February 2023
Regenerative Agriculture vs. Organic: Which is Better?
Dear FARMily! This month's newsletter is chock-full of great information for all members and non-members alike! All of our interviews, articles, gardening tips and more are BRAND NEW this month and we have an updated calendar of events and plenty of announcements too. Don't miss this one - enjoy😁!
This season has been going great so far (a little slower than expected - but still great!)! As I have mentioned recently, our farm has never been so prepared as we are this year and this excites us greatly! We are very hopeful for this year, and although anything can happen in farming, we believe that this year is going to be our best yet!
As you know it is still very cold and brown outside and to be able to harvest anything green at this time of year is nothing short of a miracle! It's always so dreary coming out of January and the vegetables available in the grocery usually are overpriced, low-quality and to be honest, they taste awful😝! So to come into February with anything able to be harvested fresh and green is such a blessing and relief...and brings such hope for what's to come!
As you also know, Winter season starts out very slow and ramps up very quickly. Usually the first 4 weeks of the Winter season includes a lot of storage onions, garlic and herbs and a few nice greens and perhaps a couple roots as well. The second part of the Winter season we start to see garlic greens, more roots and lots of greens - so many that you might be swimming in them a little😁! But what a blessing that is to experience in this climate, when the only thing in the grocery store is from California, or worse, Mexico!
With that, I not only hope that you have been enjoying your first few weeks of CSA, but that you are also looking forward to a continued increasing bounty of beyond-organic, regeneratively-grown, pure, nutritionally-dense veggies for the rest of the season!
To Your Health!
Farmer Yosef
WE L❤️VE OUR COMMUNITY!
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👩🌾Around the Farm This Week👩🌾
👈Casey washing the first harvested lettuce of the year. Fresh greens, harvested, washed and packed in a winter hat - that's saying something!
👉Last year we had a heater malfunction causing all of our seedlng in the nursery to die. It was awful to say the least. This year is a different story - just look at these beautiful seedlings!!
👈Oh me oh my, the spinach is always a top-notch favorite and we have plenty for you this season! We have our first harvest coming this week - not a ton is available, but it will roll out more and more as the weeks continue. Don't miss it!
👉It's so exciting to see the markets returning with all of our classes and activities every Friday from 11am to 1pm! This is Bar UC's owner, Hunter, giving a class, "All Tied Up with Bar UC" at one of our recent markets! Don't miss these markets, they are awesome!
👈Last week was Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees and we had a wonderful event! We had a lesson and learning with Rabbi Eddie Shapiro, we then ate some yummy foods, we bounced around on the bouncehouse, played some games, painted, planted some trees and more. IT. WAS. AWESOME! Don't miss our upcoming Jewish events! Our next one is Purim, Tuesday, March 7th @ 11am with Kosher Megillah reading and festivities!
👇Last but not least was Jessie's baby celebration. Jessie is about to give birth ANY SECOND and our team celebrated with her and helped her out with some baby gifts to make the transition easier. Many blessings to you Jessie! We will miss you while you are out on maternity leave and we will be excited to have you back! B'Sha'a Tovah!
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Weekly Update Video w/ Yosef
There's a lot to talk about this week in the weekly update from Yosef. Feel free to skip to the parts in the video you prefer:
0:01 - Intro
0:20 - Season Update
1:22 - Spring Sold Out - BUT...
2:00 - Summer Season is ALMOST sold out!
2:40 - Farmer's Market Update
4:15 - First Tour of the Year!
5:05 - ACI Donation DEADLINE - March 1st!
5:50 - Purim Celebration & Megillah Reading - March 7th.
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Ahavah Community Upcoming Schedule
📅February 17th @ 11am: FAMILY FRIENDLY! Ahavah Community INDOOR Winter Market
📅February 17th @ 11am: KIDS ACTIVITY! Story Time and Activity!
📅February 19th @ 9:30am: FAMILY FRIENDLY! Open House Volunteer Day
📅February 24th @ 10am: TOUR! Winter Farm Tour.
📅March 3rd @ 11am: FAMILY FRIENDLY! Ahavah Community INDOOR Winter Market
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Organic Gardening Tip of the Week: Companion Planting
- By Yosef Camire
Companion planting is a technique used in organic gardening to create a mutually beneficial relationship between different plant species. By pairing certain plants together, you can enhance soil health, ward off pests, and promote better growth and productivity. Here are some tips for using companion planting in your organic garden.
