13MAR24

Greetings from Baker Heritage Farms;

No, there was no update last week, so a belated Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of our followers.

Mother Nature has been dictating our schedule recently. Donald went down to the production fields last weekend to work on prepping plots for planting, and only got to work on the second half of plot 1D (this is the plot we planted cabbage in 2-weeks ago), however, the production fields were wet and hard to work, and additional rain was forecast for the weekend, so prepping has been delayed. Instead, Debbie and Donald took a little time off and went to Fort Smith.

This weekend was more of the same - rain. We are not complaining, we need the moisture, but we also would like to get the rest of our February seeds down. We have postponed our March seed order until we get all of February seeds down.

The chickens are progressing well. We should be able to release them either Easter Sunday or the Sunday after. Donald and Debbie went shopping this weekend for supplies and finally got a gate for the chicken run and Donald put the gate up. There is some final fence work to be done, the ramp into the hen house to be added, and one part of the roof of the hen house to be replaced, and we will be ready to move the chickens in.

The peppers and tomatoes currently being grown in the barn have started to sprout and are doing well.

With the weather preventing field work, Donald has been working on the Farm Food Safety Plan, part of our Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) program. As part of this effort, changes are being made in our operations to ensure that we will be in compliance with the Food Safety Plan.

Danielle has taken over responsibility for the poultry and will be assisted by Debbie. Elizabeth and Logan will be responsible for feeding and egg collection.

Debbie is responsible for ensuring that supplies are purchased and available as needed.

Donald will be responsible for heavy equipment operations, equipment maintenance and repair, and fence construction, maintenance, and repair.

Donald, Danielle, and Adam will share mowing and ground maintenance duties.

The entire family will be responsible for crop operations, including planning, ground preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting.

Adam will assist in all operations.

As we proceed, we will better define everyone's responsibility to ensure that we are making use of everyone's talents and abilities.

Until next week,

Blessings from Baker Heritage Farms

"Birth is nothing without virtue, and we have no claim to share in the glory of our ancestors unless we strive to resemble them.." Moliere

13MAR10

Greetings from Baker Heritage Farms;

As it is planting season, it was another busy week on the farm.

The week of February 25th, Donald prepared the information on seed needs for the March planting; however, we are waiting to get all of the February seed down before ordering the seed. We are hoping that we will not run into problems getting certain seeds, as seed availability is a concern with the drought that has plagued the mid-west and south over the past two years.

David finished the last 55 feet of fencing this past week and put down the Hydrolyzed Fish Powder in plot 1D, as well as the north half of plots 2C and 1B. A total of 25 gallons of water was mixed with a total of 7 pounds of Fish Powder for the applications.

David also tilled plots 1D, 2C, and 1B with help from Danielle (and a little help from Donald) and the plots were dragged to try to level them a little.

On Saturday, approximately 2,784 cabbage seeds were applied to the north half of plot 1D. Some experimentation was used during the planting. First, the Earthway Seeder was used to set the rows (without seed due to the amount of debris on the ground). Next, we attempted to "hand seed" using a PVC pipe to drop the seed, followed by raking the dirt over the seed. This did not seem effective and was very time consuming and we changed methods after the first 4 rows. The rest of the rows were planted using the Earthway Seeder. It seemed to work well, and definitely save time. A total of 16 rows were planted.

We are not sure if it was a blessing or a curse, but a storm rolled in Saturday night (expected, but due to planting deadlines, we planted anyway). It was a blessing as we did not have to water the seed; however, it may also be a curse, as the seeds (1) may have been washed away, and/or (2) the seed may rot if there is too much water. We are hoping that no damage was done and that we will see some growth in a couple of weeks.

We knew we were taking risks when we decided to direct seed the cabbage as we are not providing row covers this planting, and may have problems with cabbage beetles and other insects, but wanted to try doing the planting all-natural.

We still need to get the onions, carrots, lettuce, and radishes planted and hope to get most of it planted over the next week or two, depending on weather (we are entering severe weather season). The sooner we get these seeds down, the sooner we can order our March seed and get it planted.

We will be planting our spring crops through April, and then will start planning more cover crops and our fall planting.

