Fox Trail Farm

12/21/2021

Indiana ranks last on list of 'Safest States During COVID-19'

Indiana wants me . . .

Out of all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Indiana had one of the lowest vaccination rates and one of the highest hospitalization rates.

07/13/2021

Fox Trail Farm is under new ownership as of June 25, 2021. We will keep this page active as an archive of the past activities at the farm. Colleen and I thank everyone that was a part of the Fox Trail Farm adventure for the past decade. We met so many great people and learned and experienced so much. We are grateful to have had the opportunity and for each and every person that contributed to or supported our efforts at growing healthy organic food for our community.

01/23/2021

Congratulations Sam!

01/21/2021

French energy firm will invest $23 million in h**p-fueled gas plant

French energy firm will invest $23 million in h**p-fueled gas plant

The company's building and other permits allow it to inject synthetic methane into France's energy network.

01/06/2021

01/04/2021

The last harvest | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Small farm succession it a difficult challenge.
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/the-last-harvest/?fbclid=IwAR0jgAwUYc2-MzesTwXxeKR7z3dZgP-3CC0-HeM4mH_kG2B4UQYcM56M3gI

The last harvest: After a decade of waiting for a successor to till the land, this farm's days are numbered

12/21/2020

Earth power: h**p batteries better than lithium and graphene – UKCSC

Earth power: h**p batteries better than lithium and graphene – UKCSC

By Barnaby De Hoedt Henry Ford’s Model T was famously made partly from h**p bioplastic and powered by h**p biofuel. Now, with battery-powered vehicles starting to replace those that use combustion engines, it has been found that h**p batteries perform eight times better than lithium-ion. Is there ...

12/01/2020

How Rawhide is Made

How Rawhide is Made

11/11/2020

10/23/2020

It’s best to farm, in my experience, with a golf cart nearby.

10/12/2020

11 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Ginger

We have lots of Beautiful, baby Hawaiian ginger available now!!! Hit me up to get some!

Ginger is anti-inflammatory, helps treat indigestion, and may protect against diseases such as diabetes. Discover more benefits here.

08/14/2020

Bald eagle takes down Michigan government drone

Eagle:1 Drone:0

The device was mapping shoreline erosion when it was attacked in the air.

08/10/2020

Collleen makes the best pure organic Elderberry Syrup.
Get yours at The Farmacy in Albion.

This is definitely the year of the elderberry.

At the start of the pandemic, toilet paper and pasta weren't the only products missing from stores. Elderberry syrup was (and remains) a hot commodity due to its increasingly well-known antiviral properties.

The Elder plant has a long history of use by humans, both in Eurasia (where it grows into a small tree and the native species is called Sambucus nigra, or Black Elderberry) and North America (where it grows into a large shrub or patch, due to its strong suckering nature, and the native species is called Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis, or American Elderberry). The fruit are quite similar, but the European can get larger, and its flower flavor is very distinctive (and I quite prefer it for elderflower cordial syrup). Other Sambucus species, like Blue Elderberry, are used similarly.

Both the fruit and flowers are used medicinally for their anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have found products with elderberry can cut the length of a flu in half. Constituents in elderberries have even been shown to prevent HIV infection. Studies on coronavirus are incomplete, but the run on elderberry syrup is a strong sign that many are putting their faith in this tried and true herbal remedy in the face of a frightening new virus.

Words of warning:

1) While a few raw berries or a bit of raw juice shouldn't hurt you, the plant does contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides, which cause cyanide poisoning. Never eat the leaves, bark, or roots, and be sure to pick out any green berries or sticks and stems before you process the berries to make syrup or wine or anything else. Cooking destroys the glycosides, and fermenting seems to cut them way down at least (elderberry wine can be made from cooked or raw juice).

2) I've read that for maximum efficacy, you should really consume some form of elder at least three or four times per day, because the beneficial compounds are processed through the body in 3-6 hours.

I made about 40 ounces of elderberry syrup from the loaded 'Wyldewood 2' bush/patch in my backyard. Should last a couple months at the rate I'm consuming it!

