Farm Blog

Thank you again for braving the blizzard to celebrate, connect with great food, and 'planting an orchard'! Just imagine all those future cherry trees (don't forget to squat:-).
I am so uplifted from all the good vibes, intentions, laughter and seeds shared and planted.

We were able to raise $850.00 in funds! This will go a long way, thank you! Additionally, with all the seeds donated today and from what I've gleaned from others, The women growers in the Sine-Saloum region will be able to plant out a couple hundred row feet/farm. In the past we've planted shared 'demonstration beds' ie since many of the farmers share space/land to grow on we've constructed seeds beds to trial different varieties, plant insectory herbs and flowers and share techniques. From there seeds are harvested and shared forward amongst the individual farmers. So in essence your generosity helped plant teaching/learning/eating/

sharing beds of veggie, herb, and flower goodness!
 

I will honor my commitment and extend the immense gratitude, generosity that was shared during the workshop with the women farmers in the following ways:

Work with NCBA CLUSA Farmer to Farmer Program to transfer funds and mail seeds.
I'll also email and share highlights, photos forward later this week in celebration of our workshop success.

I am tentatively set to travel there Nov/Dec. or January in 2016.

I also finally remembered the name of third grower group, JUBO (means widespread). If you're interested in learning more about how they got started, here's a link to an interview I did as part of my last Farmer to Farmer adventure in Senegal.

I Will keep you in the loop as the project evolves and thanks again for sharing your generous spirit!

For the chocolate lovers:
Becky Otte, who made the amazing truffles, has more of her chocolate goodness to share and is selling some of her creations just in time for Valentines. if you're interested send her an email: raonine@gmail.com

Also Here is a link to Roots Chocolate website.

For the Fruit Lovers:

I've enclosed a handout of some of the different fruits we grow at our farm as well as a flyer highlighting this season's events at the farm! We'd love to have you venture out and tour the orchard, come visit us (though not nearly as cool as the orchard poses we did during the workshop).

Thank you again for helping me transition from being a butterfly weed seed (ie wind pollinated, not knowing where or how my intentions, projects might stick) to more of an oak or cashew seeds - wherein I can deepen my awareness, provide support in the same place(s) in Senegal for the growers and in my backyard in Wisconsin:-). Here's to planting the seeds of the as yet to be imagined on and off the yoga mat! Wishing you all much abundance.

Happy Mid-winter!

Yours in hardy kiwi,
Erin


PS If you are into exploring the planting side as well as enjoying more local fruit creations, we'll be hosting a Local Fruit Tasting May 16, details on our website.

 

You're Invited: Yoga, Chocolate & Fruit Tasting Benefit Supporting Seeds for Senegal Project

Sunday, January 24, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Main St. Yoga Studio, 1882 East Main St. Madison, WI

Suggested Contribution: $30 or $25 plus a *vegetable seed packet
 

Gratitude from the farmers who were able to build a raised vegetable bed with funds donated from last year's yoga, chocolate and fruit tasting event. Photo by Yaguemar Diop

Gratitude from the farmers who were able to build a raised vegetable bed with funds donated from last year's yoga, chocolate and fruit tasting event. Photo by Yaguemar Diop

Come breathe, move, open your heart, and celebrate mid-winter with an all - levels yoga class taught by Hatha Yoga Instructor Barbara Flesch.

Then we’ll dine in community, savoring the sensory experience of nourishment with a mindfulness tasting of chocolate, and sweet and savory fruits grown with love and care with Erin Schneider, Co-owner of Hilltop Community Farm, LLC. Cost of class includes yoga instruction and homemade and homegrown organic food, fruit and refreshments from Hilltop Community Farm.

Enjoying fruit and chocolate creations during last year's event. We hope to see you again this season! - Photo by Nicci Schmidet

Enjoying fruit and chocolate creations during last year's event. We hope to see you again this season! - Photo by Nicci Schmidet

This is the 5th year that Farmer Erin will be traveling to Senegal as a volunteer to provide technical assistance and exchange ideas/tips with women farmers in the areas of food security and agriculture.

Senegalese farmers companion seeding basil and peppers during a Farmer to Farmer Assignment in 2014. Photo by Erin Schneider

Senegalese farmers companion seeding basil and peppers during a Farmer to Farmer Assignment in 2014. Photo by Erin Schneider

Whether its seeds or seeding ideas, funds donated will help women farmers with the Xay Fye Farm and other women farmer associations, grow their farms and (re) build their local seed network. This project is unique in working with women as agents of change and in its participatory, inclusive approach in development and design. Thank you for sharing your gifts and helping plant seeds of possibility around the world!

We look forward to celebrating with you!

**If you're donating seeds as part of your contribution - suggested varieties include:
hot pepper
tomato
onion
basil
eggplant
marigold
calendula
please donate open pollinated seeds (non-hybrid/non-gmo)