2020: The Year In Review
While every year has brought with it memorable moments, 2020 will be forever remembered as a significant year at Colden Springs Farm. In the past 12 months, we have experienced many opportunities, challenges, and accomplishments to be thankful for (click on any of the links below to read more):
January: Participated in a Beginner Farmers course offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Ulster County
February: Took the plunge and upgraded our hay equipment, which made this year’s hay season drastically more efficient and less frustrating.
March: Constructed our hoop house with the help of family. Welcomed four heifers to our farm.
April: Jocelyn was furloughed due to COVID-19, which led to an invaluable opportunity to concentrate on the farm full-time.
May: Joined the Walden Farmers Market, and sold vegetables, microgreens, handmade soap, and fresh eggs.
June: Joined the Pine Bush Farmers Market and continued offering our quality farm products. Celebrated the birth of four doelings from two of our goat mommas.
July: Started offering pastured raised poultry at the Farmers Markets. By the end of the season we would have raised and processed 150 birds.
August: Added an additional 60 egg laying chickens to our existing flock to respond to the growing demand for quality eggs, bringing us to approximately 100 laying hens in total.
September: Experimented with raising Peking and Rouen ducks. For the first time, offered Fall seasonal products for sale directly from the farm, which was met with positive community support.
October: Started digging for an irrigation project to have water access by the vegetable fields and hoop house - a dream come true!
November: Due to a weasel predator problem, lost 15 chicks over the course of one week, and after many frustrating trials and errors we finally created a secure brooding area.
December: Introduced our very first Mini Winter Farm Market on the farm, a direct response to our loyal customers’ desire to access our products after the regular farmer market season was over. Welcomed a bull calf to join our herd of heifers.
It has been quite a year! We are encouraged by our many milestones and excited as we watch the farm evolve. We are hopeful that 2021 will bring continued growth and opportunities for Colden Springs Farm. A very special thank you to our family, friends, and loyal customers who believe in and support our mission to preserve this land and to keep local farming sustainable.
