SPUDS

Field Date- Saturday, Dec. 10th, 2011

2011-12-09T02:30:00.000-08:00

highlights from e-mail to membership, Dec. 9th (for November 27th Meeting Minutes, please see previous post):

First of all, a warm welcome to our two newest members, Kathleen Dunster and John Tansley!

Secondly, we have some hay being delivered this weekend to the SPUDS patch, and are hoping a few more members (and a couple of additional wheel barrows) will be on hand at 2:00 pm Saturday, December 10th, to move the bales inside our fenced area and under a tarp! So far, Ron and Sheila, Mike and Fireweed, and possibly Kevin, will be able to make it. Anyone else able to join us at that time for an hour or less?

Our hope is to 'stack' a few tasks, including the distribution of hay left over from last fall (wet now and decomposing nicely) onto specific areas of the field currently being mulched for spring planting. Also, to spread cardboard and help further our advances in weed suppression along the perimeter of the field where grass has a particularly aggressive habit of encroaching!

Please bring any outstanding membership fee for the year with you on Saturday, if you can! Also, feel free to request any additions or corrections to the Minutes attached. Thanks in advance for a quick rsvp about Saturday, and confirmation if you have a wheelbarrow you could bring! Other than that, a pair of gloves and appropriate footwear are probably all you need to think about. Hope to see you soon if you're free!

-Fireweed (for SPUDS Field Management sub-committee)

SPUDS General Meeting, November 27, 2011

2011-12-09T02:15:00.000-08:00

Location: Dave and Tanya’s- 2585 Piercy Road

Minute Taker: Michael Nestor

In attendance: Ron Dobie, Kathleen Holden, Dave Graf, Tanya Quinn, Fireweed, Mike Nestor, Robert Fox

In absentia, but confirmed as 2012 members: Susan Marie Yoshihara, Vern Wright, Karl Goodwin, Kevin Mitchell, Ron Sakolsky, Sheila Nopper, John Tansley, and Kathleen Dunster

AGENDA:

1) Membership update

2) Slide Show- year in review

3) Financial Report

4) Field Management Update

5) Seed Ordering

6) Ideas for edging of field/weed suppression/minimal tillage

7) Ideas/plans for spring planting

8) Water catchment project update

9) Garden Party suggestion

10) Communications

11) Fundraising/grant ideas

12) Other

13) Next field date

1) Membership update

Fireweed and Mike report 10 family memberships are confirmed so far for 2012 (9 active*), and 3 single memberships

*Veronica Timmons will be supporting the co-op with a 2012 membership, but not renewing active participation due to other priorities. She kindly sends her regards to everyone, with the message: “My time with SPUDS has been wonderful, and a great learning opportunity”. Update: Veronica has also written again to say she will be dropping off some cardboard for us in the field…thx, V!

A warm welcome to our two newest members (not in attendance): John Tansley (who built our water catchment over the cistern!), and Dr. Kathleen Dunster

Members are encouraged to talk up SPUDS, and invite friends, new islanders, families, etc, to consider getting involved with our community food security project.

2) Slide Show

Fireweed presented a detailed slide show and overview of field activity from last winter through to this fall, including images from work bee gatherings, cover crop development in each of the four quadrants, our new cistern roof, new hose/watering system, planting dates, challenges, successes, and celebrations. (Plans for an edited version highlighting our efforts may eventually manifest in a YouTube video format to incorporate some of our now fairly extensive photo documentation better online- but don’t hold your breath!)

3) Financial Report

Mike provided an update on SPUDS finances (not a detailed annual report). Please refer to separate attachment. Note: Additional figures provided for clarification in email to membership accompanying this Minutes mailout, include donated funds to SPUDS account, and money recouped from the sale of extra potato seed

4) Field Management Update

Fireweed reported that sections of the field were quickly cover-cropped in clover and partly in pea, not long after our fall harvest. Mike Lindsay dropped by to help members of the Field Management sub-committee consider whether or not we should plow areas of the field quite overgrown with hairy vetch, and grass, and a decision was made to wait till spring before any further tillage. Minimizing soil disturbance, conserving funds, and allowing natural reseeding of our cover crop made sense, as the long growth dies back, adding humus to the soil. It is likely still going to be necessary to plow under grasses and weeds in the spring however, and until we are able to suppress field growth we don’t want more effectively- perhaps in part through introducing vigorous alternatives (ideas discussed later- see below)

We will be planting in the upper left hand quadrant next year. Progress has been made since our fall harvest, suppressing encroaching weed growth in this area along the fence line closest to the woods with cardboard and hay mulch (also along the top edge of the field). Dried hairy vetch raked up in the neighbouring quadrant (closest to the cistern), has been redistributed/used as mulch to mark potentially no-till, or minimal till planting strips for our 2012 potato crop. All cover crop seems to have successfully ‘taken’, so will hopefully survive the winter and continue building soil fertility.

Members in attendance were in favor of sticking with the same amount of plants for 2012 (we had reduced our crop size considerably for 2011, and found this helpful, commensurate with membership numbers, water availability, and time involved in crop management).

