Sunnviue Blog

Dear Friends of Sunnivue Farm,            Despite their reputation for conservatism and caution, farmers are frequently called upon to respond with daring and ingenuity to new conditions, whether these are changes in the economy and markets, unfavourable climate and weather, social and political changes, or changing personal circumstances.             Recently the farmers at Sunnivue made a decision which will change the nature of the farm operation, yet will still leave in place many of the essentials of the farm that we have come to know and love. They have decided to stop producing and shipping milk, which means selling their quota (that is, their authorization to sell a certain quantity of milk) and selling most of the beloved cows.             This decision was of course not taken lightly. It has been clear for some time that the work in the barn is demanding in the extreme, especially as pressures within the agricultural “industry” continue pushing farmers to expand their operations in order to maintain viability. The farmers are all people of enormous strength; none of us want to see them tax that strength beyond endurance.             The new much smaller herd will still contain a few old favourites, including Budleja and Lilly, both 11 years old, as well as a number of steers. Calves will still be born from time to time, and there will still be cows and cats to visit and commune with.  The barn will still be able to stock the farm store with organic meats. At the same time, this decision will enable the farmers to consider other possibilities and new directions for the farm.            I hope that many of you will be able to visit the barn again before most of the cows depart in mid-September to strengthen other dairy herds. While there, of course, you will want to visit the store, where the stocks of produce are building toward their autumn climax. Sunnivue sweet corn was available in abundance this week, and there will still be some next Saturday. Tomatoes, ground cherries, and numerous other delicacies and staples will be weighting the shelves.

            With best wishes,

            Sally