By Sarah
Quite surprisingly to myself, I have noticed that over the years I have developed a deep appreciation, and almost affection, for 2 machines on the farm: the Yanmar tractor with which I direct seed and the irrigation pump. To be honest, I eschew most other machines, preferring to bike or walk, and to skip tractor driving as much as I can. I have never become too attached to any of my cars, although I do still miss my first car at times (an 80’s blue Volvo station wagon with turbo).
The Yanmar tractor is about as old as I am and was one of the first tractors we purchased. I love how petite it is and how much I can see the beds around me when driving it. It talks to me as I drive, with the little flap on the exhaust pipe bouncing up and down. Others might say that it is loud (you can hear me coming from far away), that it is stinky (it might blow a little), that it is bouncy and uncomfortable, but I love it.
The irrigation pump is a bit of a mystery as the working parts are all enclosed. I mostly understand it by listening. The sound of it humming away makes me so happy, knowing that all the vegetables are getting the water they need. Even though we have a back up tractor pump, there is little that causes me more stress during the season than the pump breaking down. All of the plants depend on the water that it delivers.
So here’s to 2 great machines! May they keep rocking for a long time.
Upcoming Event: Farm Potluck Tuesday July 7/1 at 6:00 pm
Open Field Farm 2025 | The "ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW" guide for members
CSA Barn Hours:
Summer hours: 2:30-6:30 pm!
Pick List:
Eggs
Pink Beauty Radishes
Hakurei Turnips
Fresh Garlic
Scallions
Chard
Head Lettuce
Parsley, Cilantro, and Dill
Strawberries
Ground and Whole Dried Hot Peppers
Herbal Tea Blends
Pick your own flowers and herbs (from the herb garden and perennial field)
Sonora Wheat Flour
Beef Bone Broth (Made by Olla Products)
Saltonstahl Olive Oil
Revolution Bread for sale on Tuesday and Friday
We also have new items for sale in the barn!
Open Field Farm youth t-shirts, adult sweatshirts, and tote bags with a new log designed by Cici. We love them and hope you do too. We are also open to suggestions about other items: adult tees, hats, and more.
For dinner tonight, we are having open faced cream cheese toast with a salad of radishes, cucumbers, dill, and lemon piled on top. It is one of our favorite easy summer dinners: so fresh, crispy, and satisfying.