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    Today's Dirt | February 21, 2022

    Harry's Farm VLOG homegrown-news
    Today, Harrison talks about getting the greenhouse ready to begin seeding!​

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    Quick high tunnel turnover!

    Harry's Farm VLOG homegrown-news
    Today, Harrison shows us how he does a quick high tunnel turnover in the late winter months!​

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    2022 Changes & Goals

    Announcements homegrown-news
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    The Farm Stand
    Over the past two years we have explored having a manned farm stand to offer expanded customer service, value added products, and several convenient options to pay for goods and services.     This year we are implementing a new honor system with a Square Self-checkout Hub. It will be at the main desk at the rear of our tent and although the farm stand will not be manned this season, you will still be able to purchase items with cash, check, credit, and debit cards.

    The same beautiful tent that protects our product and our valued customers during inclement weather will be there with the addition of NEW farm stand tables and we can't wait for you to see them!

    In addition, we are streamlining our offerings to vegetables, fruit, flowers, and fall ornamentals only. This change will make it easier for our limited staff to focus on quality and be more consistent. We pride ourselves on the products we grow, and believe this is the best option for a more manageable season.
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    CSA Farm Share
    The relationship between a CSA member and a farmer is a very unique one. Both benefit from the experience in many different ways and we’ve learned a lot over the last few years. Some of these things include the share sizes we sell, the quantity of produce needed for 7 solid meals, and the quality it takes to give you an enjoyable experience from week to week. Although, we want to emphasize the risk vs. reward is still very real from season to season, we should always be focused on this.

    With that said, we will be offering subscribers a “small share” only. This is our most popular size and will be a beefed-up version of the small share we provided in 2021. It will feed up to 2 people and you will receive 7 to 9 vegetables each week. 

    If you have more than 2 people in your family you will have the option to purchase an additional share or two at a discounted rate to double or triple the amount of food you receive.

    This new system will…
    • improve the quality of vegetables and customer service you receive
    • help streamline the weekly harvest and portion sizes
    • simplify the weekly pickup system
    • help push our CSA to people outside of the Hatfield area who haven’t tried it before
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    Farmers' Markets
    In early 2021 we were invited to participate in a brand new farmers’ market in the city of Chicopee to help bring fresh local food to its townspeople. This would be our first farmers’ market ever! After a short time, word got out and we were asked to attend multiple markets in the area to do the same, 3 markets in total. We learned, if done correctly, this was very lucrative for our farm.

    Some of the planning process this winter is to expand this part of our business with its own manager and crew. These new markets will give us the opportunity to build the Bardwell Farm name, sell our product in multiple areas, and reach more people who are lacking the availability of access to fresh food. 
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    Farm Layout & Management 
    2021 has taught us so many lessons. We have taken these winter months to regroup and focus on what it takes to run all the different parts of Bardwell Farm. As we all know, labor is the most crucial part of any business. This season we will be shifting our workforce to where we find it most important; in the fields, packhouse, and retail spaces where true production happens. We work to fulfill a strong crew this season that is verse in all areas of our business to bring the best service to your table. 

    Wholesale has also become an important part of our business as well. As we continue to expand our customer base, just like the retail side, we see this as an essential part to keep our farm viable. Streamlining growing practices, harvesting, and logistics to a larger scale of operation will help with rising labor costs and sustain our business for years to come. 

    Our farm will continue to adjust to the adverse climate but new challenges will also come this season. Our business is growing and there will always be ups, downs, and struggles. We will do our best to meet all of these goals. But, it is our ultimate goal to present you with the best possible product and service we can 365 days a year. 

    We are here for you.

    If you have any questions or concerns please call (413) 800-5583 or message us at info@bardwellfarm.com.

    Thank you for your support!

    Owner Harrison Bardwell