Finally, A Farm of Our Own!

Finally.
It's been a long time coming but we can officially say we have a farm.

Just late last week, Adam and I finalized the purchase of ten acres right outside of Ames, Iowa that we have been working on since June or so. Right now there is just a hog building on the property from the 1950's. An area farmer has been renting the land and using it for corn and soybean production. And our neighbors are actually Iowa State University farms and the Black's Heritage Farm (who sold us the property). They are 5th generation family farm who I have rented plots in the community gardens for a couple of years. They are especially known for their sweet corn (absolutely delish- keeping up the reputation of good Iowa sweet corn) but they also grow other vegetables for the local Community Supported Agriculture program and Farmer's Markets.

The plan is for Adam and I to build as soon as possible. We really like the French farmhouse style and have plans in place that need tweaked- similar to below. We like the 1.5 story, lower profile look. There is a little hill on the property and right now, we are working on a farm name. We have a pretty good idea but just need to register it and for that matter- an official address.
 

For next year, we are going to be working on a Community Supported Agriculture Program of our own, inheriting it from the Black's. We are excited about the opportunity to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for a weekly program. This means, more space for our gardens- including the heirloom tomatoes! There might be opportunities with local restaurants and markets but that is in the works. I'm just ready to build and cook with all of the fresh produce!

We are very excited about being right outside of Ames- Adam and I met at Iowa State University, then I went to California- he went to Arizona, then Virginia- we've been all over the place. This was a really rare opportunity- very, very rarely are there any acreages right outside of Ames. We are going to be close to Des Moines and have easy access to the interstates for my travels with work.

When Adam and I were working out there, we realized that we can hear Iowa State football games. We can also get to one of our favorite restaurants in about ten minutes- Hickory Park.

As of right now, we have 3 Honeycrisp apple trees and 3 cherry trees planted... the beginnings of an orchard and lots of plans in place.

More to Come!
Jessica

Fall is here... the extra crunchy leaf!

This is the time of the year, where you go out of your way to find that extra crunchy leaf... and step on it! 

The days are getting shorter.
I'm not a fan of the darkness so early but the extra chill in the air is nice. I'm trying to stay extra cozy and will justify any reason to go out for a Pumpkin Spice latte!

The other night, I made some delicious acorn squash with brown sugar and butter. This is one of my Fall favorites. Adam happens to be a squash hater so I'm on my own- fine by me, because I'll surely enjoy the extra! Our squash this year was the victim of squashbugs, so I bought some from the Black's Heritage Farm, where I had my community garden at this year. 

Fall also brings lots of exciting changes and looking ahead... 

We are finalizing a property (a farm of our own!) and working on a Community Supported Agriculture program. We are lining up next year's gardens, including picking out more interesting heirloom tomatoes to grow! More details and pics to come soon... we are just tying up some details before closing!

In the meantime, be sure to live in the moment and enjoy Fall to the furthest.
It is hard for me to take my own advice, but I need to!