5) Seed Ordering

Ron Dobie confirmed that Max will be able to pick up our potato seed again on Vancouver Island, and Fireweed will check with our distributor to see what will be available this year. Those present were interested in planting Sieglindes again, but we might also consider another variety if we can acquire a small quantity of certified organic seed that suits us. We will order the minimum 50 pounds of Sieglindes to get in on the group discount we have been accustomed to, and once again offer for sale the extra certified organic seed we don’t need.

6) Ideas for edging of field/weed suppression/minimal tillage

Prospective edging crops- cover crops for mulch, comfrey, sunflowers, kale, companion plants suitable for potatoes, and less attractive to wireworms (or attractive to predators of wireworms!) Cranberries were mentioned as a possible crop for watery areas of the field less well suited for potatoes.

Ron Dobie agreed to do some research about companion planting and the pros and cons of some of the plants proposed as potential candidates for weed suppression, etc. Update: please refer to additional document attached, regarding Ron’s followup research, which favors comfrey and kale!

Fireweed will look into ordering of hairy vetch from Vancouver again (favored as an edging plant, for growing our own mulch), and the possibility of splitting a bag with Ironwood Farms in Fanny Bay (which helped cut our costs two years ago) Dave and Tanya said they might be able to pick it up from the distributor in the lower mainland (a significant savings over ordering it up island from a retail outlet).

7) Ideas/plans for spring planting

Hopefully we can plant early again in 2012… this year we got our potato seed in the ground on April 9^th, over a month earlier than the year before (May 27^th, 2010!) Fireweed and Mike have acquired a hand mower, and presented the idea of limited till on strips currently mulched by hairy vetch pilings, with cover crop then encouraged between these rows to be mowed by hand (to avoid excessive growth, and utilize the ‘trimmings’ as super rich mulch/soil enhancer). Some discussion ensued about planting the rows across the quadrant as opposed to straight up and down, although this might not be advantageous.

Bringing Mike Lindsay in to do a three quarters plus plowing of the field NOT slated for cultivation was suggested as a means of getting on top of weeds, and will require immediate reseeding with cover crop. This tillage would be more intensive than usual, possibly requiring an equipment change for a second round in order to really break down the existing growth in the field to build humus and hold back grass and weeds. Our budget is looking good for 2012, and it was suggested that the additional expense might be a really appropriate use of our funds at this stage of field management (also in light of having reduced our fossil fuel usage in 2011, as well as our need to contract tillage since we did all our own rototilling in the spring, let the cover crops self re-seed, and chose not to till in the fall, also sparing our funds at that time)

8) Water catchment project update

Dave will talk to John Tansley, builder of our cistern roof and new SPUDS member, about finishing up the water catchment with the addition of eaves. Our grant monies ran out before the final stage could be completed, and John has kindly offered to volunteer his services to assist with the remainder of the project. Mike and Ron Dobie both have some eaves parts/gutters that could be used for this project. We also have money in our budget to purchase additional hardware as required.

Dave is in touch with Keith Walker about his own successful water catchment system, and will be furthering his investigation into how best to insulate our tank valve so we can avoid any freezer damage during cold temperatures without draining our tank. Dave has also offered to build an insulated, protective covering. We may have to totally drain the tank, in order to turn the whole thing slightly, to adjust access to the water filling valve at the top. We’ll do this altogether when we have a group available, or else John may be able to simply move a brace holding up the roof structure to alleviate any potential difficulty with fire department fillings.

Mike will ask Charlie about which option would be preferable from the standpoint of the Fire department which has so generously accommodated us with water, and will no doubt be appreciated again for that, during our next dry season.

9) Garden Party suggestion

A proposal was made to the group that we consider hosting a garden party (mini work bee) for a former SPUDSter (who has been a very supportive member in the past, and has experienced debilitating back problems this year- alongside his partner’s sprained ankle). All in attendance supported the idea in principle, and Fireweed will pursue whether or not such a gesture would be appropriately helpful before we set anything into motion.

10) Communications

Ron suggested that we include mention in a new year’s article about SPUDS, that we will have extra potato seed for sale, and enhance our networking that way. If we have lots of interest prior to placing our own order, we could even acquire a couple of cases of seed to share outside the co-op membership. Fireweed has volunteered to write something up for the January Flagstone.

Sheila Nopper and Fireweed are currently on the Communications team, and Sheila has compiled a hard copy of SPUDS material for public access in the library. Additional members are welcome to help out with communications and field management planning at any time. Dave Graf will be staying on board the Field Management sub-committee for 2012, along with Mike and Fireweed, and hopefully Tanya (if she has the time!)

11) Fundraising/grant ideas

Mike will reapply for a Regional Grant for 2012 (deadline in February). He explained that our acquisition of the Economic Enhancement Grant for our water catchment system project in 2011 resulted in us not qualifying for any additional RG funding in 2011.

12) Other- Cardboard, and Hay

We could really use more large cardboard, to suppress invasive grass and weed growth all around the entire perimeter of the field. Members are encouraged to keep on the lookout in town for large brown box cardboard without staples or colored ink. We can use cardboard with tape, as long as it is removed.