Plan Your Garden Layout
Before you start planting, it's important to plan your garden layout carefully. Make sure you choose plants that will thrive in your specific growing conditions, such as soil type, light exposure, and climate. Once you've selected your plants, group them together based on their compatibility. For example, plant basil with tomatoes to help repel pests and improve flavor, or plant marigolds with beans to deter nematodes.
Use Plants to Enhance Soil Health
Companion planting can also help improve soil health by adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil. For example, legumes such as beans and peas fix nitrogen in the soil, which can be used by other plants to promote growth. Other plants, such as comfrey and yarrow, have deep roots that bring up minerals and trace elements from deep within the soil.
Repel Pests Naturally
One of the biggest benefits of companion planting is its ability to repel pests naturally. By pairing certain plants together, you can create a natural barrier that deters pests from invading your garden. For example, planting garlic and chives near your roses can help repel aphids, while planting marigolds near your vegetables can deter nematodes.
Attract Beneficial Insects
Companion planting can also help attract beneficial insects to your garden. Some plants, such as dill and fennel, attract ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids and other pests. Other plants, such as milkweed, can attract butterflies and bees, which help pollinate your garden and improve fruit and vegetable production.
Rotate Your Crops
Finally, it's important to rotate your crops regularly to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests. By rotating your crops, you can also ensure that the soil remains healthy and fertile. For example, don't plant tomatoes in the same spot every year, as this can lead to a buildup of soil-borne diseases.
In conclusion, companion planting is a powerful tool for organic gardeners. By pairing certain plants together, you can enhance soil health, repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve the overall health and productivity of your garden. So why not give it a try in your own garden? You may be surprised at the results!
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🚨NO RAISED PRICES SINCE 2019!🚨
For 4 years in a row we have not raised prices. Even in the midst of the current skyrocketing of food prices all around us, we have felt it very difficult to us and unfair to pass this on to our members.
"Our mission is to provide health to our region, healing to our earth and love to our community by growing the purest and most environmentally responsible food available."
Whenever we make a major decision we always ensure that it follows our mission, and raising prices doesn't seem to fit our model of loving our community, especially if there are still areas where we can improve. Therefore, we have decided to NOT RAISE PRICES IN 2023! Instead of raising prices we will be focusing on changing our schedules, increasing efficiency, increasing our programming and capitalizing on areas of opportunity. Hitting our budget will be difficult, and if we need to pivot, we will let you know later down the line, but as of right now, NO RAISED PRICES🤯!!
🙏PS. This ONLY works with YOUR support. Please spread the word and help us sell-out so we can continue to maintain this as long as possible!
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🚨Registration for Summer Veggie-Shares is Still Open - Spring is full!🚨
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Ahavah Community Market
Every Friday from 11am to 1pm!
📢FEATURED VENDOR OF THE WEEK!📢
Most likely the busiest vendor at the market, The Sourdough Boulangerie has a reputation that precedes them and we are so grateful to have them as a part of our market! We absolutely LOVE Shawn and his amazing team. They make the best sourdough bread and so many other baked items - including many vegan and gluten-free items as well! Come by the market and get some of their bread and baked goodness - you'll be SO glad that you did!
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ATTENTION LOCAL ARTISANS!
We are so excited about our current line-up of vendors, but we are still seeking more!
👉If you are a local vendor and are interested in attending our FREE farmer's market, please reach out directly at contact@ahavahfarm.com and we will send you information and the vendor agreement.
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Come Celebrate & Learn the Jewish Holidays With Ahavah Farm and Rabbi Eddie Shapiro!
Last week we celebrated Tu B'Shvat and it was an amazing time! We learned about the significance of the holiday, we celebrated with food, games and activities - it was a blast! We look to continue this series with the next upcoming holiday of Purim! We will be hosting a kosher reading of the Megillah at 11am and we will learn about the holiday and celebrate with a feast!
🥳Don't forget your costumes and mishloach manot!
Purim Celebration
Tuesday, March 7th @ 11am
FREE EVENT!
Please let us know you will be coming by e-mailing Leah at manager@ahavahfarm.com
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⚠ ⚠ ⚠ BAGS! We need your bags (PLEASE🙏) !!⚠ ⚠ ⚠
Thank you everyone for recycling your LARGE bags with us! When we receive your bags we immediately quarantine them for 2 weeks before reusing them to ensure they are safe of any yuckies. Thank you for bringing them and any others you may have (we need any large PAPER-ONLY grocery bags you may have) THANK YOU!
