Borrowed Time In Late November

Farm News

At this time of the year if we are still harvesting abundant amounts of food, we know it is truly a holiday gift. The fields are filled with divine vegetables brilliant in color and strong in flavor. We have many beds of beets, baby carrots, leeks, parsnips, fennel and purple top turnips that all need to be harvested before a deep freeze or major flood returns.

We feel the full nature of borrowed time late into this November. There is a sincere and staggering effort that takes place these winter days that while frenzied, feels a bit more peaceful than the summer rush.

In the summer months, you expect certain crops will thrive and produce marvelously, but in winter, it all feels like a gift from a very mysterious and unpredictable place. Although the days are early and run late, we feel a deeper sense of peace upon us.

All of the wintering birds fly in and the elk gaze at us. Elks were once hysterically described in a Robin Williams routine as “super models with hooves.” They walk right in and say hello to ask if this is your delicious patch and then start munching. We have a sense that we all can share in the beautiful harvest of the land and give thanks.

While the elk are munching on remains of corn, we focus on our tasks at hand — harvesting greens and root crops. Braising greens are a regular dish in our house for these darker months, and the delicate nature of mushrooms and root crops feel rewarding inside our bodies.

Don’t forget to find us on Instagram @fullcirclefarms.

– Wendy