08/07/2020

Gardens Have Pulled America Out of Some of Its Darkest Times. We Need Another Revival. – BillMoyers.com

Gardens Have Pulled America Out of Some of Its Darkest Times. We Need Another Revival. – BillMoyers.com

As the pandemic smolders and the economy plunges into an abyss, Americans have reverted to the venerable World War II–era tradition of organized disaster gardening. Continue reading

08/03/2020

Farmworkers Are Among Those at Highest Risk for COVID-19, Studies Show

Farmworkers Are Among Those at Highest Risk for COVID-19, Studies Show

Studies show agricultural workers are among those at highest risk of contracting COVID-19. In the fields, harvest crews work side-by-side cutting rows of vegetables, making it impossible to keep six feet apart. Housing is scarce and expensive, so multiple families often crowd into one small home.

07/29/2020

Fox Trail Farm updated their phone number.

Fox Trail Farm updated their phone number.

07/29/2020

Like we need another invasive pest.

07/23/2020

The Farmacy Health Shoppe & Farmer's Market will be open again this Friday, July 24th from 1pm - 8pm and this Saturday, July 25th from 7am - Noon at 211 S. Orange St. in Albion, right next to the Marathon.

The farmer's market will be offering farm fresh eggs, red & orange early tomatoes, bell peppers, sweet Yummy red & orange peppers, big jalapenos (great for stuffing), red potatoes--small and large, zucchini--yellow & green varieties, yellow summer squash, cucumbers--small picklers and slicers (time for refrigerator pickles!), green beans, swiss chard, lemon basil, dill, candy onions, big Music garlic, and a few very big & beautiful early melons we snagged from a local grower (we have several varieties growing but they are a few weeks out yet).

Please check out the Health Shoppe now! Several items available and more coming in. Herbal products; natural personal care products like handmade soap, lotions and deodorant, dried herbs, other natural and/or health related products.

"Striving to provide clients with resources for health & healing."

Any questions or suggestions, please feel free to message or email me.

Hope to see y'all there!

07/17/2020

Good morning!

The soft opening of "The Farmacy Health Shoppe & Farmer's Market" is today, July 17th from 1pm--8pm and tomorrow, July 18th from 7am--Noon at 211 S. Orange St. in Albion. You can park in the street, in front of the garage or in the grass in back near the alley.

We will have a farmer's market set up in front with offerings from various local farmers!
Our offerings will be green beans, swiss chard, lemon basil, yellow zucchini (better taste & more nutritious!), cucumbers, baby potatoes, tomatoes, beautiful garlic, sweet Candy onions, dill, corn, tatsoi (Asian spinach), cauliflower--both white & gorgeous purple, broccoli, leeks! Also farm fresh eggs!

While you are here, you are welcome to come inside the shoppe and check out our offerings there. We are getting new things every day; we have my products & products from several different artisans, herbalists and health related businesses.

Any questions, please message me here or email me at [email protected].

Hope to see y'all soon!

07/15/2020

The soft opening of "The Farmacy Health Shoppe & Farmer's Market" is this Friday, July 17th from 1pm--8pm and this Saturday, July 18th from 7am--Noon at 211 S. Orange St. in Albion. You can park in the street, in front of garage or in the grass in back near the alley.

We will have a farmer's market set up in front with offerings from various local farmers!
Our offerings will be green beans, swiss chard, lemon basil, yellow zucchini (better taste & more nutritious!), cucumbers, baby potatoes, tomatoes, beautiful garlic, sweet Candy onions, dill, corn, tatsoi (Asian spinach), cauliflower--both white & gorgeous purple, broccoli, leeks! Also farm fresh eggs!

While you are here, you are welcome to come inside the shoppe and check out our offerings there. We are getting new things every day; we have products from several different artisans, herbalists and health related businesses.

Any questions, please message me here or email me at [email protected].

Hope to see y'all then!

07/05/2020

Grab your ticket for the next Market Meal To Go on July 7th made by The Wedge featuring Salade Niçoise (hard boiled egg, green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, olives), Paris Baguette with brie and tomato spread, and dessert by Anna's Bread. Order at www.goshenfarmersmarket.org/marketmealtogo

07/02/2020

The Fox Trail Fam 2020 Garlic harvest is in the books. Thanks to my Sister Lori and brother -in law Doug, the process went flawlessly and way faster. This year's crop is absolutely beautiful. We have fresh garlic available now in 5 varieties. In three weeks or so we will have cured culinary garlic and limited quantities of seed garlic available. Stay tuned here for updates!

06/28/2020

Our sprouts are ready! Colleen turned me on to this system for growing sprouts that's super easy, foolproof and affordable. Best system I've seen. You can choose from several different sprout varieties. Great for salads, sandwiches etc. Hit her up if you're interested and she can hook you up.

