Church FarmYour Monthly Newsletter

Friday 25th February 2011

A Note from the Grower

Veg items in your box this week:Extra Small (6 varieties)

Leeks, onions, carrots, green kale courgette and sprouted seeds.

Small (8 varieties)White mushrooms and parsnip

Medium (10 varieties)Shallots and baking potatoes

Large (12 varieties)Celery and swede

Extra Large boxes include larger portions of any of the above items

Please note that these are standard items, if you have asked not to be supplied with a particular vegetable and it appears above, a

substitute will be provided in your box.

We’re pleased to announce that two of our polytunnels have now been converted to a ‘no-dig’ system. We usually use a rotavator (or

2-wheel tractor) to turn the soil and create a fine tilth for seed sowing. But this year we’re trying something new. As we are growing on

heavy clay, we initially dug the beds to break up any compaction, then they had a thick layer of

manure added to them. After each crop, we will add a new layer of mulch to the surface. This mulch will slowly be incorporated into the soil with the help of worms, insects and microbes.

No-dig gardening is an organic method of growing vegetables without manually digging or turning the soil between crops. No dig systems are believed to be freer of pest and disease problems, creating a more balanced and natural soil ecosystem. It also reduces the need for feeding and watering, as the mulch helps to retain moisture and less nutrients

are leeched.

With our pea and bean seedlings happily growing away, and our carrot, beetroot and spring onions fast catching up, it’s a very exciting time of year! Spring is almost here and we have some beautiful spring bulbs and flowers available in store now!

Kate

On the farm this week we have been vaccinating our breeding sheep for bluetongue and clostridial diseases. The ewes are eating a bale of silage every other day and will move to the lambing field and fresher grass in mid-March. We are careful not to overfeed ewes during their last three months of pregnancy as this can cause prolapse and other complications. Similarly they must not be underfed and micro-nutrients can be vital. The white buckets in the fields provide this to ruminants - they are seaweed licks, good for both man and beast!

Getting ready for lambing season

As we eat the food produced here ourselves we only vaccinate when absolutely necessary and use double the recommended withdrawal period for all drugs. Did you know half of the antibiotics used in the UK go to farm animals? We do not routinely use antibiotics in feed etc. This prophylactic use is common in intensive factory farming and is causing resistance. However if an animal needs it we do not hesitate to use antibiotics. Other things we do not do on this farm which are common include docking lamb’s tails, cut piglet’s teeth out with pliers, use organo-phosphate sheep dips, chemically castrate pigs or any of the other horrendous abuses that are no good for man nor beast. The good news is that maximising the welfare of animals, natural diets and not packing 1000s of animals into sheds also leads to healthier and tastier food.

What we don’t do...

Check these out...Is your supermarket chicken poisoning you?Last week, microbiological tests carried out by an independent laboratory found bacterial contamination on the external packaging of fresh chickens purchased at some of the country’s leading supermarkets. It proved that a customer picking up a wrapped chicken is at risk of transferring the bacteria on to anything else they touch. Once transferred into the mouth, there’s every chance they’ll fall ill. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) estimates that six in ten fresh chickens sold in super markets are contaminated. Church Farm chickens enjoy an environment that is close to their natural woodland habitat and can forage, scratch and hunt insects to supplement their diet. Dry plucked, hand prepared, dressed and hung on the farm for low stress and maximum flavour.Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-1353921/Is-supermarket-chicken-poisoning-you.html#ixzz1EsQOjLE6

Like a dog with a boneCommercial pet food meat products contain ‘cheap’ meat, the by-product from factory farmed animals. It’s ironical that most of us pet owners are concerned with animal welfare and yet the food we feed our pets

contains meat from animals which have suffered unnecessarily, ‘in industrial systems, often in appalling, con-fined conditions. No animal should have to endure such suf-fering’ (CIWF). Church Farm pet food products come from animals that have grown at this farm. Taking months and often years to rear, we value every part of the animal. Little goes to waste. From pigs ears to beef bones, nutritious offal and suet bird balls, it’s just natural, unaltered food.

Farm ButcheryReady for Spring

With the farm starting to shake off winter and welcome in the spring, our palettes too are ready for fresh flavours and a bit of zing. This time of year can be tricky when planning meals. Cold enough to warrant a good hot meal, but with the lighter evenings hinting at warmer things to come, we want to leave behind the winter staples of stews and roasts and enjoy the first taste of spring. We have listed some of our favourite recipe ideas below, so if you want to enliven your taste buds and celebrate a bit of March madness, these cuts may be just the ticket.

