Green Guru Network

As most farmers will tell you, the basics of growing food are good soil, plenty of sunlight and an ample supply of water. 

With support from the county and approval from the county department of health, drilling for the irrigation well at Cropsey Community Farm finally began last week, an exciting turning point since plans for the well began in early 2011. 

"The well is the lifeblood of the farm," said Mike Clark, an area landscape designer and contractor who has been volunteering his time, equipment and experience to Rockland Farm Alliance on several large projects at the farm over the last few seasons. 

"Without the water in drought conditions, we could lose the whole crop. It is also essential for expansion into the south field," Mike continued. 

Even without drought conditions, it is important to have a way to manage water from a clean, reliable source free of potential contaminants in runoff from Rockland roads and lawns, particularly considering the weather patterns of the last few seasons. "Now when rain comes, it comes heavy. Not soft like it used to," said Mike.

The process to establish a new well requires a plan that abides by strict regulations from the Health Department, a landscape architect, an electrician, a well driller, a plumber, a carpenter and sufficient funding. 

"The strict regulations are another reminder that we, as individuals, need to work in a more environmentally conscious way,"  said John McDowell, RFA co-founder and board president. "We began this process several years ago and now that we have approval, we are very blessed to have several angels from the community as part of this process." 

For the farm team, the well means they can sleep easier at night, knowing that one of the essential elements for growing produce is within reach of the field. 

Rockland Farm Alliance would is supported in this endeavor by the following businesses and individuals for their time, energy and involvement in the planning and installation of the irrigation well at Cropsey Community Farm: Mike Clark, Forsite Landscape Design, R & H Plumbing, Rick Ell Electrical Service, Turnbull Well Drilling Associates, and Carpenter Frank Barreira

Thanks to our friends at the Rockland Farm Alliance for this very early in the season recipe!

What do farmers eat for lunch? Just ask Shane, Jose and Peter. 

Serves 4 hungry farmers 

Ingredients:

1 onion, finely chopped

3 scallions, finely chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tbs of extra-virgin olive oil

1 bunch kale rinsed, stemmed, and torn into 1/2" pieces

1 bunch of beets, tops removed,and lightly scrubbed

4 servings prepared polenta (the farm team recommends polenta from Farmer Ground Flour)

1 cup arugula 

Directions:

In a medium-sized pot, place beets in water covering them by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer until soft. Let cool completely, then peel and cut into cubes. Set aside until ready to serve. 

Prepare polenta according to package directions. 

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and scallions, and cook until onions are soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic. Cook one minute. Add the kale and saute, using a wooden spoon to stir occasionally. Cook until kale is wilted. Season with salt and pepper. 

To assemble: Spoon warm polenta onto plate and top with arugula. Serve with beets and kale on top or on the side.

The Rockland Farm Alliance, under a licensing agreement with Rockland County and the Town of Clarkstown, launched Rockland's first community farm in New City New York.  The Cropsey Community Farm located at the retired Cropsey farm on Little Tor Road represents an historic intermunicipal collaboration, and the first tangible step toward developing a local foodshed in Rockland County.

The project consists of a working, revenue-producing farm, and an education/demonstration area including a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) progam, and plans to dedicate a portion of acreage to growing specialty crops for schools.