2/11/10

JOIN THE FARM NOW

THE SEEDS ARE HERE…. THE SEEDS ARE HERE...
The first seed orders have arrived. Visions of green and red bell peppers, orange blossom tomatoes and purple basil are dancing in our heads. The first group of lambs were born, 11 so far, and within a week or so there will be goat kids and then more lambs in late March. The soft maple trees have been tapped and the driveway ice has melted into mud. Spring is definitely here at Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm.



It’s time NOW to sign up for the 2010 season.
Outside the house, the snow covering the fields has started to melt and the ground beneath is waiting. Inside the house, the wood stove is warming as we spread the seed catalogs out across the table. The first seed orders are here and our list of intern/apprentices is growing, including two who will be returning from last season. It’s exciting to think of the potential for the new season just ahead and we are looking forward to your partnership in the farm again this season and seeing you visit the farm.

The 2010 membership form is available below, to copy, print and mail to us, or copy and email to us. EVEN IF YOU’VE BEEN WITH US BEFORE, you MUST fill out a new form completely. It is the only way we can keep our records and emails accurate. We are not planning to expand the number of vegetable shares offered this year – 100 is a good number for our land to support and our farmers to work. We have already received several new shareholder/members – so if you are planning to join us again – don’t wait too long! You will be added to the list and receive a confirmation email when we receive both your membership form and your $$$. Your canceled check will be your receipt.

This winter at the farm has been wonderful. We have loved all the snow - providing protection and moisture for the fields, good snow to cross-country ski on, and beautiful to look at. We’ve managed to get away a couple of times for skiing and hiking this late fall and winter, but now we are staying put as the ewes started lambing and the goat does start kidding in mid March (or earlier by the looks of a few of them). We sheared sheep at the end of February and from now on – it is all farm/all the time. We had help tapping maple trees from new intern Kristin and returning intern Dale, and will begin cooking sap down in early to mid April. Seeds will be sown from late February through spring. It is a wonderful time for a spring visit with baby animals and the farm waking up all over (even with the mud!) You can see baby critter pictures up on the blog, but seeing, holding, hearing and smelling the actual newborns in person is amazing. Just give us a little notice and come for a visit.

The Cookbook, in which we are one of the featured CSA farms – (that we spend so much time writing about last year) is nearing publication. We will be signing books at Sur La Table in Edina sometime in May – the date is yet to be announced. There will also be an opportunity for each of you – our shareholder/members – to purchase the cookbook at a reduced rate. Oh by the way – OUR BOX OF VEGGIES (same as the ones you received last summer) – is the cover of the cookbook! We’ll keep you posted as we get more information. Also the Saveur magazine article featuring our farm will come out in April. So look for that too. We just found a picture of the cookbook cover
on line. We haven't seen the inside yet but we think the cover LOOKS GREAT!

Robin and Gigi
Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm
Posted by at 2:03 PM
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Shares Available for 2012

NGDF is cutting back on the number of shares offered for 2012 to make room for a few other simultaneous projects. If you are interested in a share for next year, sign up early. When we reach our limit, there will be no room to add extra shares.

Membership Form 2012

Either send form via email and mail check separately or copy and print membership form and send them together. If splitting a share, both shareholders should fill out a form

Date ________________ (required)

Name ___________________________________

Co-Share ________________________________
(if splitting a share)
Address _________________________________

City, State, Zip ____________________________

Phone: __________________________________

Cell: ____________________________________

Email(s) _________________________________
VEGGIE SHARES

_______ $560 The Great Share (One and one-ninth bushel)
For those interested in a smaller share, we suggest purchasing a Great Share box and find a co-shareholder to split it with. This is the most sustainable and affordable method and gives the shareholders some flexibility.

_______ $410 The Good Share (five-ninths bushel box)

MEAT SHARE OPTIONS

________ $12 each Broiler Chickens

________ $135 Lamb share (half a lamb)

________$270 Lamb share (whole lamb)

__None in 2012_$ 160 Pork share (one quarter)

__None in 2012_$ 280 Pork share (one half)

__None in 2012_$ 525 Pork share (whole)

__check availability_ $2.75 per pound Turkey share

_______ TOTAL

____________ Drop Site Choice (see list below)


Checks payable to Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm

(Contact us if you need additional payment options)
office use only:
check # _________
deposit $________
balance due $_______
check # _________
balance pd $_________

DROP SITES

Use the addresses to google or mapquest or look up the drop site from your particular location. Keep in mind that the folks at the drop sites are volunteers, allowing us to use their space (and in some cases, their homes) as drop sites. Be nice to them. We couldn't do this without them. If you have any questions about your share etc., you should ask us, not them. They have enough to do....as do we all. All deliveries occur on Thursday afternoons. Approximate drop site times are listed below each location. The end times vary but you should pick up your share as early as possible. Look for the NITTY GRITTY DIRT FARM DROP SITE signs at your delivery locations along with lists to check your name off when you pick up, and a description of exactly what you should take.





Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm

10386 Sunrise Road (Cty Rd 9)

Harris MN 55032



35 north past North Branch to the Harris Exit. Turn Right.

Go into Harris, cross RR tracks to stop sign. Turn Left

Go 2 blocks to County Rd 9, also called Sunrise Road. (at Heartbreakers Bar) Turn Right. Farm is 4 1/2 miles out on left side of road. Look for Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm sign.

Shares available from 3:00 to 6:00



United Theological Seminary 3000 5th Street NW, New Brighton MN 55112



694 to Silver Lake Road exit. Go south to 5th and turn west (right). Go three blocks to UTS. Follow driveway (left) to the maintenance garage at the far north end of the parking lot. Shares available after 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM.



Pilgrims United Church of Christ

8801 Rice Lake Road, Maple Grove MN 55369

Just off of Weaver Lake Road across from Rice Lake Elementary School. Use main church door. Shares available from 3:30 to 6:00.



Acadia Cafe

329 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis

NW corner of Cedar and Riverside. Park on Riverside or

in lot behind the cafe.

Shares available after 3:15 PM until 6:00 PM



Vincent Avenue

3646 Vincent Avenue North, Mpls MN 55412

1/2 block north of 36th Ave N, and 2 blocks south of Dowling. Park on the street. Shares available after 3:30 until 6:00 PM



Additional drop sites may be added as shares are sold. Drop Sites are subject to change but plenty of notice will be given and alternate sites will be within close proximity to the original drop site.

How to use the Membership Form

Highlight the membership form -and copy it to print or to insert into an email. If you are splitting a share, both shareholders should fill out a form, and list the other on the co-share line. Complete the form(s) and mail it back to us with your payment. OR fill out the form and attach it to an email to (nittygrittydirtfarm@gmail.com) and send the payment via snail mail at the same time. If sending the form and the payment separately, indicate clearly on the payment, the name of the shareholder(s). When we receive your membership form and payment we'll add you to the list and send a confirmation email. Your cancelled check will be your receipt. Welcome to the farm.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm
10386 Sunrise Road
PO Box 235
Harris MN 55032















FARM CONTACT INFORMATION

Robin Raudabaugh & Gigi Nauer

Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm

10386 Sunrise Road

PO Box 235

Harris MN 55032


(651) 226-1186


nittygrittydirtfarm@gmail.com

Also Nitty Gritty Goods Wool CSA
Robin Raudabaugh
651-216-9012
nittygrittygoodswool@gmail.com

We are a 15 acre Community Supported Agriculture farm providing a wide variety of fresh, organically and sustainably grown vegetables, fruit, lamb, pork, turkey and chicken. Located one hour north of the Twin Cities, we deliver to several metro locations. We are intentional about our organic and sustainable farming practices which include (but are not limited to): maintaining soil health through green and animal manures, compost, mulch, cover crops and crop rotations; Organic Pest Management to naturally monitor, prevent and control insects and other pests; maintaining animal health and well-being through the use of portable and loose housing and pasture rotations. Owner/operators Robin Raudabaugh and Gigi Nauer provide over 30 years experience in fruit, vegetable and livestock production, education and customer service. Our primary goal is to build community, relationships and personal health and well-being around good food and the intentional living that creates it. We’d love to have you join us.

Not every day is like this but we try.

Not every day is like this but we try.

Apprenticeship / Internship for the 2012 season

Apprenticeships at Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm provide the opportunity for hands on learning in organic and sustainable living and CSA farming. Nearly full-time schedules of 4 days per week are available. Apprenticeships may start and end throughout the growing season. Rustic housing is provided which includes access to a shower house, kitchenette and composting toilet. We share a midday community meal and provide fresh food and some staple items for morning and evening meals. In addition, apprentices receive a full veggie share and other products from the farm. Based on experience and needs, a stipend may be negotiated. Call (651) 226-1186 or email us at nittygrittydirtfarm@gmail.com if you are interested in being considered for the 2012 season.















Not every day is like this either.

Not every day is like this either.