Full Share: Delicata squash, Carrots, Potatoes, Onions, Shishito Peppers, Salad Mix, Chioggia Beets, Garlic, Sungold Tomatoes, and Slicing Tomatoes

Partial Share: Everything except the beets, in smaller portions.

Hello CSA members!

It’s week #19!!! Since next week is the last week, and I’ll have to leave off with all sorts of announcements, that means this week is my last opportunity to get all mushy and deep. This season is our 12th year of farming. And as much as I’ve worked this season, there is still nothing I enjoy more than being out in the fields late in the evening taking in all the sights and sounds of the farm. While the reasons that we farm have remained roughly the same over the years, I feel like they come more into focus with each year that passes. I truly believe that if in the next 50 years, our country could shift towards a more regenerative, organic food production system, we would be in a much better place as a society and a species. I have to (want to?) believe that there will come a point in time where the hardships faced by farmers, the degradation of our planet, and the health issues faced by consumers will finally force us all to face the reality that industrial agriculture is not working, and that we need a new way forward. Maybe it’s the optimistic nature (i.e. short memory) of farmers, but I want to believe we as a society will rise to the occasion.

This is a huge issue that will fall on the shoulders of the the Millennial Generation to address. Will they pay attention and prioritize it? Will they lean into the the issue and do the hard work required to fix it? Only time will tell. But, I have seen a promising glimpse in the form of our crew this season. 5 very dedicated, passionate individuals who want a better future. A new way forward that is more sustainable. This crew often operated behind the scenes…they may have handed you a CSA share, or checked you out at market…but they were crucial in growing all the food that graced the CSA boxes and the market stand this season.

Team Two Bear Farm…Circa 2019…overjoyed by the announcement that we are done weeding for the season.

The issues with farming and our food system in this country are really overwhelming, and the more one delves into what is happening, the more dire it can seem. But we do the best we can do where we’re at, and we farm on. We speak out. We work with groups like Glacier FEAST. And we hope others do the same. And we say thanks to you all for supporting local agriculture!

Speaking of overwhelming, you should see the stack of carrots that needs to go through the barrel washer this week! On Friday, we harvested a single 180 foot long bed of carrots at the end of the day. It produced 1800 pounds of carrots! That’s 10 pounds of carrots per bed foot! We have 22 beds just like it left. Some quick math….that’s potentially 39,600 pounds of carrots?! Holy smokes. This week in your CSA you are all getting 158 pounds of carrots! Ha!

After receiving holy hell for not putting Delicata squash in the shares last year, we are happy to announce they are in the share this week. Informally known as the Montana sweet potato, these squash are super sweet and can be cooked relatively quickly compared to their other winter squash brethren (and you can eat the skins!…no need to peel or scoop). Cut them in half, scoop out the seeds, then slice them up and pan fry them or roast them in the oven. They make a great “root roast” with your beets, potatoes, carrots, and onions as well, and a pinch of rosemary. I can’t find a decent recipe, so heres mine. Preheat over to 400 degrees. Cube all the Delicata squash, beets, potatoes, carrots, and onions and place in a roasting pan with a lid (you can also do this on a sheet pan, but I prefer the lid option). Drizzle with olive oil, and add some diced garlic. Bake for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt and devour. It really brings out the sweetness of all the vegetables. And it makes a hearty meal for the cool fall weather that’s in the forecast.

Hard to believe this is the second to last one….See you at CSA pickup!

Todd