When does a farmer work?

Farmers start early in the morning, whilst it is cool, often as soon as it is light. This means an early finish, especially in Summer temperatures in the 40s can stop work as early as 11am. However most of the time we work from 6 or 7am-2 or 3pm. As the business owner this doesn't mean work is over however, as many will know. Admin, including responding to emails and phone calls, finances, payroll and marketing including newsletter writing happens outside of these farming hours. You can't type on a computer whilst you're hoeing onions. 

Farmers also work all through Summer, when most people are having a well-deserved Christmas and New Years break. Summer crops like zucchini, cucumber and tomato won't wait to be harvested and the farm must be watered. So even if we aren't delivering veggies, we are still on the farm. Winter can be a little easier, with the slow rate of growth and cooler weather meaning that harvest times are more flexible. This is usually when farmers take a break. 

What does a farmer do?

Farming is about half harvesting, and half bed preparation, weeding and planting. We harvest and pack boxes 2 days a week, water most days, and work on the other things on other days. This routine is fairly set due to our delivery days, so if the weather isn't cooperating it can make matters difficult. 40 degrees on a harvest or planting day? We start even earlier to beat the heat, or don't plant until the weather cools down again. As well as these routine jobs, we try to find time to work on infrastructure such as trellises, watering systems, shadecloth and drainage ditches. The to-do list never ends and each day tasks are prioritised, according to the weather, the crop plan and what's happening on the farm that week. 

Still to come

Next time I will talk about how we sell our veggies. 

This week's recipe links

Balsamic Roasted Mini Peppers from Alexandra's Kitchen. 

Eggplant Schnitzels from Adelaide Central Market. 

Cucumber Hummus from Vegan Family Recipes. 

Zucchini Curry from Swasthi's Recipes. 

More info

To read more about what's happening on our local organic farm this week as we grow and care for veggies for our box delivery, check out this week's newsletter here.