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REFERAL PROGRAM!
Refer a friend to Ahavah Farm's CSA and you BOTH will receive $35 in credit to use ANYTIME you want! Use to buy extra vegetables, or take $35 off your next CSA purchase - your credit will never expire!
New members simply send an e-mail to contact@ahavahfarm.com to let us know who referred you and you BOTH receive your $35 certificate! It's that easy!😁
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Meet YOUR Community!
Interview #1 for 2023 with Casey, our Field Manager!
This week I was able to interview Casey, our NEW Field Manager. We talked about his experience over the previous year and I got his thoughts on the upcoming year. I hope you enjoy because we love this guy and I had a blast interviewing him (even if he was super nervous😅!).
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VOLUNTEERING
Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization and we couldn't do it without you...but we need more help!
We need help with so many things:
Construction Projects
Landscaping Projects
Composting Projects
Harvesting, washing and prep.
Weeding
Bag Packing
Teaching Classes
General farm cleanup
and more...got a skill you want to share? Let us know!
Volunteering is Monday through Friday 9AM to 4PM.
Please let Jessie know you are interested, she will send more information and necessary paperwork, and we will welcome you with open arms!
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Regenerative Agriculture vs. Organic: Which is Better?
- By Yosef Camire
Regenerative farming and organic farming are two approaches to growing food that prioritize environmental sustainability and natural farming practices. Both methods aim to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, promote healthy soil and water, and increase biodiversity. However, regenerative agriculture goes beyond organic farming by focusing on the regeneration of soil, ecosystems, and community. In this article, we will explore the differences between regenerative agriculture and organic farming, and why regenerative agriculture is more beneficial for our planet and society.
What is Organic Farming?
Organic farming is a method of growing crops and raising livestock that involves the use of
natural inputs and practices. Organic farmers do not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, and instead rely on compost, cover crops, crop rotation, and other natural methods to improve soil fertility, control pests and weeds, and promote biodiversity. Organic farming also prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and irradiation, and requires certification by a third-party organization to ensure compliance with the organic standards.
The Benefits of Organic Farming
Organic farming has several benefits, including:
Reduced environmental impact: Organic farming methods prioritize environmental sustainability by reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can harm soil and water quality, biodiversity, and human health.
Increased biodiversity: Organic farming practices, such as crop rotation and cover cropping, can increase biodiversity by creating a habitat for wildlife and promoting beneficial insects and microorganisms.
Improved soil health: Organic farming promotes soil health by using natural inputs, such as compost and cover crops, to increase soil fertility and reduce erosion.
Better flavor and nutrition: Many people believe that organic food tastes better and is more nutritious than conventionally grown food, although research on this topic is mixed.
What is Regenerative Agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to farming that focuses on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and promoting ecosystem resilience. Regenerative agriculture goes beyond organic farming by emphasizing the importance of regenerating the soil and the ecosystem, rather than just reducing inputs. Regenerative agriculture is a complex system that involves several practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, conservation tillage, agroforestry, and livestock integration. The goal of regenerative agriculture is to create a self-sustaining system that mimics the natural ecosystem and promotes the health and well-being of the soil, plants, animals, and people.
The Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture has several benefits, including:
Improved soil health: Regenerative agriculture prioritizes soil health by using practices that improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and enhance soil fertility. Healthy soil can absorb more water, reduce erosion, and promote plant growth, which can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Increased biodiversity: Regenerative agriculture promotes biodiversity by using practices that create habitat for wildlife, promote beneficial insects and microorganisms, and increase genetic diversity of crops and livestock.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Regenerative agriculture can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering carbon in the soil, reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and promoting sustainable livestock practices.
Improved water quality: Regenerative agriculture can help improve water quality by reducing erosion, promoting healthy soil, and reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Economic benefits: Regenerative agriculture can also have economic benefits for farmers and communities, by reducing input costs, increasing yields, and promoting local food systems.
Why Regenerative Agriculture is More Beneficial than Organic Farming
Regenerative agriculture is more beneficial than organic farming for several reasons. First, regenerative agriculture goes beyond organic farming by focusing on the regeneration of soil and ecosystem, rather than just reducing inputs. Regenerative agriculture takes a holistic approach to farming, which considers the interdependence of soil, plants, animals, and people. Regenerative agriculture systems prioritize soil health and build resilience in the ecosystem to produce high-quality food while mitigating climate change.
