Ben and Seth joined Adam at the New England Small Farm Institute yesterday in Belchertown, to check out some freshly arrived equipment!

Here they are putting some rye through the new seed cleaner, which will take out any weed, pebbles, or any other debris, leaving behind beautiful clean grain.

Then they went down to the fields (aka the Contours) and looked at all the crops, including this field of barley.

The Contours are divided into eight half-mile long strips, with a different crop in each strip.  Arnie has been rotating crops within these eight segments for 20 plus years, building wonderful soil fertility.  One reason it made so much sense for us to partner with Arnie was that the grains and dried beans fit naturally into his rotation, unlike a farmer who might have 20 solid acres of soybeans or corn.  (Or even more!)

Over in the bean field, Adam has found himself a little swamped in weeds, which is why we’re hosting a weed-pulling party this Saturday, 9 am-noon.  We’ll provide refreshments (maybe even scones – attention addicts!), so come get your hands dirty!  Need directions?   Bring hoes if you got ‘em.  See you Saturday!

Today, Ella helped me hang up laundry on the drying rack outside in the sun – my grandmother’s embroidered napkins and lace tablecloth from last night’s dinner.  I draped the tablecloth over the top and Ella said, “Ooooo, a beautiful bird house!” and climbed inside.  I wish I’d had the camera (darn!) because it was beautiful.  Can’t get that from an electric dryer.  Yay for sunny laundry days.

Oh yes, and if you haven’t already, go see Food Inc!