David is watering the seed beds and caring for the chicks several times a day, and has to get up early to turn the grow lights on and go to bed late to turn them off, but he is learning a lot (as we all are).

Debbie attended her first Beginning Farmers and Ranchers class at the Kerr Center (it is actually the second class, but David had to fill in for her at the first class as she was in California). She enjoyed her class and is looking forward to the education and fellowship offered through this program.

Until next time ...

Blessings from Baker Heritage Farms

"Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field." President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Update - 13FEB18 through 13MAR03

Greetings from Baker Heritage Farms;

While Debbie and Donald were off the farm from February 18th through March 3rd (Debbie has been off the farm since January 2nd), David was hard at work.

The week of February 17th David managed to put up 470 feet of 16 gauge field fence and tied down 330 feet of field fence that he put up the week of February 17th.

The week of February 24th, David seeded 128 Arkansas Traveler tomatoes, 128 Cherokee Purple tomatoes, 544 Doe Hill Golden Bell Frying Peppers, 544 Ashe County Pimento Sweet Peppers, and 544 Long Red Cayenne Hot Peppers.

The seed beds are in trays, which are currently in our barn, either in cribs or on a table.

Seed Trays

Seed Trays on Table (door on saw horses)

Seed Trays in Modified Cribs

David received notification on Saturday, March 2nd that his chicks had hatched and they were on their way. He notified the local post office, however, he received a telephone call from the Poteau post office early Sunday morning that the chicks were in and needed to be picked up. On Sunday, March 3rd, David picked up 27 chicks, though one was dead (25 chicks were ordered, however, 1 "rare breed" and 1 "extra" chick were provided, so he netted 26 chicks, of which at least 25 chicks are Wyandotte Silver Laced chicks, and all chicks were quickly made comfortable in the barn.

Needless to say, David had a very busy two weeks on the farm and did an excellent job of caring for the farm while Debbie and Donald were away.

Blessings from Baker Heritage Farms

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." Mother Teresa (1910 - 1997)

13FEB17

Greetings from Baker Heritage Farms;

Work is proceeding on the farm.

This past Monday David completed tying down the 330' of fencing installed over the previous weekend and strung another 330' of fencing, which still needs tying down.

On Friday David and Donald purchased more fencing supplies (hopefully the last), as well as materials for the seed beds.

Saturday was spent changing out tractor implements and reorganized to prepare for the seed beds. This was fortunate timing as the seed bed trays and planting material arrived. We are still waiting for delivery of the seeds.

David will be in charge of the farm for the next two weeks due to travel schedules.

Blessing from Baker Heritage Farms

"To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root." Chinese Proverb

13FEB10

Welcome to Baker Heritage Farms;

It was a beautiful weekend, with rain last night and sunshine and warmth today.

David spent Tuesday and Wednesday putting in the rest of the T-posts for fencing the production fields.

Friday, David and Donald placed seed and supply orders, and went out and picked up more fencing material. Saturday Donald worked on the blog, and today David and Donald put up 300 feet of fence and started putting up the gate, both for the production fields.

Farm work is starting in earnest. Seed orders should be arriving this next week and will need planting, both in the production fields and in seed beds (for the transplants). The fence needs to be completed (approximately 900 feet left to go), and, when we think we are due for a break, March seed orders will need to be placed and we will have to prepare for the arrival of the chickens.

We are actually looking forward to the challenge. The next few months will be the real test to see if we are really ready to be full-time farmers.

Until next week,

Blessings from Baker Heritage Farms

"The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege." Charles Kuralt

February 2013 Seeding Equipment and Supplies Ordered

It is time for Baker Heritage Farms to finally start farming.

While we had already ordered some planting equipment, we still needed to order seed beds for our transplants and some other equipment and supplies. The following equipment and supplies have now been ordered:

Speedling Transplant Tray - 128 Cell: These trays are made of reusable polystyrene and have individualized pyramid shaped cells which virtually eliminate transplant shock. Advantages include: undamaged roots (plants and all the soil pop out cleanly); no tearing or entangled roots; no spreading of root pests or diseases; a better root system (when the bottom of the tray is exposed to air, the taproot is air pruned promoting the growth of feeder roots that are directed downward instead of spiraling around the cell, enabling the plant to begin growing immediately after transplanting); and reduced damping off (due to excellent drainage).

