Another week in the 90s. The highest nighttime lows I have ever seen as temps stay above 60 and even 70. Rain in the forecast yet the constant heat and sunshine irrigation will remain a never-ending task. Given these conditions we have seen record attendance at our local farmers markets.
I believe this is due to the cyclospora outbreak in Taylor Farms lettuce. This “family farm” of 20,000 employees grows and sells 57% of lettuce sold in the US and Canada. From Taco Bell to Whole Foods, Taylor Farms supplies them all with prepared salads and vegetables. Same lettuce, different brands.
Food pathogen break-outs like this happen annually on these massive farms and spread rapidly given their size. Yet, farms and the food industry continue to consolidate towards domination.
This outbreak coincides with the EPA approving 3 new PFAS pesticides for use on corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, oranges, apples, and almonds. These are “forever chemicals” because they never break down in your body or the environment.
Furthermore, this approval follows the Supreme Court 7-2 ruling that you can no longer sue pesticide companies for cancer. So, while our “MAHA” government approves more chemicals in your food they reduce your rights to sue companies liable for the poison.
This all goes to say, there has never been a better time to know your farmer.
I have never heard of an e. coli outbreak at a farmers’ market. I do not know any farmers advocating for the use of forever chemicals on their crops. Yet, I talk with farmers daily. The people I know growing food strive to produce the best food possible. Somehow these people are the minority when we live in a climate that actually rewards worse food production.
These farmers are in your community. They gather every Saturday morning in parking lots, town squares, and parks to sell their goods often harvested with 24 hours of display. They will answer your questions and tell you, likely happily, about their growing practices.
The support of these farmers outside of the explosive diarrhea days ensures their continuity and builds a food system of true health, not big business held unaccountable for selling poison.
We will take the tailwind while we have it, but maybe it is time for people to ask themselves who would they rather support. Governments and business that claim health but pass laws removing liability for poison producers, or farmers whose livelihoods depend on honesty, transparency, and integrity producing real food?
Farm News
Upcoming Events!
Wellness Day- 7/26 starting at 9am we will have a free yoga class followed sauna and cold plunge on the farm. The last one was great, we hope you can make it. Reservations required. Click below for your spot!
Canyons and Chefs Farm Dinner- Saturday evening August 1st will be a special evening bring together food, fire, and the farm. Chef Billy specializes in outdoor, open fire, cuisine. Combined with the harvest season ambiance of a working farm this is sure to be an event not to miss. More details to come.
Pollinators and Perennials- Curious about what pollinators are in our farm? Want to improve the habitat at your home for pollinators? Saturday August 8th we will be hosting bug specialists in a walking tour on the farm to identify local pollinators. The farm has also been working to expand our selection of native perennial wildflowers that will be available for purchase at the Farm Stand.
Farm to Table Bike Tour- This event will feature a guided, City-supported bike ride and cooking class open to the public. Participants will ride from The Gardens on Spring Creek to Folks Farm where they will harvest fresh produce and gather ingredients for the class.
What is being harvested this week:
Greens: Hearts and Souls Salad Mix, gem lettuce, kale, chard
Fruits: Heirloom, beefsteak, cherry tomatoes, summer squash, squash flowers, Charentais melons from Rancho Durazno
Tree Fruits: Organic and conventional peaches
Roots: Carrots, beets, turnips, spring onions
Herbs: Parsley, thyme, oregano, basil, edible flowers
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