Kathy let us know that she has recently purchased hay from Fern and Dave Neidermoser for 2.50 a bale, and agreed to contact Dave to see how much we might acquire for $50. Tom Dennis’ hay was mentioned, but concerns raised about canary grass content. We have received free old hay from Doug Wright in previous years, and had discussed paying him the next time, as he does normally sell his hay as well.

Update: Dave Neidermoser will be delivering twenty bales of hay to the field for a total cost of $65, which includes transport and a reduced price on the bales (he normally charges $3 per bale, but had given Kathy a deal and has kindly agreed to extend this same price to SPUDS as well.)

13) Next field date

A short work bee was proposed for distributing the hay remaining from last year onto specific areas of the field to be planted next spring, and to position existing cardboard…sometime soon. Update: on Saturday, December 10^th, at 2:oo pm, members are encouraged to come on out to also help move the hay that will now be delivered that day by Dave Neidermoser into our fenced area.

2012 Planning Meeting SUNDAY, November 27th, 7 pm

2011-11-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

Time flies! With winter fast approaching, and so many potatoes from our fall harvest already consumed, some of us are keen to start planning for 2012!

Please come join the SPUDS Field Management Sub-committee get together scheduled for Sunday, November 27th at 7 pm. Tanya and Dave are kindly hosting, and they live at 2585 Piercy Road (water side). We'll be reviewing the past year, sharing updates and ideas with the membership for 2012, and determine how many members we can count on for the 2012 growing season! Please bring your membership fee with you and let's take it from there! As always, new agenda items are welcome, so please contact one of us ahead of time if you have anything you would like added to the list.

For those curious about the field, we managed to avoid bringing in a plough this past fall before a pretty quick and spontaneous sowing of clover and pea throughout the field. This saved us money, and of course is consistent with our Basis of Unity statement goal of fossil fuel reduction.

Thanks to those who have contributed cardboard to the project, we have successfully pushed back a good deal of the long, tall grass invasion on the side of the field closest to next year's planting quadrant. Fascinating photos are being compiled in preparation for next weekend's meeting...hope to see you there!

If you can't make the meeting, please rsvp anyway, letting your Co-op know if we can look forward to working together with you in the field in 2012 once again! Hope to see you soon, and hear from everyone sooner! :) -Fireweed (for SPUDS field management sub-committee)

SPUDS WEEDING & HARVEST DATES!

2011-08-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here's hoping all co-op members are enjoying these glorious dog days of summer! Please mark your calendars now for some important dates:

1) This coming Monday evening, August 22nd at 7:00 pm, it would be great if a few SPUDS members could come on out to help with weeding and other tasks in the field...please bring rake, hoe, and shovel if you have them, for an hour or so during this most beautiful time of the day in the field! RSVP.

2) Saturday, September 3rd, is Harvest Day! Yes, it's Blackberry Faire weekend, and we'll be pulling our plants the day before the faire. Come on out to the field in the late afternoon at 4:30 pm, and plan on staying to enjoy refreshments after all our work is done! Depending, of course, on how many members are in attendance, it shouldn't take long to unearth all our potatoes and divvy them up. A big pot of chili, baked potatoes or cornbread, along with cold beverages will be on hand! If you are unable to make this date, please send someone to represent your membership if you can.

We hope to also be celebrating our brand new water catchment cistern roof, which should be fully installed by then, thanks to our grant from Denman Works, and local builder John Tansley! A reminder notice will be sent out the week before to make sure we know how many names to put in the chili pot, and to make sure everyone remembers what to bring to the harvest.

3) On Sunday, September 4th it would be good to have a presence at the Faire with the photo display we put together for the Conservancy Home and Garden Tour earlier this year. Any members interested in hanging out at our little table for a while over the course of the day, chatting about the Co-op and perhaps helping encourage a few more members for our next growing season, are invited to get in touch.

Field Management Details:

Help needed- a. if anyone is going to town with a pickup truck this week, we need someone to pick up our roofing materials for the cistern water catchment project scheduled to begin asap. Please call for details (1209)

b. We also need more cardboard for the field. Any large brown boxes without colored ink are useful...the bigger the better!

Comments: The Field Management Sub-Committee (FSC) has been monitoring our crop and new watering system closely over the growing season. Special thanks to Graham, Karl and Fox for their assistance while Dave, Tanya, Mike and Fireweed were away in July! Thanks to the Volunteer Fire Department, we are still watering approximately every three days ( we have had two fillings of our cistern this year). Our cover crops have all matured and gone to seed, with the exception of slower growing clover now visible beneath the spent vetch and austrian pea which kept countless bees buzzing happily in the purple patch earlier in the season.

The reduced number of potato plants this year (1/3rd of last year's crop) means that we can expect a smaller harvest over all, although we are hoping that by leaving the plants in the ground as long as possible, whatever spuds have materialized will keep growing until the plants are ready to die back.

While we have been able to retain far better soil moisture this year than last, there is still the possibility that the area of the field we're harvesting from needs more time to recover former nutrient loss in order to produce prolifically. This is why it is important for us to keep our relatively new cover cropping and crop rotation regime going strong! As soon as the harvest has happened we'll need to plan for overall fall planting so overwintering cover crops have a chance to become well established and build soil fertility, especially in the 2012 quadrant!

