid has changed our lives. Whether it comes back in a second wave or just lingers on is anyone’s guess. One thing is certain. Some if not most people are more cautious. Fortunately farmers markets are considered an essential service and are being permitted to open (at least here in Alaska). The question […]
High Tunnel Decisions
The NRCS conservation planner came out to our place to check the location and the soil. The visit was useful as we walked the majority of our property and realized we can setup two more fields for production. We will be using 30″ raised beds with 15″ walkways on either side. Each bed will be […]
Multifunctional Trailer Purchase
We are in the “setup” phase of pulling our small farm together. With a goal to be in production by next summer, we have to hit certain milestones this year. Land prep is our highest priority but close behind are simple needs like equipment storage. A barn is another project for later this year. Until […]
BCS Tractors & Soil Prep
A tractor is arguably the most important machine on a small farm. It is also one of the larger purchases (land aside). We wanted something that would be reliable and trouble free. After considerable research of Kubota and John Deere, we ran into BCS tractors. These Italian tractors are top sellers throughout Europe. We have […]
Startup Considerations
Farm Layout What’s Next Overview We have been filling out forms and generating a game plan for this year. The coronavirus is a bit of a monkey wrench. I was originally going to try to have produce for sale in late summer and fall. I am not so sure that matters as much now. With […]
AFMA Conference Goes Online
The Alaska Farmers Market Conference will be held online due to Covid-19. Registration is now open. Following description per the AFMA. While all of the sessions will be awesome, if there is just a few sessions to attend, please take note of these two timely sessions: Friday, 12-1pm: State of Markets Nationwide & COVID-19: Lessons from […]
Open Food Network (OFN)
OFN is open source software from Australia. It is fueling Food Hub websites throughout Australia and Europe. Here is a definition from their site: The Open Food Network platform is designed to help farmers sell food. It aggregates food from multiple sources to sell through an online shopfront, and creates a transparent supply chain. https://about.openfoodnetwork.org.au/ […]
EQIP Season High Tunnel Initiative
Government Money In Your Pocket The NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) has the EQIP ( Environmental Quality Incentives Program) program to provide financial and technical assistance to agricultural growers. Here are two helpful links: EQIP program information. Alaska NRCS with links to other state programs. The beauty of this program is that it is not […]
2020 AFMA Conference
Just a heads up if you are accessible to Anchorage. The following description is verbatim from their website. Tickets can be found here. “Buy Local, GROW LOCAL!” Join us for our 3rd Alaska Farmers Market ConferenceApril 2-4, 2020 in downtown Anchorage, AK! Alaska is experiencing the most agricultural growth in the entire nation! Farmers’ markets […]