Fwd: Tractor Success and other uplifting news

[April Shelhon]

Hi Sophomores,

I wanted to share some new, exciting news with you.  Please see my board update below....

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: April Shelhon <ap...@earthdancefarms.org>
Date: Mon, Feb 20, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Subject: Tractor Success and other uplifting news
To: EarthDance Board <earthda...@googlegroups.com>

Hello EarthDance Board,

Once again, thanks to our hard-working, resourceful, thinking on their feet Board we have another success to report at EarthDance.  Special thanks to Joan Cleaveland for contacting her tractor loving friend, Gary Pflum, our tractor "Les" is sounding better than ever.  Gary was able to perform some diagnostics that I do not have the skills or equipment to do, in order to find the sources of the issues.  He took it upon himself to take parts home for repair and after 3 visits to the farm, we are ready to roll for the season.  Les still has a hydraulic leak, but Gary showed me how to fix it.  Others that also helped with this fix were Christy Cunningham, Doug Bauer, Chris Krause, and Dean Gall.  Tractor mechanic is an unpredictable but ongoing volunteer need at EarthDance.

Gary also donated a small, very needed shed to EarthDance.  He is working on getting us the hardware and instructions so we can put it together.

On Feb. 1 the Executive Committee met to discuss several topics including the equipment needs and budget.  At that time we discussed the value of keeping Les (traditional tractor) in addition to procuring a small Two-wheel Grillo Italian tractor. In the near future, when EarthDance farms more than 2 acres or owns property we will need a larger piece of equipment for maintenance.  Additionally points were- we would need to fix Les it to sell it anyhow, the larger equipment is a lot less physically demanding, and Les's implements (discs, tillers, etc) cost the same if not less than those for the Two-wheel tractor.  The Two-wheel tractor gives us a second piece of reliable equipment to use in the field, on a scale that Farmies can participate safely in.  Many small farms use both and farmers that I spoke to about the Two-wheel appreciated and utilized both for alternate purposes.  The Two-wheel tractor is similar to a large Troy Built Tiller, in that it is large and can have implements attached to it.  We ordered a root digger, rotary plow, ridger, and cultivator.  We will need some barbell weights for the tractor, so please keep an eye out for these at garage sales.  If you would like to know more about the Two-wheel tractor see the following link,  http://www.earthtoolsbcs.com/html/walk-behind_tractors.html .

Field work begins March 13th, but getting existing equipment in order and our new equipment on order was crucial for getting pre-season prep work done.  Evan and I are excited to get into the fields in the next few weeks (weather pending) and get in some early crops so we can be at the earliest Maplewood Farmer's Markets.

More good news- Seeding in the greenhouse began last week and we already are seeing kale and lettuce germinating!  The farmies had a lot of fun experiencing the process or seeding and learning the important factor to think about.

I am also excited to announce we were awarded a Gateway Greening Equipment Grant.  Our request included, yet another shed, tiller, garden carts, hoses, and tools.  I have yet to find out the details of what we were awarded, but I thought I would keep the good news coming.

Here is a brief list of needs we have currently:

barbell weights totaling 200 lb., varied sizes would be great
• a large, affordable, used reach-in cooler/refrigerator for produce storage, think milk cooler at a grocery store with a standard 110w plug
a storage shed for the tractor is a need but we are getting by now
tomato cages
watering cans
hands- come on out and volunteer!
1-2 water coolers for on farm drinking water
a few more very large coolers

April Shelhon
Farm Manager, EarthDance
www.earthdancefarms.org

office 314.521.1006
cell 970.221.0163
ap...@earthdancefarms.org

The mission of EarthDance is to grow and inspire local FARMS - Food, Art, Relationships, & Music, Sustainably!

Become a fan of EarthDance on facebook! 
http://www.facebook.com/earthdancefarms

--
April Shelhon
Farm Manager, EarthDance
www.earthdancefarms.org

office 314.521.1006
cell 970.221.0163
ap...@earthdancefarms.org

The mission of EarthDance is to grow and inspire local FARMS - Food, Art, Relationships, & Music, Sustainably!

Become a fan of EarthDance on facebook! 
http://www.facebook.com/earthdancefarms