ArtByChristinaCheek

ArtByChristinaCheek OP t1_j5slrg9 wrote

UPDATE:

Just sent our first newsletter out to everyone who has signed up, we really appreciate the support!

Currently, until we have the farm property acquired, we are working on expanding into some new varieties this year as well as the general staples. I would also like to make note that we intend to have custom spice blends available and are looking into the regulations regarding custom-seasoned whipped jars of butter. Also, don't worry, it's not just the mundane "garlic and herb" you see in the store - we got plans for those tastebuds!! gif

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ArtByChristinaCheek OP t1_j3rylnl wrote

Certainly understandable and that's something we will also keep in mind. Usually, if the harvest is that bad due to drought or the weather we can't control, a notice is sent about the produce updates, changes, etc., so folks are aware.

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ArtByChristinaCheek OP t1_j3q3jof wrote

Yes, we are seriously looking into a good pricing model to deliver within the area. I'm sorry to hear about the quality of produce, though with organic regulations its very hard for growers to keep them away because it's limited to certain pest control options and what is exactly used.

With lettuces or anything really grown ground level like that, you will want to do a good wash. Going forward, to err on the side of caution, you can do as my grandma used to do & fill your sink with cold water, add a capful of white vinegar & about 1/2 cup salt and wash the lettuce or greens by gently scrubbing and rinsing them with your hands in bunches. (the pests will come off in the water). Then lay on a flat paper towel, use another paper towel to pat dry. This is more for the loose leaf lettuces and greens like collards, but it always came out pretty and tasty!

We are not certified organic, (the price tag on that is a bit high, but we will be seeking grant aide for it going forward) but do hold to the same practices. Weedkiller, fungicides, Etc. are all No-No's here! We are doing intercrop intensive planting with natural pest control options (encouraging pollinators and predator insects, like ladybugs, etc., planting trap crops and so on ) we also know that not all of our produce will be blemish free but we will do our best 💪 😉

As far as the animal products (for those interested) we will have some available as the seasons go on, but cheeses are regulated by the USDA and State Milk Board, there's a whole facility setup, approval, inspection, etc. and that's not something we are able to do financially.

Now, with Raw Goats Milk, that is something we can offer, especially if the bill moves past the Senate to allow raw milk sales for retail! 🤞🤞🤞

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ArtByChristinaCheek OP t1_j3q206c wrote

Good to hear!

Definitely understand that, my youngest is so picky (mainly texture) on her veggies, she likes raw carrots, but not cooked, raw broccoli, not cooked, & dont let her catch a SINGLE sliver of onion or mushroom on anything or the whole thing has been contaminated according to her 🤣 though, if I blend it all up into a sauce she has no clue they're there. #momhacks

As for spoilage we will be giving out handy reference material to get the most out of your produce for the longest as we are 100% for no waste!

Lamb may be a possibility in the future depending on demand, currently we will have chevon though if you prefer lamb or only eat it due to kosher requirements, I understand.

It's always worth keeping in touch on, and I appreciate the feedback as well. It helps us plan ahead to meet food desires/needs of our community. Tyvm! 🤗

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ArtByChristinaCheek OP t1_j3q1dh2 wrote

I completely agree, with the farm location we may end up having to do deliveries as a subscription service or a meet and pick up at one of the farmstand or farmers market places due to overall costs of gas etc. Our aim is to keep our food as affordable as possible and not go into debt doing it 💪

Thank you!!

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ArtByChristinaCheek OP t1_j3fvqiz wrote

Glad to hear it! Please feel free to follow the farm page on FB (GoodFoodFarmsMO) and join the newsletter. I also plan to post here on Reddit more often on it all. I posted the link to the sign-up in prior comments. :)

Do you have any suggestions on what you would like to see provided? Ideas? Problems we could solve VS retail grocery stores? TIA!

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ArtByChristinaCheek OP t1_j3fvhmh wrote

We have no doubt that we will have to expand and look for help as we grow. Currently, we are limited to just family at the moment due to expenses but please feel free to follow us and keep in touch, that's a wonderful degree and I am excited for you, way to go!! gif

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ArtByChristinaCheek OP t1_j3fv6z2 wrote

I agree, heirloom tomatoes are already planned with a few different varieties in mind.

We are considering mushroom growing, but it may not be within the first year as a more commercial setup requires some tools we don't have just yet. We forage for our native growing ones each year, not just for morels but oysters, indigo milky's, corals, puffballs, maitake (hen of the woods), chicken of the woods, and wood ears (those jellied ones in Asian ramen). We were looking at lions mane and oysters as a first commercial crop if we did decide to go that way, so it's something to look forward to!

Thank you for signing up!

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