Photo courtesy of Dana Devine O'Malley

In 2010 we obtained a USDA subsidy which, paired with a generous private donation, allowed us to get a 3,000 sq. ft. passive solar greenhouse up and running at the Obercreek property in New Hamburg. The structure was erected with the assistance of many Farm members with a great spirit of community and teamwork on display.

We are excited to be entering the year-round growing business, via our amazing new high tunnel. Our farmer, Tim, has solid experience in high tunnel growing and will be growing food inside and outside the high tunnel and offering yield comparison data as a requirement of the subsidy. Research on high tunnel business models shows farms earning back their investment in two years--proving them not to be just a fantastic way to extend the season and take care of one’s community but also a very smart investment. The high tunnel will also greatly expand the learning opportunities for our Farmer Training Program.

We offered a trial mini 6-week 10-member CSA program in January/February 2011 with great success and will be expanding this offering to a full 12-week winter share program for a limited 35-members for the Winter 2011/2012.