What can be said about 2020 that has not been said already?! It was quite the year? Definitely! It is easy to rhyme off the challenges, and obstacles facing farms and the farming community. Let’s start the year off on another tack – all the things that went surprisingly well this year here at Willo’Wind Farm.
To start, while markets struggled to open we had unprecedented support for our CSA. We doubled our customer base before the season even started and customers remained supportive through the whole year. Customers braved the whole new look & feel of all our markets, waiting patiently in line ups and covering up with masks. They bore with our muffled voices and accepted us picking vegetables from the tables for you as we struggled to social distance.
Family members were there to pitch in when covid restrictions made staffing a challenge. Hopefully Canadians have gained an unprecedented awareness and appreciation for the challenges faced by migrant farm workers who are the backbone of agricultural labour in Ontario and across the nation.
Out in the fields, even with the challenges of climate change, Adrian’s ability to adapt and work around unexpected frost and drought (!) brought in a good supply of great tasting vegetables.
Our laying hens kept up a 90% lay despite the heat and blissfully unaware of covid in the city. In fact, all our animals are blissfully unaware! Nice to stand beside them and feel a freedom from fear.
You will see a new market location for Willo’Wind Farm – the Village Market 9100 Bathurst St. in Thornhill. This is a year round market and while you are waiting for other markets to open for the summer season why not pop up and visit us on Saturday mornings 8am – 12:00?!
Also something new this season: our Early Bird Sign Up Bonus will be in the form of a discount applied immediately to your total rather than a voucher to be used later in the season. So much more practical! So sign up before March 1st and receive a $25 deduction as a sign of our gratitude for your early support to get us started with seeding in the greenhouses.
It is said that in the face of grave uncertainty the best thing is to have a plan. Our plan is to plant and harvest an abundance of vegetables that nurtures a local economy and nourishes our customers. Yes, 2020 kept us dancing on our toes and raised our blood pressure on more than one occasion but here we are, ready to put our hand to the plough and continue to work hard. We look forward to your continued enthusiasm and support. May the very hard work of CSA 2020 be fertile ground for the coming season!
With gratitude for your support! Adrian & Elizabeth
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