2010 was a very difficult year for us here at J.A.Root Farms. In May we lost my Father to cancer and that seemed to set the tone for the rest of the season. June brought some very bad weather and with it the destruction of your greenhouse, luckily most of the seedlings were already in the ground. Disease pressure was especially high and keeping on top of it proved difficult. Cucurbits suffered significantly. Weed pressure proved no less troublesome and the Super A and cultivators saw a lot of use. To top it all off the raccoon population found the sweet corn and without an alternate food source (We also lost our mulberry tree to the “tornado”) we were left to live trap and eliminate them. We counted 28 and the loss of a few hundred dozen ears before the field corn began to pollinate and take the pressure off.

With 2010 behind us 2011 has dawned with a new plan and direction. At this time all seed has been ordered and most delivered. Seed potatoes are the last item on the list. A new greenhouse awaits the spring thaw so that it may be erected. We are also expanding, nearly doubling in size and pumpkins are back on the roster for fall. With this expansion comes the need for better weed, water and pest control as well as the need for hired labor. We have decided to expand our CSA program to include both labor based as well as monetary offerings.

We here at J.A.Root Farms have found a renewed vigor and anticipation for the upcoming growing and market season. We hope to become a model for small farms in the area and aid others in achieving a more sustainable labor reducing operation.

Come join us for 2011 and celebrate Mother Nature and all she has to offer. We look forward to new offerings that many in Michigan would never expect.