So stay tuned for more on cover cropping requirements as they develop. SPUDS members will be needed to help out in that department sooner or later, too. The FSC will schedule a meeting of the whole sometime after the harvest to review the year and plan ahead, but in the meantime, anyone interested in contributing more to the Co-op by joining the field management team is, as always, more than welcome to do so!

In the meantime, hope to see you Monday, and thanks for that RSVP so we know how many can make it!

-for FSC (Dave, Tanya, Mike & Fireweed)

Thanks to Denman Islander Bryanna Grogan for this totally delish middle eastern recipe for potato kibbeh! -

http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/2007/08/more-adventures-in-middle-eastern.html

SPUDS UPDATE!

2011-07-15T01:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, our plants seem very happy about the lovely rain!

1) ALL ABOUT WATER:

Thanks to everyone who helped water the field while we were waiting on the cistern fillup, and thanks to Steve Ireland for making that arrangement for us while poor CharlieJohnston was recovering from his back injury, and to Peter Marshall and volunteers from the Fire Department for doing the deed!

The field was watered by hand a total of six times over the week to ten days prior to the filling on Wednesday, July 6th, and hopefully some of that water made it down to the roots where it was needed most during this crucial time of plant development. Many thanks to those who assisted and or provided water. Sheila Nopper's Lee Valley hose pump was especially 'back-saving', allowing Mike to fill wine bottles without continuing to lift heavy containers!

The generous donation of new, super lightweight dripline to SPUDS from Denman organic produce grower (and West Jet pilot) Dave Pick was very easy to install. It is elevated along the fence line before it hits the field, due to the fact that by the time it was gifted to us our potato mounds were far above ground level. Thankyou to Graham Hayman as well for his assistance positioning all the hoses. Mike and I anchored the hose to the mounds with found wire from the recycling centre, which we used along the fence as well to hold up the line. We split old cedar shakes to stake the mainline tightly in place. The water distribution throughout the field is very, very even...a big improvement over our former system due in no small part of course to our decrease in plant numbers.Our plants (totalling around 280) have been watered twice now by the cistern, which released the equivilant amount of water on the field in three hours that it took six whole field waterings by hand to accomplish. We LOVE the cistern! :)

Field Management Subcommittee member (and genius!) Dave Graf has just rigged up a buoy system for the cistern which will now allow us to monitor the amount of H20 we are releasing on the field per watering, without having to get up on a ladder with our long dip-stick. While we are hoping for an additional 6 or 7 waterings from the cistern before receiving a second filling from the Fire Department, the amount of time it actually takes to release water is increasing as the pressure in the tank drops.

Graham Hayman has kindly offered to monitor the next several waterings while all FSC members are off island on holidays. In our absence, members Ron Dobie, Karl Goodwin, and Fox will be taking turns turning on the tank every three days. Graham will be turning off the tank each time so one person can be responsible for keeping an accurate record of water levels and flow rate as the tank drains.

The FSC has also mulched the entire field with additional hay to help retain moisture in the mounds, since our drip line is on top of the potato hill and must wick down to reach developing tubers. Fortunately, the heavy rain on Wednesday penetrated the soil all around our potato plants, which doesn't normally happen because the ground in our pathways is so compact.

2) TUBER DEVELOPMENT:

FSC members removed all flowers from blossoming plants this past week, in order to help concentrate plant energy in the roots. We are NOT seeing tuber development in the mounds randomly checked, which could be for a variety of reasons...

i) everything is behind this year by 2-3 weeks due to our cold wet spring
ii) nutrient level in this quadrant is still depleted given that it has been previously planted and our new four year rotation and cover cropping regime was only begun last year.
iii) maybe we waited too long to get to our first hilling....
iv) the tubers are forming closer to the original seed potato beneath ground level (in addition to all of the above!)

In any event, we will keep our fingers crossed for a decent harvest by the end of August!

3) COVER CROPS:

The field was buzzing with a kazillion happy bees when our hairy vetch and volunteer pea were blooming last month! They did indeed catch up with the grass that is also thriving in the field, although we worried they might not! The clover crop has been far less successful in the upper half of the field, and a mystery plant dominated the lower end of our 2011 quadrant, but which has provided great ground cover mixed with our clover there!

We did NOT plant clover between the rows as proposed after final hilling...conditions were not conducive at the time. Additional hay has been distributed between the rows instead to act as weed suppressant and moisture mulch. it will be several years now before we plant potatoes in this area again, leaving us lots of time to boost soil fertility levels through ongoing cover cropping.

After harvest we will need to decide whether or not to till the upper half of the field again for a replanting of a nutrient rich cover crop that can perhaps better suppress the growth of unwanted grass in the area currently designated for our 2012 patch.

4) HARVEST:

Due to our earlier planting this year, we will be harvesting before the Blackberry Faire! Stay tuned for details, but the weekend of August 27th and 28th is likely, if we allow our plants to mature fully and die back naturally.

