There is an amazing bounty of produce available at our local farm stands and at farmers’ markets despite the worst drought the region has seen in more than a decade.  Stop by your favorite farmstand or farmers’ market and support our local farmers – they need you.  Their mettle is being sorely tested this season working in the hot, muggy conditions and doing the extra work needed to move irrigation equipment or hand water.  The hot dry conditions favor some crops and we are seeing a beautiful harvest of tomatoes with no late blight.  It is a year like this, where 100% of the state is experiencing some level of drought that Community Supported Agriculture programs were made for.  Now, more than ever, please Buy Local!  

We are very grateful to Governor Charlie Baker for understanding of the plight of farmers, declaring the extreme drought conditions and preparing for a worst case scenario.  The Department of Agricultural Resources is working with other state officials on a Drought Emergency loan fund and trying to identify where the need for water is greatest. Consulting with the Farm Service Agency the Baker-Polito Administration, continues to monitor the full extent of the drought’s impacts. 

If you didn’t get a ticket, our sold out 2nd Annual Farm to Tapas event was a spectacular evening.  Stunning views complemented delicious food and drink accompanied by a lively music.  An event of this caliber can only be put on with the support of many people and organizations.  Both SEMAP and The Livestock Institute of Southern New England are grateful to Lyn Keith of 3 Tomatoes Farm, New England Clam Jams, and It’s Thyme Catering for hosting and organizing the evening.  Beer and wine were provided by Buzzards Bay Brewing and Westport Rivers Winery and significant financial support from First Citizens Federal Credit Union, IOT Impact Labs, Padula Bros, and G. Bourne Knowles.  Over 18 restaurants and caterers hosted tapas stations – we’ve been featuring them on our Facebook page over the past month..  Check them out!  The food was superb!!

We plan to do it again in 2017. Remember – members get first chance at tickets.   

Though the days are getting shorter, we hope to see you at one of SEMAP’s September Twilight Grower workshops – join us to learn more about Achieving Success in a “Seed to Shelf” Business – focusing on managing a small farm business and collaboration with other growers – or Diversified Livestock  - learn about raising sheep, goats, heritage hogs, poultry and Livestock Guardian dogs and how they fit into the picture of a diversified farm.  Is there an aspect of farming you have wanted to learn more about – drop us a line and let us know.

-Karen Schwalbe