Tonopah Rob's Vegetable Farm

The above picture is of the Chipper Plot.  It’s full of baby transplanted Brussel’s Sprouts.

Last Saturday at my farm, I held an impromptu meeting for anyone interested  in becoming a contributor to a land expansion deal for my farm.  When I first decided to begin asking for contributions I thought it to be cheapening of me and my farm.  Asking people to help support my cause made me feel less of a person because I thought I should be rich enough by monetary standards to afford my own land and its improvements.   I was so embarrassed and then thoughts were coming into my head like what will people think….less of me, a weak and desperate soul, a beggar?  Deciding I couldn’t continue to care what people thought and out of desperation, I decided to down cast myself and ask for help and I’m glad I did.  The response has been fantastic. I never dreamed I would have so many wonderful souls chipping in for something I know is so important to the farm and its customers.

Much to my surprise, I was stunned by the number of people that showed up for the meeting and by the amount of people who emailed and called me letting me know they couldn’t come to the meeting on such short notice but was planning to support the farm.  Then, I was surprised by a few of the contributors that instead of giving a thousand dollar donation, they gave two.  Others found a partner and both contributed 500.00 dollars to equal a super duper share.  Other than the point being at the end of my nose, the meeting brought in 9,000.00 dollars and another 6,000.00 dollars by mail with a few more still contemplating the idea…and if all interested people contribute it’s possible the total contributions will reach 23.000.00 dollars.

We are moving forward again, I have submitted the paperwork to Mr. Ignacio and the projected closing date is January 25, 2012.  APS has been called and I have a meeting with Mike, Jan. 17, 2012.  Electricians have been called and appointments have been set.  Dave from Affordable Pumps has been called and will be here to assess the well condition and depth.  I plan to call the county to find out more information on the required permits and then file the necessary hoopla.

Then, I plan to visit one of my very good friends.  My friends name is The Home Depot.  I plan to purchase all the fencing supplies and begin pulling wire the first of February.  After the fencing is in place, Booger, my green tractor, will be ready to scrape and flatten the ground and shortly thereafter the North 40 will be planted with all kinds of veggies and maybe a few fruit trees as well.  So, as you can see, progress is moving forward.

The above picture shows beautiful heirloom artichoke plants.  Chokes should appear in another month and ready for harvest by the end of February.

I want everyone to know, everyone!!  This is your farm.  From every customer to every CSA member this is your farm. Your support by coming to the farm, supporting me at my market locations have given me the encouragement to continue growing the best medicine one can consume.  I knew many a year ago the way I farm is as important as breathing.  So, from every breath I take to every carrot I grow, the farm and I thank you for your support.

The estimated overall start up cost will be around 50,000.00 dollars. If you are interested in supporting my farm through a super duper CSA membership, I am still accepting contributions through the end of February.  This is a one time deal.  After February, the super duper CSA deal will still be available, although the large extra share will be down sized to a small share bonus amount…..still a great deal.   Below is this week’s veggie list:

• Tonopah Rob’s awesome broccoli
• Carrots
• Oranges-they are soooo sweet
• Lemons
• Grapefruit
• Tangelos
• All Salad Mix
• Spinach
• Collard Greens
• Sweet Kale
• Swiss Chard
• Fresh Eggs
• Gourmet Green Onions
• Watermelon Radishes
• Assorted Turnips and Turnip Greens
• and maybe a surprise or two