This past growing season was even more abundant and successful than last, with total 2016 sales from vegetables at $167,561, up from $158,282 in 2015. 

But it wasn’t an easy season. Spring was a little too wet and gray and summer was a little too hot. A few diseases that were marginal in 2015 came back stronger in 2016. Deer pressure was worse than ever before. But our experienced farm team worked hard to keep yields high and consistent. Thanks to the expertise of returning field managers Emma Dosch and Brendan Stiteler, navigating these diseases and pests was possible. 

Field assistants Heidi Ochsenreither and Renae Cairns brought invaluable energy and work ethic to the team. And they will be greatly missed! Heidi is starting her own farm in Orwigsburg, PA, and Renae is moving on to become the director of workplace wellness operations at 9 Miles East Farm, near Saratoga Springs, NY. 

The main change we made to our labor structure in 2016 was two additional positions, each working approximately half a day per week. Chelsea Mackie and Josh Croston filled these roles and they were an incredible addition to the team from early spring to late fall.

From 2015 to 2016, our staff labor hours were roughly consistent, and we increased our harvest by 7% and our sales by 5.2%.