WEEKLY UPDATES FROM THE FARM

This year has been a whirlwind, full of challenges and growth, but also moments of unexpected joy—like welcoming baby lambs this winter. Lambs are usually born in the spring, but our milder climate allows for surprises like this. It’s a reminder of the constant wonder nature provides when you work in harmony with it. Upon reflection, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the things that matter most: health, family, our farm, and the nourishment that comes from it. Even when the world feels chaotic, the rhythm of the land grounds me.

Behind the scenes, it takes a whole network of people to keep this farm running smoothly. There’s our mechanic Tom, who works magic on equipment that most would deem beyond repair. There are our tractor drivers, who are up and working long before most people are pouring their first cup of coffee—and I rise pretty early! Then there’s the backbone of our operation, the dedicated farm workers who show up six days a week to plant, harvest, and do the hard work that ensures the fields are thriving and the crops are abundant.

We’re thrilled to highlight a very special new product in the CSA store: honey from our very own Danielle! In addition to helping pack your CSA boxes, Danielle runs hives at her home and teaches about bees in Isla Vista. Her raw, unfiltered honey has a delightful wildflower-esque flavor, capturing the essence of the blooms her bees visit. She’s also created beautiful gift boxes with candles made from locally harvested wax, chapstick, and small jars of honey. These make perfect gifts and are available now. 

With the first rain of the season, we’re in the fields planting cover crops, tidying up every corner of the farm, and ensuring all the animals have a cozy sanctuary. There’s something about those first drops of rain that serve as a gentle nudge—reminding us to stay grounded and organized.

As we head into the holiday season, we’re excited to let you know that next week’s boxes will include some seasonal produce perfect for holiday meals. If you already know you’ll need to skip next week, please take a moment to update your account now. This helps us plan efficiently, especially as we’ll be gathering everything a bit earlier than usual to make sure we get all the best ingredients ready for you.

As we navigate the aftermath of last week’s election, it’s clear that emotions are running high. It feels like the ground has shifted, and many of us are grappling with a sense of stress, fear, or uncertainty. But in times like these, there is also an opportunity—a chance to rise up, alchemize our experiences, and come together in ways that we may have never imagined. At our farm, I want you to know that this vegetable box subscription remains a non-partisan choice, welcoming everyone no matter where they stand. This message comes from the heart, and I hope it resonates with you as we continue to cultivate a community rooted in nourishment and connection.

With the noticeable weather shift, I’m embracing cooler temperatures and happy to fire back up my oven. It's not only tastier to eat with the seasons, letting our meals shift in rhythm with nature, but also better for the environment. As the days get shorter and colder, our bodies naturally begin to crave heartier, warming foods—root vegetables, roasted squashes, and slow-cooked stews. These foods not only warm us from the inside out but also provide the nutrients and energy we need to stay balanced and grounded in the colder months.

With the cooler weather settling in, we’re excited to welcome the season’s bounty. This week’s box brings the comforting arrival of acorn squash, a vegetable that not only tastes amazing but offers a range of health benefits. It's packed with vitamins A and C, provides a generous dose of antioxidants, fiber to support digestion and potassium for heart health. Whether you roast it with a drizzle of olive oil, stuff it with quinoa or wild rice, or blend it into a warm, cozy soup, acorn squash is a perfect companion for autumn meals.

We’re thrilled to announce that our talented bread baker, Sydney, is back after a long month of healing. At San Julian Ranch, she has truly mastered the art of baking with one arm—using her sling as her shoulder continues to recover from a dislocation. It’s been a healing journey for her in more ways than one, and we couldn’t be happier to have her back. Your guaranteed loaf is a subscription; we also have a few in our CSA store while supplies last.