06/25/2020

The Farmacy and Fox Trail Farm will have our usual sale this Saturday at our location in Albion, 211 S. Orange St, from 9am-2pm or otherwise arranged.

We have lots of beautiful veggies growing and some are ready to harvest!!!
This week we will have:
*Swiss Chard--this underappreciated super food is so healthy and versatile: use just as you would spinach, either fresh or cooked. It is one of my favorite greens and I love it! I will have some idea for cooking to share with you at the market.
*Lemon Basil--lots of this; great for pesto and lots of dishes. We also have Dill, Oregano, Sage, Cilantro & Spearmint.
*Still a few pounds of asparagus but this is the last picking.
*Garlic Scape Pesto
Our awesome garlic, zucchini, cucumbers & Tatsoi are only a week or 2 away!

The Farmacy also has lots of herbals for sale. The shoppe is not officially opened yet; we are shooting for middle of July!

We will be hosting a "U-Pick" green bean program at the farm!!! Let us know if you would like to put your name on the list or need more info. We are thinking the first pickings will begin around the middle of July.

***I have some plants left and you can take your choice free with a purchase! They need good homes.

Hope to see y'all Saturday!

Almost forgot farm fresh chicken and duck eggs!

06/24/2020

This is the time of the season when we do a sample harvest of our garlic to evaluate the progress of the crop. This sample indicates our garlic is healthy and happy and is on schedule for harvesting soon after the July 4th holiday. Our ginger crop is also coming along nicely after a thorough weeding today. The much needed rain Monday evening made all the plants very happy!

06/18/2020

I am going to continue having a small market every Saturday from 9am-2pm at 211 S. Orange St. in Albion even tho The Farmacy isn't opened yet. I am tentatively planning our soft opening in the middle of July.

We have farm fresh chicken and duck eggs. Sweet baby turnips. A few quarts of local, yummy, ripe strawberries--$5 qt. A few pounds of organic asparagus--if you haven't had your fill; this is pretty much your last chance!

I have just made a fresh batch of Organic Elderberry Syrup with extra Vit C! $20 for 12 oz. I also have some Wellness Tincture available! Calendula Skin Healing Salve, Cold & Congestion Balm, First Aid Balm and a few other things.

I do have maybe a dozen plants left that need to go into the ground. Clearance or free with purchase!

I am looking for other farmers, artisans, creators, workshop leaders--to collaborate in the health shoppe & farm market. We are planning to have yoga with a certified instructor if we get enough interest. I only have room for a small group--5 or 6; so please let me know if you are interested. Details coming.

Hope y'all have a great weekend! Stay safe & cool!

06/17/2020

Photos from Fox Trail Farm's post

06/17/2020

Dear friends and supporters of Fox Trail Farm. This is a bit unusual I know but I'm putting this out here first. It has been a great joy in my life to have the opportunity of owning and operating this farm along with the help of a highly skilled and dedicated partner Colleen Craig. It is not an easy decision and this is without doubt the most rewarding and at the same time the most challenging and demanding work I have done in my life. The reality is that the physical demands have become more challenging now that I'm in my 60's. After a decade and a half of developing Fox Trail Farm it is time to find a new owner that has the passion and energy to take over what we have built over the past 16 years. My hope is to find a new owner who has the passion, drive and desire to continue to build on what has been created here. The timing is good - the demand for healthy local food has never been greater and Fox Trail Farm has the capacity to grow large quantities of fresh organic produce. We were one of the first farms in the Great Lakes region to become Certified Naturally Grown. So if anyone knows of an interested and qualified party please spread the word. In the meantime, the farm continues to operate albeit at a smaller scale than previous years and we will have an abundance of our specialty produce available this season including onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, squash, melons and more. We have chosen not to participate at the Whitley County Farmer's Market this season. The intentional scaling back of the work load here at the farm and the challenges of participating in a market operating under new pandemic guidelines have combined to lead us to a different approach this year. We plan to make our produce available on a no-contact basis from the farm or from Colleen's business at The Farmacy at 211 S. Orange Street in Albion. We also plan to offer our seasonal produce to The Health Food Shoppe and Three Rivers Co-Op in Ft Wayne and select restaurants in the area. My desire is to transfer Fox Trail Farm to a new qualified owner as a turnkey operation so that it can continue to be operated as an organic produce farm. As bittersweet as it is for myself and Colleen, It's a great opportunity for the right person or family and I would be willing to offer support and consultation to a potential qualified new owner in the transition.

