Greetings to All,

In our over 10 years of market growing, we have certainly learned that farming is much more difficult than just throwing seeds in the ground. In response, a few things will change this year: some quickly, some over time. The biggest change is that we will no longer grow hydroponically, and we will no longer grow in heated greenhouses. This drastically changes how we do business–and even who we are. Over time, hydroponics have constituted the bulk of our sales and, disappointingly, the bulk of our expenses. The costs are now over $20,000 a year, an amount that we can no longer bear. In addition, there will be no preference sheets this year. If you or a family member are allergic to a certain food, please let us know and we will, of course, accommodate you.

We have ordered many seeds and are laying out diagrams and planting schedules. Vegetables to look forward to include:

Artichokes, Green Beans, Shell Beans, Broccoli, Beets, Broccoli Raab, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cantaloupes, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery/Celeriac, Mixed Greens, Radicchio, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Fennel, Arugula, Cress, Basil, Cress, Toy Choy, Collards, Garlic, Kale, Leek, Lettuce, Okra, Onions, Snow Peas, Parsnip, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radish, Rutabagas, Scorzonera, Spinach, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Tomatoes, Watermelon, and Zucchini.

In 2010, we will also change how we offer our products. Instead of our traditional May through September schedule, we will offer several different packages, including separate fruit menus. We have to raise prices this year but we just want to offer you options for reducing the costs. Therefore, we will also offer a discount in exchange for hours of work on our farm. Please see our CSA Program 2010 page for more information about this year’s shares and options available. We have given you a great deal to think about for your family.

The deadline for notification and payment for our existing customers will be Tuesday, February 16, 2010. We will then open up the shares to our waiting list.

The FINAL DEADLINE for joining will be MARCH 31, 2010. Payment will be due then for the whole season. Shares will start the first week of May or June, depending on the “menu” you choose.

Thanks for your participation now, in the past, and hopefully in the future!

Dwight and Candye Wynn