Dear CSA Members:
Today something different is happening here at Frog Hollow Farm. We’re planting BARLEY!
There’s something special,wonderful actually, about planting seed in soil on a warm, sunny day in January, no less! In short sleeves to boot! Seven of us who make our living tending soil gather around this GINORMOUS tractor (New Holland, 130 horse power) with this impressive looking planter mounted behind it. This tractor is capable of planting 40 acres of grain per day, but we only have 9 to tackle today. None of our tractors are this big or set up to plant row crops, so we enlisted the assistance of another local grower, Bob Cecchini, who graciously loaned us the use of his tractor and a driver.
It was almost like a party with seven of us standing around watching this huge tractor pulling the planter behind it, planting seeds into soil, all of us asking questions of Bob Cecchini and enjoying the spectacular weather. Although we are enjoying this weather, we’re still doing our rain dances because now we need rain to water our barely! The seven people comprised of two old farmers (Bob and I), Sarah, three young farmers (Marlene, Kristin and Christian, who the driver of the tractor from First Generation Farmers) and Bob’s regular tractor driver who was making sure the planter was adjusted correctly (and I suspect he was keeping an eye on his baby – New Holland) and planting just the right amount of seed per acre.
This project has taken me back to the days when I first started farming here in Brentwood. Corn was my first crop and I still remember in vivid detail how exciting it was to see the seeds germinate and those first shoots emerging from the soil.
Why plant barely? Well… I was approached by Thirsty Bear in SF and asked if I would consider it. I thought, why not?! This will be an adventure in farming and beer brewing and I’m game! We’ll keep you updated as to when the barely is malted, the beer is brewing and when it’ll be served…
Organically yours,