As we will be seeding 220 tomato plants and 1,650 pepper plants (one full plot), we needed to order 15 of these trays. This increased our shipping costs substantially, but at least we received a quantity discount from the vendor. We could have ordered a 200 cell tray, however, the size of the cells was not adequate.

Power Organics Mycorrhizal Root Booster: This was recommended by Kerr Center. Mycorrhizae are beneficial fungi which create symbiotic relationships with plants, creating a stronger and healthier plant.

Foxfarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil: Another recommendation from Kerr Center. This soil is nutrient rich, pH balanced, ready-to-use mix. It is a balanced mix of composted forest humus, bat guano, fish, crab, and shrimp meal, and earthworm castings. It has larger size perlite for better aeration, light texture for better drainage, promotes nutrient uptake by plants, and has enough nutrients to sustain a plant for 6 months.

Soil Test Thermometer: While we do not always get to pick the best time to plant, a soil test thermometer will increase the chances of successful growth of your crops. The Taylor dial thermometer we ordered has a 5" probe and reads from 20 degrees F to 180 degrees F. If you monitor your soil for optimum germination temperatures at the correct planting depth, you can help avoid harmful diseases like pythium (damping off) which thrives on seeds planted in the wrong temperature environment.

We ordered all of these supplies from Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply (www.groworganic.com), who we have used in the past.

The total cost (excluding shipping, which was a substantial cost) was approximately $226.00. Most of this cost was in the seeding trays. Smaller, back yard farmers, will be able to get by with only a few of the trays.

Blessings from Baker Heritage Farms

February 2013 Seed Ordered

Our February 2013 seed order has finally been placed.

Three plots are scheduled for planting in February:

Plot 1D will be companion planted with Cabbage and Onion (1/2 of the plot will be in cabbage and 1/2 in onion);

Plot 1B will be companion planted with Lettuce and Radish (1/2 of the plot will be in lettuce and 1/2 in radish);

Plot 2C will be companion planted with Carrots and Tomatoes (1/2 of the plot will be in carrots, which will be direct seeded in February, and 1/2 of the plot will be in tomatoes, which are scheduled to be transplanted in April);

Plot 3A will be planted in Peppers, with three varieties of peppers being planted (these will be transplanted into the plot in April).

Seeds Ordered

Golden Acre Cabbage: 28g of Golden Acre Cabbage seed has been ordered (approximately 8,400 seeds). This variety of cabbage produces small, 5-7", 3-4 pound heads. It is one of the fastest to mature and is resistant to cabbage yellows. Heads can be planted closer together than larger, later varieties. This variety does not store for long. Approximately 62 days to maturity.

White Icicle (Lady Finger) Radish: 1.036kg of White Icicle Radish seed has been ordered (approximately 88,800 seeds). This is a pre-1865 variety that is a mild-flavored, white variety with carrot-shaped roots up to 4-5" long. Stands up to heat well. This radish is best harvested when small but remains milder than other varieties when harvested large. Approximately 29 days to maturity.

Doe Hill Golden Bell Pepper (Frying): 5g of Doe Hill Golden Bell Pepper seed has been ordered (approximately 600 seeds). This is a pre-1900 variety fro the Doe Hill area in Highland County, VA. It produces 4 - 6 lobed bright orange, flat shaped bells, 2.25" high and 1" wide. The 24" plants are high yielding, are widely adapted, and disease resistant. The flavor is sweet with a fruity, multidimensional quality. It is a nice salad pepper for adding color, zip, and extra vitamin C to early summer salads.

Ashe County Pimento Pepper (Sweet): 5g of Ashe County Pimento Pepper seed has been ordered (approximately 600 seeds). This pepper is one of the few peppers that reliably produces well in the short Smoky Mountain growing season (150 days or less). An incredibly sweet, bright red, thick fleshed pimento pepper, 4" X 1.5". Great raw, as well as for cooking. Approximately 70 days to maturity.