5) BLOG POSTING:

This year's photos are not all up on the blog...when I'm back from holidays at the end of the month I hope to have a great photo stream of our collective efforts from April on, finally ready for members to enjoy!

6) DENMAN WORKS GRANT and our WATER CATCHMENT SYSTEM:

Work on our water catchment cistern roof should commence around the beginning of August, by local builder John Tansley. Denman Works exists to promote community economic enhancement, so a portion of our grant is designated for materials and the remainder for labor costs. We have tried to source supplies as locally as possible, so some of the wood we are using will have been milled here on Denman. The job won't take long, and we'll be sure to document all progress, as Denman Works requires that we provide regular reports. Please see Dave Graf's draft design here on the spuds blog for general overview.

7) LUCKY SEVEN! If you've read this far, you are a perfect candidate for SPUDS Field Management Sub-Committee! This is just a reminder that anyone interested in helping coordinate field management is welcome and encouraged to participate. Mike and Fireweed, and Tanya and Dave have been meeting this year to coordinate and commiserate...some deliberations happen online, over the phone, or in the field! It's definitely a time commitment, so additional help is always welcome!

8) MEMBERSHIP: This year it was suggested that members commit to at least five or six work bees in the field per membership, in the interests of SPUDS Cooperative sustainability. It's always understood that not everyone can make it out to each and every scheduled event, so please get in touch if you'd like to be contacted to help with additional chores if you haven't been able to get to the field much this year. Every member is valuable, and we want to keep you onboard!

- We could use volunteers to sit with SPUDS display at the Blackberry Faire, and encourage interested islanders to join us!
- If anyone is traveling to the lower mainland, a pickup of our over-wintering cover crop seed from the distributor would save us a little cash over ordering it locally.
- fundraising ideas are always welcome too, including grant research!

9) PLANNING AHEAD: The FSC hasn't talked about a meeting of the whole membership after harvest, but hopefully we can plan ahead for 2012 with input from all members, sometime after the Blackberry Faire!

-Fireweed (for SPUDS FSC) Mike at home with all the blossoms from our 280 plants!

Hilling Party Saturday, June 4th, 2011

2011-06-04T02:17:00.000-07:00

Susan Marie, Dave, Tanya, Kathy, and Mike and Fireweed danced between the raindrops and our gorgeous looking potato plants with our hoes on Wednesday nite. All the weeds (most, anyway!) have been dealt with, and Saturday's work bee can concentrate on our first hilling. We spent about 1 and a half hours on the job weeding, and the hilling should be even faster! Don't forget to bring a hoe, and/or rake, water and a hat. It's supposed to be warm, and we'll be under a high noon sun! See you at 11:00 am!

Weeding and Hilling: Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

2011-06-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Well, after the monsoon earlier today, the soil is going to be...damp out there! Wear your boots, maybe a rainjacket, and bring your hoe and rake and a paddle and we'll see you in the field! The potatoes are growing too fast not to do what we can tonite. Yes, yes, just kidding about the paddle, but we still nee an extra hoe!

SPIRING PLANTING 2011- April 9th!

2011-04-02T01:38:00.000-07:00

Spring is upon us once again, and not a moment too soon! Please mark your calendar now, for 1:00 pm Saturday, April 9th, for gathering in the SPUDS patch for our 2011 spring planting.

Thankyou for responding right away to confirm your ability to attend, or otherwise! The weather is currently promising to co-operate next Saturday, so here's hoping we can get all our potato seed in the ground that afternoon.

PLEASE BRING : a shovel or two, a bucket if you have one, garden gloves, and water to drink. If you have a hoe, it might come in handy, too.

Since we're meeting after lunch, there won't be any veggie chili this year, but as is our custom, there WILL be some kind of treat provided for sharing in celebration after our planting is done! (donations of a loonie or two appreciated for our refreshments coffer)

THE PLAN: As reported earlier in the year, and vetted by the membership, this year's planting will be scaled back significantly- commensurate with membership numbers and water availability. We'll be planting a total of ten rows, three feet apart and 45 feet long. Not as much work as in the past if we have a good turn out!

FIELD UPDATE: Our cover cropping regime is in full swing, with much of the field greening up nicely. So rather than bringing a tractor in to till the field this spring, we are conserving fossil fuel use and tilling just the one quadrant we are planting potatoes in with a borrowed rototiller. Member Dave Graf will be doing this work on our behalf today, Saturday, April 2nd. Mike and Fireweed will be assisting at the field site, and anyone who checks email before noon on Saturday and is interested in coming out on this short notice with a rake and hoe to join us is more than welcome! We're meeting from 10 am till noon.

We are going to be able to plant our seed much earlier this year since we are working in a higher (drier) part of the field. This means we will be able to harvest earlier, and possibly avoid the driest part of the summer (and another drought like last year's, if we're lucky!) Stay tuned for updates on a planned water catchment system in the works over our cistern. The volunteer fire department will only be delivering us two tankloads of water this year, so adequate water remains our biggest challenge in the field. Fewer plants will mean more water availability to each plant for growing more, and/or bigger potatoes...we hope!