Another reason regenerative agriculture is more beneficial than organic farming is that it is a comprehensive approach that can address many of the environmental and social challenges we face today. Regenerative agriculture systems can help mitigate climate change, promote biodiversity, improve soil health, reduce pollution, and promote economic and social justice. By adopting regenerative agriculture practices, farmers can reduce their carbon footprint, increase the fertility and resilience of their soil, and create healthier and more diverse ecosystems. Regenerative agriculture also promotes local food systems, which can benefit local economies and communities.
Finally, regenerative agriculture is more beneficial than organic farming because it involves a continuous improvement process. Regenerative agriculture is a dynamic and evolving system that involves experimentation and innovation. Farmers must constantly adapt their practices to the unique needs of their ecosystem, soil, and crops. By continually improving their practices, farmers can create more resilient and sustainable systems that produce high-quality food and enhance the well-being of the ecosystem and society.
Conclusion
While both organic farming and regenerative agriculture
share many of the same goals, regenerative agriculture takes a more comprehensive and holistic approach to farming. Regenerative agriculture prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience and involves a continuous improvement process that adapts to the unique needs of each ecosystem. By adopting regenerative agriculture practices, farmers can mitigate climate change, promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and create more resilient and sustainable food systems that benefit both the environment and society.
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ARE YOU PLANNING A GARDEN IN 2023!? Pre-order your seedlings and have them when YOU are ready (you can even have them delivered!)!!
Place your Ahavah Farm Nursery orders (up to April 15th of 2023) and automatically receive 10% off!
Browse our incredible selection of Organic, Heirloom varieties now at ahavahfarm.com/nursery
Questions? Email us directly at Nursery@ahavahfarm.com We can't wait to help you plan your 2022 Garden!!!!
✨AHAVAH FARM NURSERY & GARDEN CENTER SEASON OPENING IS April 14th!✨
We are getting so excited about our second year of the Ahavah Farm Nusery & Garden Center!
Last year was such an amazing success, we are looking to build on that and make this year even better!
We will be adding different and more varieties, focusing on having a better inventory of offerings for all your garden needs. We will also be selling seeds, soil, pots and accessories!
Our April 14th Season Opening will be from 9am to 3pm and all items will be a whopping 20% off for the day only! Don't miss it!
Come to 7545 Log Rd, in Peyton CO 80831 and get your garden started and save 20%!
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🚨Donated share applications for SPRING close March 1st!🚨
Ahavah Community Initiative's applications for a free SPRING CSA membership opened on February 1st and closes on March 1st. Do not miss this opportunity.
All accepted applications include:
🥕Free Veggie-Share CSA Membership (8 weeks of fresh, local vegetables)
🥕Free and discounted classes
🥕All regular membership discounts.
🥕Free delivery available on request.
🥕Fully anonymous. You are treated like any other member.
👇👇👇👇CLICK HERE TO APPLY👇👇👇👇
☝️☝️☝️☝️CLICK HERE TO APPLY☝️☝️☝️☝️
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🚨🏷️Updated discounts for CSA shares!🏷️🚨
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🚨*NEW* - Updated Membership Benefit's🚨
We are SOOO excited to announce our new membership benefits for Auto-Renewal Members and for Non-Auto-Renewal Members! There is a one-time membership fee for all NEW Auto-Renewal members. (All CURRENT Auto-Renewal members will be grandfathered in indefinitely with no membership fee.)
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🚨Easy & Flexible Payment Plans!🚨
🥕Introducing Paypal "Pay Later" options on the website! These are no-credit check, interest-free online payment plans so you can make 4 smaller payments directly through Paypal. Ahavah Farm benefits as well by paid immediately, thereby providing the farm liquidity, while giving our members flexibility and ease of mind!
🥕We also still have FLEXIBLE and CUSTOMIZABLE offline pay plans in place if you would prefer to make payments via check. Please email us at contact@ahavahfarm.com if you would like more information on offline payment plan and to set up your payment schedule.
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🚨Got SNAP? Save 50% Off Automatically!🚨
🥕If you receive EBT (aka SNAP) you will receive 50% off of your membership automatically!
In addition, all extra veggies sold at the market or the CSA locations and also all nursery plant starts are also 50% off when paying with SNAP!
Follow these steps to purchase your SNAP membership 👉
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