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Very Sad News about Farmer Jon and the CSA
http://cookaholics.org/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=4131
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Author:  talanhart [ Wed Jul 22, 2015 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Very Sad News about Farmer Jon and the CSA

Members,

We will continue to deliver produce as along as possible. Because of a series of events (see below), we have decided to suspend the farming operations sometime during the 2015 season.

Series of Events:

1. The hoop house finally arrived. It was smashed beyond recognition and delivery and erection of another one for the Fall 2015 became very questionable.

2. On the same day, the MSU extension Service advised us not to grow fruit because of the fungus infestation in the water table. We have a high water table and we have no place for the water to go even if we tiled the ground. This explains why the terrific loss for fruit trees and other fruiting plants that have sputtered and died.
We have been working with the extension specialist all season long. Their visit on Friday was devastating.

3. The labor force we assembled for 2015 has come up short. From weeding, harvesting and going to market, it has become too much for me and especially Pisha.

4. After having my fourth chemotherapy treatment, I can no longer work more than several hours a week. Regardless of the P.E.T. scan done yesterday, the 2015 season is in jeopardy. We can continue to deliver as much of the produce as we can.


The decision is base on a series of events, not just on or two. We have worked tirelessly for the last 5 years trying to develop the land into a sustainable produce operation. We had spent well over $150,000. The MSU experts, the doctors and the labor force have spoken. We finally listened. Our decision is based on the four major events that have unfolded over the first half of 2015.

We apologize for not being able to provide everyone with fresh farm produce for the remainder of 2015 on a regular basis. Like I stated earlier, WE WILL CONTINUE TO DELIVER AS LONG AS WE CAN!!!!!! At the end of the season (determined by us) we will provide a statement of account for produce delivered or picked by the members and a refund of the difference shall be remitted to each member.

Again I apologize,

Jon Williams
Victoria Farms

Author:  wino [ Wed Jul 22, 2015 5:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Very Sad News about Farmer Jon and the CSA

That is very devastating news. As a small business owner, I strongly identify with the 'behind-the-scenes' sacrifices that must be made to follow your dream. Is there a chance that members can/will rally around to save the season?
Thanks for posting this.

Author:  fitzie [ Thu Jul 23, 2015 3:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Very Sad News about Farmer Jon and the CSA

Sorry to hear this, Todd. Especially sad for Farmer Jon. Hate to see people's dreams thwarted.

fitzie

Author:  talanhart [ Thu Jul 23, 2015 12:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Very Sad News about Farmer Jon and the CSA

I have offered to pick produce when I can for Jon and the other members as well. Jon may have gotten some other responses as well from some of the other members. I'm not sure.

Author:  TheFuzzy [ Thu Jul 23, 2015 9:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Very Sad News about Farmer Jon and the CSA

Todd,

Second-hand experience in why one doesn't really want to be a farmer. I hope that Jon has some kind of insurance/fallback.

Author:  talanhart [ Fri Jul 24, 2015 6:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Very Sad News about Farmer Jon and the CSA

TheFuzzy wrote:
Todd,

Second-hand experience in why one doesn't really want to be a farmer. I hope that Jon has some kind of insurance/fallback.


I'm pretty sure Pisha has a good job with benefits that includes insurance.

Author:  pepperhead212 [ Sat Jul 25, 2015 8:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Very Sad News about Farmer Jon and the CSA

Sorry to hear about this, Todd. I always feel for the farmers when the weather does not cooperate. Growing all these things is just a hobby for me, but it is their livelihood. I hope farmer Jon and the members can at least save some of it.

Author:  talanhart [ Fri Jul 31, 2015 11:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Very Sad News about Farmer Jon and the CSA

I guess it's official that Farmer Jon is selling his acreage. I am making him For Sale signs this weekend.

Author:  jeanf [ Fri Jul 31, 2015 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Very Sad News about Farmer Jon and the CSA

drat. And a few stronger words.

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