MEMBERSHIP: Thanks to Max and Ron for once again picking up our potato seed and delivering it to Denman (Sieglinde potatoes, once again). We have 12 active memberships this year, and 2 supporting memberships.

The Field Management Sub-committee (FSC) would like to encourage each membership to consider aiming for six working visits to the field over the course of the growing season, as part of our co-operative goal of achieving greater sustainability. We know it isn't always possible to make it to all scheduled work-bees, but there are lots of opportunities for chipping in, and we'll keep you posted! We already know there are a few members unavailable for the planting date, so hope the majority of others can make it.

As always, anyone interested in being even more involved by joining the Field Management Sub-committee (FSC), or Communications Team is encouraged to get in touch. NOTE: SPUDS Basis of Unity Statement is now available on a seperate page of this blog.

If you have yet to pay this year's membership fee, please bring it with you to the planting or call to make other arrangements. On a final note for now, a hearty welcome to our latest SPUDS members, Graham Hayman and partner Kathleen Holden!

SPUDS Newz - January 19th, 2010

2011-01-19T03:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Spudsters!

In the previous post on this blog please find the minutes from our end of the year membership meeting (November 28th, 2010) for a long overdue update. The following communique was sent to members with those minutes attached.

Please take note that this coming Saturday, January 22nd, we have a chance to raise a little cash for our Co-operative!

I was asked to provide food for the lunch that is part of the Transition Denman initiative at their official launch this weekend, and have decided to donate all proceeds after expenses to SPUDS, in support of our desire to improve water access for the field by way of a rain catchment system for our cistern.

The request received was for bioregional fare, so of course my choice to include potatoes was a natural one. Hopefully you are already planning to attend the launch, but whether or not you can make it, please spread the word: our SPUDS fundraiser 'lunch for the launch' will be available between noon and 12:45 pm…then pause for a brief presentation in the Front Hall by visiting Green Party leader Elizabeth May. I'm told food service can resume by 1:30 pm and continue to 4:00 pm (or until we run out of goodies)

I have rounded up lots of great Denman veggies, so every item on the menu contains homegrown ingredients- beautiful beet borscht, potato and sweet pea samosas with local fruit chutney, crunchy kale chips, creamy squash soup, savoury potato and sunflower seed pate with basil pesto and roasted tomato puree on rye, pumpkin pie, apple spice muffins, hazelnut spelt squares made with blackberry/plum preserves, local apple juice, etc.

ANY VOLUNTEERS? I am hoping that a couple of other SPUDS members may be interested in lending a hand on Saturday for any length of time at all…the food will be readymade, but Mike and I will be serving out of both the front and back windows of the kitchen, so it will be a bit of a juggling act with just the two of us. It may or may not be busy, but I'm not sure how we'll be able to retrieve used bowls that don't come straight back to the kitchen, for example... if you are interested in helping out the cause, please get in touch asap! -Fireweed

OTHER SPUDS UPDATES

And now for news directly related to the field...

1) Today we received word on our potato seed order pricing for 2011's spring planting. The farmer who organizes a bulk purchase for Vancouver Island had to secure a 40 box order (2,000 pounds) before receiving a cost break, and has just announced that she was successful. Good thing, because the price for organic seed has gone up! Our order will cost $100 for a 50 pound box (up from $75 a case last year) plus $10 for shipping.

It was proposed at our last meeting of the membership on November 28th, that we reduce our seed planting this coming spring, commensurate with membership labor availability, and our very limited water supply. Please refer to the minutes (previous post!) from this meeting for conversation highlights, budget report, etc.

2) SPUDS welcomes new 2011 members Stephen Cooke, Dave Graff and partner Tanya Quinn (Dave joined last fall and is now a very welcome addition to SPUDS Field Management sub-committee), and Yvon Raoul. Yvon lives part time on Denman, so will be a supportive member 'at large', joining us in the field whenever he can.

3) One other highlight to note that won't be in the minutes…SPUDS' request for a refundables bin at the Bottle Depot has been accepted. We now have the opportunity to raise at least $100 a year (the minimum amount required to maintain the privilege of having a bin) towards the cooperative's operating expenses, simply by remembering to donate our recyclables …we must 'use it, or loose it', as the saying goes!

Minutes from Meeting of the Membership, Nov. 28, 2010

2011-01-19T03:52:00.000-08:00

SPUDS MEETING of the MEMBERSHIP; November, 28, 2010

In attendance: Ron Sakolsky, Sheila Nopper, Mike Nestor, Fireweed, Fox, Tanya Quinn, Dave Groff

Facilitation: we were such a small group that we decided picking a facilitator wasn’t necessary. The following notes have been compiled by Fireweed

AGENDA

MEMBERSHIP:

Fireweed provided an update on our numbers, highlighting members not in attendance but who are also confirmed for 2011:

Veronica Timmins, Ron Dobie and Maxine Matilpi, Yvon Raoul (who will be a ‘member at large’, since he is only on Denman part time, Susan Marie Yoshihara, Bill Engelson, Vern Wright, Kevin Mitchell

