Comments for One Straw Farm

Comment on A Great Article on a Sad Topic by Peter

Peter — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:04:50 +0000

Sorry I haven’t gotten back, I have been at school for months now, but you can call the house at 410-343-1828.

Comment on One Straw Media by Sheldon

Sheldon — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:38:01 +0000

I was on flip board reading a article from the Baltimore sun on Kale and they stated your farm. I decided to take a look for my self love the work your doing.

Comment on Organic Pest Control by Anson Parkinson

Anson Parkinson — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:17:59 +0000

Although I live within the city limits I still have to be vigilant about keeping pests out of the garden. Over the years I have had my share of deer, squirrel and rabbit problems in the garden. Even the occasional black bear has stopped for a light snack.

Comment on A Great Article on a Sad Topic by Todd Smith

Todd Smith — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:06:03 +0000

Thanks for posting this article. Given the way the list of approved substances is swelling out of control, it’s amazing the powers that be choose to pick a bone with a product approved in more stringent markets. Guess there’s not enough money behind this product (that and, as the article mentioned, the whole formula stealing thing). Keep doing great work, One Straw. On another note, I’m interested in doing business with you all (the same as I was before knowing the certification was going away). How do I get in touch with a living person at your farm?

Many thanks,

Todd

Comment on Progression of The No-Till by seo

seo — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:38:32 +0000

Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

Comment on Suggestions and Thoughts by Peter

Peter — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:48:14 +0000

Your idea that SNAP should be used for US farmers; and not subsidize ‘non US farmers’ is brilliant. It thrills me to think of
what that money would do if it was kept in the US.

In my mind, SNAP allows consumers access to our produce. Incorrectly or not, I thought of that as a subsidy to them, not me.

We have also gotten EQUIP money for soil conservation. It was not income, but paid for soil conservation improvements to keep soil on our farm and not in the bay. I do not see that as income we still bear some of the cost.The cost soil conservation is a benefit to all, not just the farmer. To me, government subsidies are income to the recipient. Even in EQUIP, we do not make money. but it pays some for the costs to improve soil conservation.

The best argument for One Straw Farm getting a subsidy was the cost sharing program for our organic certification fee. The Government reimbursed us for 75% of our fee ($500). That could be considered income. So I stand corrected. We do receive a subsidy, $375 for that reimbursement.

Comment on Suggestions and Thoughts by Brownie Barker

Brownie Barker — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:59:44 +0000

I just heard the Marc Steiner broadcast and overall I think you were great. I would like to correct you on one comment you made – that you don’t get a government subsidy – actually you do – not much of one – you probably couldn’t fill your tank with it but then I don’t think anyone keeps tabs.

At the Waverly market you can use your SNAP ((food stamps) to buy tokens – if someone gives you a token for your wonderful produce – because such a choice is alot healthier than the other choices they may have, you are in essence receiving a subsidy from the USDA – who runs the program and issues the money.

In 1939 farmers were producing food in abundance but due to the Depression their customers couldn’t afford food so farmers were going broke too. The food stamp program was designed as a cure. The program operated by permitting people on relief to buy orange stamps equal to their normal food expenditures; for every $1 worth of orange stamps purchased, 50 cents worth of blue stamps were received. Orange stamps could be used to buy any food; blue stamps could only be used to buy food determined by the Department to be surplus.

Today the bulk of the SNAP payments goes to the likes of Walmart, Giant even Whole Foods who buy their produce and meats from around the world. So today the food stamp program designed to help American farmers gives at best a trickle to American farmers and huge subsidies to farmers in China, India Brazil and Mexico and the retailers who sell such products.

The 2012 appropriation for food stamps was $71 BILLION dollars. It is the largest part of the food bill. What would happen if they put in amendment saying 50% of that must must be spent on food grown in the USA, or one where you got double value buying directly from a farmer?

Comment on Q&A by Peter

Peter — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:36:41 +0000

We donate one share for every ten we drop off. If someone doesn’t like something they can leave it with the donated shares.
Every site donates where it works best for them. Some are food banks or soup kitchens, food pantries, families etc. some sites use them in
auctions to raise money for projects at charter schools. I hope to have on the website next year where all the shares get donated.

Comment on Suggestions and Thoughts by joan

joan — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:24:02 +0000

I want that recipe! Somehow I missed this entry. Please send it to me

Comment on Suggestions and Thoughts by joan

joan — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:23:22 +0000

Hi Jeff,
I can answer that question. There are 96 people who pick up at the farm, everyone else picks up at a pickup site.