What is the definition of a Farmer? A farmer is a person who operates or manages a piece of land on which crops or animals are raised. To be considered an agricultural producer, a farm or ranch must make at least $1,000, annually, in gross income from the land. Who is the typical farmer? Other than the images we have of a person in overalls and a straw hat, farmers are not very common. Less than 1 percent of our population is classified as Agricultural Producers (Farmers). Figures from the Agricultural Census show that farmers are becoming an extinct species. Here are some of the statistics from 2002 to 2007:
• The total number of acres in farmland has declined by 16 million acres.
• The average farm shrank from 441 acres to 418 acres.
• Only 33 percent of new farms declared agriculture as their primary source of income.
• Only 45 percent of all farms said that farming produced their primary income.
• Out of every retail dollar of commodities produced, the farmer receives only $0.12.
• The average age of the typical farmer grew from 47 to 57 years old.
• Farmers over 50 outnumber farmers under 30 by a ratio of 70 to1.
• Farmers over the age of 75 grew by 20 percent.
• The number of farmers under 30 decreased by 30 percent.
The most alarming figure is that farmers are getting older and trying to keep farming, while there are less young farmers coming on board. Which begs the question, ‘Who will grow our future crops?’
To help sustain farming, old and new, we can support this time-honored profession and nation building practice by recruiting, promoting, and supporting our family farmers and their children. After all, why not contribute to something we actually need in our lives, like nourishment. Food is, after all, sustenance for the mind and body and often shared as a special connection with family and friends. In other words, homemade strawberry scones? Fresh veggie frittata? Barbecue at my house, 7 p.m.?
Summer looms near and so I present the beginnings of a number of savory fruits and vegetables, to grill, bake, and add as seasoning.
Horseradish and wasabi are the vegetables of the month. Although horseradish and wasabi are often considered the same plant, they are distinctively different. Both have been used by past civilizations for medicinal cleansing purposes, and have high antioxidant properties.
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a perennial vegetable, which is a near-relative of the cabbages and mustards. It originated in Germany, and is primarily raised for its enlarged taproot, used to make dressings for meat, fish, and soups. The majority of horseradish comes from Tulelake, California, and Illinois.
Wasabi is also a perennial herb, and has two common species in the mustard family: Wasabia tenuis (Yuri – wild variety) and Wasabia japonica (Sawa – cultivated variety). Wasabi originated along the mountain streams of Japan, and is a cousin to horseradish. In wasabi preparation, the leaves, stems, and above-ground rhizomes are used to make authentic wasabi. The main difference in these two cousins is that only the underground root of the horseradish plant is used, while the whole wasabi plant is utilized. Both plants are known to pack a ‘quick punch’ to your eyes and nostrils, thanks to the enzme allyl isothiocyanate, the major pungent component.
In 2005, the major wasabi growers in the U.S. were bought out by a large international corporation, which has cornered the wasabi market. Most wasabi today is made with horseradish powder and a green dye for coloring.
What you will see coming to the Truckee/Tahoe Area:
Vegetables & Fruits: In late May at the Chico Farmers’ Market I saw a lot of herbs; cool season leafy greens like arugula, lettuces, cabbage, chard, collards; few broccoli, cauliflower, and kale; and plenty of onions, green onions, and leeks. Asian vegetables were also in abundance. Finally there were a lot of local strawberries, artichokes and asparagus.
(A reminder that the Tahoe City Farmers’ Market begins May 21, continuing every Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Commons Beach; the Truckee Market begins June 9, continuing Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Truckee River Regional Park; and the Kings Beach Market begins June 9, continuing Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Highway 28 at Bear St., foothillfarmersmarket.com)
Sierra Valley Farms: We seeded our first crops of spinach, lettuces, kales, and collards. We are now recruiting for docents and interns on the farm for summer. For info, contact Gary at 530-832-0114, or romano@psln.com
Greenhouses/Cold Frames in Truckee/Tahoe: Last month I advised you to plant your vegetable starts, so if you haven’t please do. Some tips for vegetables: keep your greenhouses between 45 degrees (night) and 90 degrees (day) (you can use a high/low thermometer to monitor temperature). Be sure to vent greenhouses in the afternoon and keep soil ph between 6.5 and 7.5. Lastly, use only garden/straw compost and manures, not pine/fir barks or mulches.
Let me leave you with this thought for May: ‘A farmer on his knees is higher than a gentleman on his legs.’
~ American proverb
~ Gary Romano owns Sierra Valley Farms, which sits on some of his family’s original 3,600-acre ranch in Beckwourth. sierravalleyfarms.com.