…and 2010 members who won’t be participating in 2011: Charlie Johnston (to remain supportive, he has offered to provide a total of TWO refills for the cistern through the Volunteer Fire Dept. for 2011); Jan Murphy and Lyndsey Jennings (just way too busy with off island work and school); Herb Jones and Barb Heywood-Jones, Bob Vosburg, DeNeen Baldwin, Rae Eckel and Karl Goodwin (who are stepping back for health reasons but have offered to retain a family membership as ‘members at large’, remaining supportive with a standing offer to help with Karl’s truck whenever we might need the assistance)

Mike announced that our 2011 membership stands at 9 family, and 3 single memberships, noting that this total of 12 should be calculated as 10 ACTIVE memberships, since two memberships are primarily supportive, only. [note: newest member Stephen Cooke signed on for 2011 after this meeting, bringing our 2011 membership up to 13 as of mid January, or 11 Active memberships]

FINANCIAL REPORT:

Mike provided the following accounting info for 2010:

Income:

Memberships- $420.00 (230.00 +190.00= $420.00)

Grant - 200.00 Aug. 3, 10

Misc. - 14.00

TOTAL 634.00

Bank Account:

Balance as of 11/26/10 231.01

Pending check from Yvon Raoul +50.00

281.01

*Pending expenses -208.67

72.34

*EXPENSES incurred by members of the Field Management sub-committee

Aug. 8, 2010 Pickseed- hairy vetch 63.42 Fireweed

(we split a bag with Ironwood Farm in Union Bay)

May 16, 2010 Austrian pea 79.99 Fireweed

May 16. 2010 twine for row marking 14.41 Fireweed

July 3, 2010 Home Depot- clamps for hoses 9.75 Mike Nestor

July 3, 2010 Courtenay Pump House- emitters 9.47 Mike Nestor

Sept.15, 2010 South Country Feed- clover seed 29.39 Fireweed

Sept. 24, 2010 DI Hardware- flagging tape 2.24 Mike Nestor

208.67

Check to Mike Nestor for: 21.46

Check to Fireweed for: 187.21

208.67

SPUDS 2010 Expenditures in Total-

Jan. 20, 10 40.00- Back Hall rental for Feb. 7 meeting

Jan. 29, 10 280.50- Mary Alice Johson for 3 cases of Sieglinde seed ($75 a case,

and .37/lb. shipping- $55.50)

Feb. 22, 10 15.00- room rental at Old School for Feb. 21 meeting

May 17, 10 50.00- Mike Lindsay for tilling ½ the filed (May 8^th)

May 16, 10 79.99- South Country Feed for Austrian peas for spring/fall planting

May 16, 10 14.41- Home Depot for twine for marking rows

May 20, 10 40.16- Charlie Johnston for hose valve for cistern

July 3, 10 9.75- Home Depot for clamps for hoses

July 3, 10 9.47- Pump House for replacement hose emitters

Aug. 18, 10 63.42- Pickseed for hairy vetch cover crop (55.00 + 7.77 freight +.93 tx)

Sept. 15, 10 29.39- South Country Feed for red clover seed for ¾ field coverage

Sept. 24, 10 100.00- Mike Lindsay for entire field tillage

732.09

FSC (Field Management Sub-committee) REVIEW of 2010:

Presented by Fireweed and Mike, with thanks to Jan and Lyndsey for their wonderful assistance on the FSC for the 2010 growing season, as well as Darek Tanneker for his knowledgeable support!

We had a very wet spring, and so the plough wasn’t able to get in to the field until May 8^th. The following weekend we planted one quadrant of cover crop Austrian pea in the quadrant where we are planting potatoes in 2011.

We planted our potato seed on May 22^nd, thinking it best to leave the turned over sod a couple of weeks to break down before the planting.

We had purchased 150 pounds of Sieglinde seed in a bulk order purchased through Mary Alice Johnson from Across the Creek Organics in Pemberton once again, and ended up storing it in Rod and Vlasta’s apple barn to slow down the sprouting that had taken place in Bob Parson’s barn, due to our need to delay planting.

There were about 300 seed per 50 pound box.

We planted 15.5 rows of approximately 60 plants per row, totaling about 900 plants

The rows were spaced 2 feet apart, and the plants 18 inches apart

We harvested over 750 pounds on Sept. 18^th, or approximately .8 pounds per plant.

The plants were in the ground for 120 days, and each family membership got 51 poudns of potatoes, the 2 individual membership got 46 pounds a piece…our appreciation pile, divided by 4 was 47.5 or 12 pounds per recipient.

Watering issues:

Because of our wet spring, our plants got off to a great start and we didn’t need to get our watering system down on the field till July 7^th. The cistersn was filled a total of 4 times, however, and the bul of our watering happened between July and Augst during the most severe drought in many years.

July 11^th was our first watering, July 19^th-22^nd our second watering, July 31-Aug 4^th our third watering, Aug. 7^th it rained, August 21^st we watered for a forth and final time. The field received no further water as the weather remained dry. We hoped that leaving the potatoes in the field for as long as possible might plump them up, but without rain any further growth was negligible.

Our plants received approximately 8 gallons of water over the entire dry season from the cistern (which received four fillings), or 2 gallons per watering per plant

Apparently our wire worm problem was shared by organic growers across BC- Ann deCosson said they had the same problem, and also had the worst potato crop in 30 years. West Piercy said his overall production was the worst in 60 years.

