Victor's Farm Shares

Dear Friends My name is Victor Henry Peter Ratzlaff. I have been living on the planet for 52 years. I am a farmer. I grew my first garden when I was in grade five with the encouragement of my mother. This garden was planted and nurtured in Chilliwack B.C. This year, for the first time, I will be launching a farm share endeavor on the Effingham property and will be accepting the first ten customers who indicate interest. Here’s how farm shares work… In spring the customer pays the farmer for a share of the upcoming harvest – a box of fresh, in season produce – that they will receive each week throughout the growing season. When the harvest is plentiful the share will be larger – in the unlikely event of a poor crop there would be less. Benefits: Benefits for the customer: - high quality, fresh, local produce at a fair price. - Knowing where your food comes from – getting to know the farm and the farmer & the growing practices. - An eating adventure – eat seasonal & a variety of foods that may be new to you. Benefits for the farmer - a guaranteed market for our produce. - A reliable income in spring, when it is most needed. - Sharing the risks of growing – you share the bounty and also the possibility of crop failures. - Getting to know the people who eat our food. How the Ratzlaff Farm will operate - share price - $ 520.00 - share price including a dozen eggs each week - $ 600.00 - $ 100.00 deposit now to reserve your share. The balance is due May 1, 2013. - Currently there are no half share options A word about my chickens Chickens are purchased in March from Minor Bros in Pelham. The chickens are housed in a mobile chicken coops, which has shelter, feed, and fresh water. The benefit of a mobile coop is that the chickens receive fresh grass and protein every day in fresh air and sunshine. Not only does this method produce one of the best eggs in Niagara, it also reduces my feed costs considerably. You will notice and taste the difference of eggs produced by happy chickens! A theology of food I have been growing food for a number of years and I have realized the link between God and growing or eating food is far stronger than I had previously understood. Jesus’ words when referring to the bread being eaten – “ this is my body “ – has serious implications to God’s creation, and indicates that there should be no gap between spiritual and physical reality. In Christ, farming takes on a whole new meaning for the grower and the one who enjoys the produce. When I grow healthy food in harmony with the earth, it is a spiritual act of respect for God’s good gift of land and bounty. When you are thankful and enjoy fresh produce, it is a spiritual response of caring about the way our Creator’s world is used. What you will receive in your box. Besides the spiritual benefits of your box, it will contain other benefits such as: - Pears, raspberries, potatoes, radishes - Beans, beets, carrots, cucumber, eggplant, garlic, garlic scapes, decorative corn - Herbs, kale, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, spinach, leeks, cabbage - Squash, gourds, tomatoes, sweet corn, and zucchini - End of season processed horse radish upon request How big is share? One share will supply enough fruit & vegetables for a family of 2 – 4 people What about when we go on vacation? Your share will be ready for you each Saturday. Remember fruit & vegetables don’t stop ripening during holidays. If you will be away on any Saturday, have a friend or neighbor pick up your box and enjoy it. Is my farm organic? My farm is not organic. Fruit tress are closely monitored for pest and disease problems and pesticides are applied when necessary. Vegetables are usually grown pesticide free. For example, I did use a spray last year on my squash and pumpkin plants because of an attack by a nasty flying bug called the cucumber beetle. I have refused to spray my sweet corn, which may result in some extra-unwanted protein (European corn borer). You will be warned about such insects. My farming practices make use of cover crops, and composting which continuously improves our soil. Better soil means healthier crops with fewer insect & diseases. Your produce boxes will be ready for pick-up at the end of May or the beginning of June depending on weather conditions this spring and will continue to the end of September for a total of 18 weeks, which works out to $29/week. Nutritious food does not have to be expensive! Serving and cultivating Pastor Victor