Cayenne, Long Red Pepper (Hot): 6g of Cayenne, Long Red Pepper seed has been ordered (approximately 720 seeds). This is a choice, fiery-red hot seasoning pepper. Use fresh or dried, especially in salsa or chili. Pendant fruits are 3/4" wide by 5" to 6" long. Approximately 72 days to maturity.

Arkansas Traveler Tomato: 1.5g of Arkansas Traveler Tomato seed has been ordered (approximately 375 seeds). This is a pre-1900 heirloom grown throughout the South from northwest Arkansas to North Carolina. This variety is an old Southern heirloom much esteemed for its ability to produce flavorful tomatoes under conditions of drought and high heat where many other varieties fail. Medium-sized fruits are pink, and of wonderful flavor, and keep well. Approximately 89 days to maturity. Indeterminate.

Cherokee Purple Tomato: 1.5g of Cherokee Purple Tomato seed has been ordered (approximately 375 seeds). This is a pre-1890 Tennessee heirloom, reportedly of Cherokee Indian origin and produces large, smooth fruits (10-12 oz) with slightly ridged shoulders. Ripens to a unique dark, dusky pink/purple. Sometimes called a black tomato, the color carries through to the flesh, especially at the stem end. Good resistance to Septoria leaf spot. A shorter indeterminate, plants average 5' tall. 'Cherokee Purple' has spread widely since its introduction, with variations developing over time, however, this seed is reported to be still the original, shorter shape. Approximately 85 days to maturity. Indeterminate.

Deer Tongue (Matchless) Lettuce (Looseleaf): 14g of Deer Tongue Lettuce has been ordered (approximately 5,600 seeds). This variety is upright and has loose heads with excellent sweet flavor and crisp texture. Slightly savoyed, triangular, round-tipped leaves with a succulent, mid-rib. Moderate bolt resistance. Approximately 54 days to maturity.

Texas Early Grano Onion (Dry Bulb): 105g of Texas Early Grano Onion seed has been ordered (approximately 24,500 seeds). This is a 1933 Texas heirloom, "The Mother of All Sweet Onions". This Vidalia-type onion is a good choice for the Mid-Atlantic and the South. Best started in the fall or winter and transplanted in early spring. Large top-shaped bulbs, thin skin, soft white flesh, with sweet mild flavor. Good resistance to splitting. Short day variety and a short keeper.

Danvers Carrot: 1/4 lb of Danvers Carrot seed has been ordered (approximately 49,187 seeds). This variety is a biennial heirloom. The Danvers Carrot is a vigorous, red-orange carrot, 7"-8" long, with slightly tapered, broad shoulders. It is heat tolerant and performs consistently in many types of soils. Danvers' strong top makes it easy to pull from the ground. A good keeper. Approximately 70 days to maturity.

Vendors

Baker Heritage Farms is committed to growing only Certified Organic Heirloom crops, and, as such, we spent a great deal of time and effort ensuring that all of our seed meets both Certified Organic and Heirloom standards. These standards required us to alter our initial desire to plant only those heirloom seeds indigenous to the southern region. Our goal is to research available seed and make our decisions first on regional qualities, second on heirloom qualities, and third on organic qualities. All of our February 2013 seeds meet both Certified Organic and Heirloom standards, though may fall short of our desire for meeting those indigenous to the south.

With the exception of the Danvers Carrot seed, all seed was purchased through the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (www.southernexposure.com). The Danvers Carrot seed was sold out at Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (though they may have it in stock now) so this seed was ordered through Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply (www.groworganic.com). While we would like to stay with one vendor as much as possible, there will be times that we will have to use multiple vendors. In the case of the Danvers Carrot seed, we were able to obtain the seed through one of our equipment vendors.

The tomatoes and peppers will be seeded in our barn in seed beds and will be transplanted to their appropriate plots approximately 6 - 8 weeks after seeding. All other crops will be direct seeded (this will be a trial for many of our crops, as they can be either direct seeded or transplanted).

Our total seed cost for February 2013 was approximately $410.00 not including shipping. Remember, we are ordering much more seed that the normal backyard farmer will require; however, if you are a small-acreage farmer, you will most likely find your seed costs to be similar.

Once we determine what crops and varieties we will specialize in, we will begin to save seed to reduce input expenses.

Blessings from Baker Heritage Farms