Before we turn the corner into a brand new year, we wanted to take a moment and look back on a pretty remarkable season. Here are our Top 8 Takeaways from 2019 . . .
one: There really are only 24 hours in a day.
Getting honest about our capacity was a theme this season, especially the tough decision to cancel our Farm Party. While we so missed connecting with all of you in an epic celebration of queerness, farming and community . . . it was important to focus inwards in 2019.
two: Increasing our CSA by 100 members was awesome + a lot!
We are grateful our CSA nearly doubled in 2019, feeding so many folks locally and in NYC. As it turns out, when you grow like that, you have to re-do your whole admin system! Things are already much more dialed in for 2020, starting with our brand new online farm store and registration process.
three: Skilled Flower farmers are hard to find. Do you know one??
Blake has done an incredible job over the past two seasons, and we’re excited for him on his next adventures. Meanwhile, we’re seeking that social-justice-oriented unicorn of a flower grower who can take the reigns in 2020 and beyond. Are they out there?? Please share far and wide and connect us with any leads! Application deadline is ASAP, no later than January 8th.
four: 60-year-old tractors are cute in photos, but very problematic.
Our inherited, “vintage” tractors have worked hard for us, but after a season of almost weekly breakdowns. . . we have to upgrade. We are working on raising the funds needed to purchase a newer tractor. We estimate this will save us 10K next season alone, in avoided crop loss, repair costs and labor! Hit reply for details if you are able to chip in?
five: Rural queer farmers are here and ready to organize!
This Spring, we co-hosted the first annual North East Queer Farmer Alliance - and we were shocked at how quickly and easily it filled to capacity, with very little outreach. 85 people showed up, traveling from Pennsylvania to Maine. As we lean into our identity more and more, we are inspired to do our part in growing and sustaining this movement in the year ahead.
six: Farmer housing = a top priority.
This isn’t news to us, of course - but was definitely an ongoing challenge in 2019. Affordable housing is a struggle in our area, and we are still working on a long-term solution that allows our farmers to build fulfilling and sustainable futures at Rock Steady. So much of our impact comes down to our ability to take care of our farm workers - starting with housing, as well as a good living wage and a thriving crew culture.
seven: Hooray for our first season without a natural disaster!!
We did lose our flowers a few weeks early due to an uncharacteristically early frost. BUT after a 100-year drought in Season 1, a Tornado in Season 2 and a Flood in Season 3 . . . we feel grateful to have had a relatively low-key experience with the natural world this year.
eight: Our veggies are changing lives.
Honestly, the inequities in our food system often feel insurmountable, and the growing waitlist for our low-income shares shows us how high the demand is. Still, we were moved and inspired this season by the stories of how our produce is making an impact for folks who wouldn’t be able to afford it without our Food Access Fund. This year, 540 individuals received partially or fully subsidized produce throughout the season, thanks to the generous individual donations and supportive non-profit partnerships in our community.
All in all, we are feeling proud of what we were able to create in 2019, and determined to grow our impact and keep going in 2020.
Thank you for being here. To those of you who have already joined our 2020 CSA, and/or donated to our Food Access Fund - your support is so meaningful. And to all of you who read our newsletters, share our insta posts, high five us across the interwebs . . . thanks for being on this ride with us.
Happy (almost) New Year!
- Maggie & D., Farmers/Co-owners