06/15/2020

I am looking for fellow collaborators for The Farmacy Health Shoppe & Farm Market. My mission statement is "providing clients with products that promote health & healing" so anything that fits that model--Artisan, handmade products like soap, deodorant, etc. Farm products. Beautiful creations that bring peace of mind & joy.

I am also looking for people to teach workshops which will be hosted in the meeting room. Again, anything that fits the health, well-being or happiness model.

Please message me if you have something & let's talk. Or if you know someone, pass it on to them. Or if you have product or workshop suggestions. I welcome your input!

06/13/2020

Don't forget to stop by the Farmacy in Albion today to pick up some plants, organic asparagus, radishes, turnips or garlic scapes! We will be here until 2pm. Address is: 211 S. Orange St.
Hope to see you today!

06/11/2020

I am having another plant and produce sale this Saturday, June 13th from 9am-2pm at the future site of The Farmacy, 211 S. Orange St. Still have several plants--both perennial and annuals. Produce available is organic asparagus, radishes, turnips & garlic scapes!!! Farm fresh eggs: $3.50 dz. Duck eggs (great for baking): $5 dz.

A word about our wonderful garlic scapes--these are used just like garlic bulbs fresh in your dishes. Or they make a great pesto to add to soups, casseroles, anywhere you want garlic flavor. They also are awesome pickled. You can chop and freeze them for later use. And they are just plain fun with their funky appearance!

Hope you can drop by!

06/06/2020

Don't forget today is the plant sale at The Farmacy from 7am-7pm--211 S. Orange St. Albion.
I've also got beautiful organic asparagus, radishes and baby turnips! Farm fresh eggs for $3.50 dz.

06/03/2020

I am having an organic plant sale this Saturday 7am-7pm at The Farmacy. Address is 211 S. Orange St. Albion.

I will have:
Calendula
Cilantro/Coriander
Greek Oregano
Day Lilies
Cat Nip
Comfrey
Garlic Chives
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Black violas
2 types of sedum
Columbine
Yellow Cauliflower
Sweet Annie (Wormwood)
Lemon Balm
Aloe Vera starts
Purple Bellflowers
Parsley
Chives
Red Poppy
Yellow Woodland Buttercup

There are different sizes and different prices based on difficulty propagating, size, and availability.

2- pink Lilac bushes
1- Elderberry bush

We also have beautiful organic asparagus, radishes, baby turnips and farm fresh eggs! Some of my herbal products are available as well!

Please text me at 260-242-0467 so I will know you are coming; I can't hear the door when I'm upstairs or in the back yard.
Remember I also have farm fresh eggs, organic asparagus, radishes and baby turnips!!!

06/03/2020

I have lots of beautiful organic asparagus available for sale. $4 lb. Pick up in Albion or can arrange meeting in Columbia City. I also have farm fresh eggs, radishes, baby turnips, my herbal products and plants!

05/18/2020

The Sickness in Our Food Supply

An article worth reading for those interested in better understanding the logistical fault lines in our industrial food supply system.

“Only when the tide goes out,” Warren Buffett observed, “do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” For our society, the Covid-19 pandemic represents an ebb tide of historic proportions, one that is laying bare vulnerabilities and inequities that in normal times have gone undiscovered. No...

05/14/2020

TOP 20 AYURVEDIC HERBS THAT CAN HEAL YOU INSIDE OUT

Our turmeric crop will be coming out of the pre-sprout chamber and planted into their permanent growing beds within the next couple weeks.

05/12/2020

Going Local: The Case For Bringing America’s Meat Supply Closer To Home

Going Local: The Case For Bringing America’s Meat Supply Closer To Home

A growing chorus of local farmers have been calling for a decentralization of food production for decades, and are increasingly emboldened amid coronavirus closures at Tyson, Smithfield and other major meatpackers.

05/11/2020

As Food Supply Chain Breaks Down, Farm-To-Door CSAs Take Off

As Food Supply Chain Breaks Down, Farm-To-Door CSAs Take Off

Community Supported Agriculture programs that sell a weekly box of produce directly to consumers are popular amid concerns about grocery shopping during the pandemic.