Update for the 2013 season: At the farm we made the decision in 2008 to use harvested rainwater to grow produce, at least for the first few years while we were enriching the soil and growing the size of our planting area. But 2010 proved to be too dry to be able to use just rainwater and with no well it made it tough to raise enough produce to make money and keep the business going. (as much as we love farming, profit has to be at least one of the most important things we focus on. No profit, no business) So, the last 3 years we have had to make the difficult decision to suspend operations, put together money to drill a well and install some irrigation infrastructure.The cost will be around $15,000.  Of course with the economy and housing markets still in sad shape, it’s difficult to find the capital for the improvements. Making this decision wasn’t an easy one but it was necessary for our future success. Serving our customers by providing healthy food is  our #1 reason for wanting to farm and it wouldn’t be possible to meet the required amount of produce for our CSA members and other customers if there isn’t adequate irrigation. Rainwater will remain our primary source of irrigation but well water will back  it up when the Mother Nature isn’t cooperating.

With some extra time on our hands  it will be a good to explore expansion of our offerings. Small fruits like cane berries and tree fruits like apples may work well in our climate and be a good fit for our farm. If there are suggestions on what types of fruit you would like to have available please send us an email, it’s always good to have  input.

Our hope is to be back operating by next season. The fields will be planted to clover so that they can rest and be ready to resume growing healthy produce next year. In the meantime the clover roots will keep the soil in place, pull nitrogen from the air and have lots of flowers to support bees and other pollinators.

The farm is a very special place for us, we look forward to getting our hands back into the soil and sharing its bounty with you.

See you all soon,

Kathy Katz and much appreciated field hand, my husband Dennis

The Buča Farmer/Kathy Katz, Farmer                                           
N6830 Hefty Rd    
Monticello, WI 53570
608 636 3034                                                                                        
thebucafarmer@msn.com

 Here is a good video that explains some of the funding issues that small-scale and/or organic farmers such as ourselves face.

The farm’s certification from CNG is currently suspended and when we are back to operating it will be renewed. We believe it’s a great program that helps farmers keep what they feel are the most important principles of organic/sustainable agriculture alive in this country.  This is your assurance that our farm is adhering to growing standards that will produce healthy food for you, your family and preserve the health of the surrounding environment.  For more information on CNG http://www.naturallygrown.org/