CSA Week 6; Lightyears away but close enough to touch

Last week we had a scare. After celebrating the news upon Dale’s arrival in April that he was expecting a new baby in August, we got the sobering news last Friday that his wife was headed to the hospital for an emergency C-section. Jamaica suddenly felt lightyears away and close enough to touch at the same time. We rushed Dale to the bus the next morning and felt a worried and somber mood settle over the rest of the crew as we waited for news. Weeds continued to be pulled, tomatoes trellised, vegetables harvested, and animals fed, but our hearts and minds were elsewhere. You can imagine the collective sigh of relief that was breathed when we heard on Sunday that all was well. Baby Delmar was resting easy under lights and mama was beginning the healing process. Dale would be back at the end of the week.

Each spring our crew leave their families and board a plane to Vermont for a season of work at Sweetland. They do this because jobs are limited and pay is low in their home countries (Jamaica and Guatemala), and the opportunity to work abroad through the H2A migrant farm labor program brings much needed support to their immediate and extended families. It is a coveted opportunity. But while they are here they miss birthdays, graduations, milestones, and the everyday routines that home life is built around. We do our best to make Sweetland a community while they are here, with birthday cakes at morning meetings, all-crew dinners after big hay days, and regular check-ins. But the reality is I know we can’t repay the time spent away from home. The best I can do is express my appreciation daily and be ready to help in whatever way I can in times of crisis.

When I spoke with Dale’s wife, Nordica, before her surgery she sounded scared but strong. Although I’ve never met her, I suddenly found myself calling her “sweetie” and offering whatever words of soothing I could think of. I felt a connection despite all the miles that separated us. I hope someday I will be able to meet her and the families of Kemor, Keith, Francisco, Juan Jose, and Alex to thank them in person for the sacrifices they make while their partners are at Sweetland. We couldn’t do it without them. Welcome, baby Delmar, and welcome back, Dale. Thanks for all you do.

Cheers

Norah and the Sweetland Crew

Week 6 Harvest

Crops Half Pint Brimming Basket Veggie Monster
Asparagus x x x
Garlic Scapes x x x
Hakurei Salad Turnips x x x
Kale x x x
Lettuce x x x
Spinach x x x
Radish x x
Fennel x x
Mesclun x
Broccolini x
Beets
Kohlrabi
Rainbow Chard
Farmers Choice Shares Includes items with x
Free choice shares choose any 6(HP), 8(BB), or 10(VM)

What’s Cooking This Week

You can find ingredients for all of these recipes in our farm store! We source meats, dairy, grains, beans, sweets, and more from local and sustainable producers. Don’t forget to use your CSA member discount by entering your account phone number in our POS (member discounts are automatically applied to LocalLine purchases for off-farm delivery). Have a recipe you’ve been loving? Share it with us and we’ll feature it here or post a photo and tag @sweetlandfarmvt on social media!