Over the years we have been slowly trying to improve our systems and reinforce the infrastructure here on the farms. We were of course fortunate that when acquiring the property here in Middlefield some infrastructure was in place. In addition to that there were enough “spare parts” around for us to improve upon things without having to spend too much. In Durham we have similarly come along way from our humble beginnings and makeshift wash stations but of course challenges still exist. With the original property now split and new owners in the farm house there, we have had to make some essential improvements such as independent electrical service down to the farm that took place in 2025.
However there was still a need for some work in Durham and through the assistance of NRCS last week we began another large project. NRCS the Natural Resource Conservation Service reimburses farmer’s like us for certain activities that are considered conservation practices. Most commonly they reimburse growers for putting up high tunnels, but seeing as we have a couple already we wanted to address our water management first. Over the past 18 months we have worked with NRCS to develop an irrigation and drainage system plan for the farm in Durham. This two stage project will install 4 frost free hydrants along the length of the property with a meter in place for monitoring usage. We will also be installing a proper drainage system to hopefully address an often large erosion issue at the lowest point in the property. Last week the hydrant work was completed and we are now able to irrigate across the farm without the need for hundreds upon hundreds of feet of hoses and orchard tubing being dragged around eventually leaking and needing repair. This week the drainage portion of the project should be completed and if the rains of late have been any indication of the future we should be happy with the results of this too. Now this is complicated work which required professionals so we of course looked no further than our friends and neighbors, Cahill construction to handle the job. This is the second big job they have done for us there and we appreciate the thoroughness and care with which they work. Needless we highly recommend them for any future work you may have in mind.
Meanwhile on a more agricultural and less construction note, the shifts of weather and light are certainly making their mark. We have had our first 3 frost over the past week, nothing too hard but cold none the less. Overall things are looking untouched in the field besides the few Summer crops which though heavily harvested still remained. The most frost sensitive weeds really tell the tale of the cold as they all but melt away a day or too after a frost. Though much work still remains the end of the main season for the crew is insight. We are about two weeks out from saying goodbye to much of the crew for the season, though surely we will see them at the markets or tap them for some help with things like the great garlic planting. But for now we must take full advantage of the next two weeks putting the farm to sleep(sort of) for the Winter.
Have a Great Week