Spring Chicken in a PotCasseroles aren’t just for winter - this light, vibrant one-pot is packed with spring veg and herby pesto: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/10052/spring-chicken-in-a-pot

Balsamic Herb Lamb ChopsThis is a quick way to make delicious lamb chops. The combination of flavours will make those who don’t like lamb come back for more: http://bbq.about.com/od/lambrecipes/r/bl10310c.htm

Lemon and rosemary pork steaks with crushed carrots and garlic new potatoesThis is a lightning quick dish and a perfect mid-week family meal: http://www.lovemoney.com/blogs/travel-food-and-lifestyle/food/10852/lemon-and-rosemary-pork-steaks-with-crushed-carrots-and-garlic-new-potatoes

Marinated Rump SteakThis is oh, so simple, but oh, so good: http://www.deliaon-line.com/recipes/main-ingredient/meat/steak/marinated-rump-steak.html

All cuts are available in the farm store butchery, to order online (coming soon!!!) and to add to farm boxes.

Church Farm, Ardeley, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG2 7AH, T: 01438 861 447E: info@churchfarmardeley.co.uk www.churchfarmardeley.co.uk

Meat items in your box this week:The Church Farm Butchery team has included a beef roasting joint, lamb mince, gammon steak, traditional sausages and bacon.

More About: Sprouted SeedsDuring WWII, when the United States was concerned about a possible meat shortage, the scientific community advised the government that the consumption of germinated seeds was the best and the cheapest alternative to proteins in meat. Today, the increasing tendency to avoid eating meat means that sprouts are taking a serious place in modern culinary approach.

Nutrition?Sprouts are found to be a complete protein. Untampered natural sprouts assist in the build-ing of nerves, tissue, bones and blood. Research, such as that done by the Wigmore Foundation, has shown that there are 10 to 100 times more enzymes in sprouted seeds than in vegetables or fruits, depending on the enzyme and the seed being sprouted. Sprouted seeds are also a great source of vitamin C, carotenoid A, B vitamins, and minerals.

Source:http://www.living-foods.com/arti-cles/sproutedseeds.html

Cook?You can add sprouts to your favourite salads, soups and sandwiches.

Badger Walk, Welly Wanging Competition, Pig Keeping, Full Moon Walk, Grow your own Food and much more. From £2. BOOK NOW!

Upcoming Workshops & Events:

Rural Care - Co-farmers at workThe co-farmers have been helping spread straw around the chickens to ensure the rain does not ‘muddy’ their free range areas, and consequently dirty the eggs. This is an on-going task for winter and early spring before the ground hopefully dries out in the sun! They have also been helping to finish off planting the new hedgerows, painting signs for the shop and making bird feeders which are now on sale in the Store.

Farm Store Product of the Week Ecoleaf Recycled Tissue Toilet RollIn the mid-80s Suma launched the first 100% Recycled Paper Toilet Tissue manufactured in the UK. Then towards the end of the 80s they launched the UK’s first 100% Recycled Paper Kitchen Towel. They’ve now gone several steps further and developed Ecoleaf Recycled Tissue Toilet Roll - a product that addresses some of the more pressing environmental issues of today.

Source:http://www.iskcon.net.au/kurma/2010/11/11

In the Pits Clay DayOver half term, we had lots of families coming along to take part in our clay day sessions. This involved visiting our ancient clay pits, seeing where clay comes from and then using that same clay to make their own growing clay sculpture. Creative designs included hedgehogs, sheep, hippos, crocodiles, silly faces and much more. Look out for more clay day sessions in the months to come - or even make it as part of an educational visit or birthday party! :)

Coming Soon!Church Farm Online Store

Watch this space...Fresh local food direct to your door at supermarket

prices. Sign up to a weekly farm box, add items to your weekly box or make up an order from scratch from our full selection of products. Submit your order by 10am on a Wednesday to qualify for that week’s delivery or

collection.

· 100% Compostable wrap· 100% Recycled paper

· 100% CommitmentMade from 60% post consumer waste and 40% commercial waste such as paper and greetings card trimmings. Ecoleaf toilet rolls are unbleached and no harsh chemicals are used during manufacture.