So we had a few problems facing us in the field in 2010…decreased soil fertility, which of course we are now well on our way to rectifying with timely and appropriate cover cropping, an unexpected drought right when our plants would have really benefited from more water, and wire worms!

COMMUNICATIONS:

Fireweed reported that thankyous and potatoes were delivered to Brian, Mike Lindsay, Charlie and the Fire Dept., and Derek Tanneker in appreciation for their support at the end of September. DeNeen Baldwin and Rae Eckel were also appreciated for their contributions to SPUDS Communications Team

Library Binder- Sheila provided an update on the binder at the Library, which she is continuing to maintain

Blog Updates- Fireweed mentioned maintaining accurate records on the blog for easy access and agreed to continue uploading meeting deliberations, photos, etc

Hermitage Contact- the new liason person for SPUDS at the Hermitage is Devin

New/additional SPUDS Communications Team members are encouraged!

PLANNING AHEAD:

Seed ordering-

Discussion ensued around what and how much to order for the 2011 growing season. It was suggested that given the reality of our water limitations at the field, and the fact that we can count on only half the quantity of water received in 2010 from the Fire Dept. in 2011, that we would be better off drastically reducing our next planting. Given that even cutting our production in half would not provide healthier, heartier plants if we have the same weather conditions in 2011, it was determined that planting a third of what we did in 2010 would 1) be a better use of available water, 2) reduce labor requirements in the field, commensurate with a decrease in our current membership numbers, 3) possibly result in a much better crop yield, per plant.

Fireweed advocated for planting Sieglindes once again, so we can keep track of how well they do under varied conditions. Ron proposed that we order one 50 pound box of seed. All present were in favor of this proposal for all the reasons under consideration.

[Note: as always, any member not in favor of a proposal is welcome to offer further input for consideration.]

Fireweed agreed to place an order and report to the group when it is confirmed, and to relay 2011 prices . Last year our order was made in December and confirmed on January 10^th.

Water Catchment-

The need for a water catchment system over the cistern was discussed, along with ideas about water flow and accumulation in general on the field during the rainy season. One idea made by Fox, was to invite a professional permaculturalist to assess and share their ideas on the site. Drainage ditching, swales, building up low areas, using low lying areas differently rather than altering the landscape, digging a pond- various ideas were touted for long range field management solutions. It was acknowledged that any major activity would require permission from the Hermitage. It was agreed that Fox would pursue permaculture input, and that fundraising for some kind of water catchment over the cistern would be appropriate for at least one filling independent of the Fire Dept. SPUDS members adept in carpentry are needed to volunteer for the construction of a catchment system!

Grants-

Everyone is encouraged to keep their ears open about grant possibilities for the catchment system.Mike will pursue another CVRD grant, due by the end of February. Veronica Timmins, Sharon Clarke, DICEEC and Freedonia were mentioned as possible sources of either grant information or funding in the case of Freedonia.

Mulch-

It was stressed that we need to mulch over the creeping couch grass along the edge of the field before it starts to grow up again. And that anyone who can grab some large cardboard from town that is mostly ink free should do so. Last year we obtained about three truckloads of hay mulch, sometime in the early spring (it was suggested that we start asking around in February). Doug Wright, the Scrutons, Tom Dennis, and Dev Murti were mentioned as possible sources of hay.

Tilling-

Mike Nestor will contact Mike Lindsay to inquire about spring tilling- as we make progress with our cover cropping our tillage requirements are reducing significantly and this spring we will only require one quarter of the field to be tilled if all goes well.

FSC involvement-

Dave Graff joins Fireweed and Mike on the FSC. Welcome Dave! More members are welcome and needed to help out with various aspects of SPUDS infrastructure and field management.

Membership involvement-

Fireweed and Mike calculated that on average (and NOT including FSC work in the field) SPUDS membership clocked approximately 160 hours of activity on field tasks in 2010. This breaks down to about 12 hours per person (again, excluding FSC meetings, watering, checking on the field, etc). To be truly sustainable, we need to increase the time in the field expected from each member to more like 6 visits.

Of course a reduction in planting in 2011 will make a difference on how long tasks like planting, hilling, mulching, etc, end up taking.

Budgeting for 2011-

Mike estimated the cost of seed potatoes, field tillage, cover crop seed and miscellaneous expenses for the year as coming in anywhere between $200-$400. Miscellaneous expenses might include repairs on our drip irrigation system, or new hose; material needs for a water catchment would likely exceed this estimate.

Other-

Mike will ask Rae if she would be willing to test the soil for us again so we can compare data.

Next Meeting: No other meeting date set at this time.

Thanks to Ron and Sheila for hosting!

Meeting of the Membership November 28th

2010-11-21T20:05:00.000-08:00

All members are encouraged to attend this important planning meeting to help guide the Co-operative forward in 2011, and begin preparations for spring planting!

See you at 7:00 pm at Ron and Sheila's home on Wren Road, on Sunday, November 28th. Please call 1209 for info.

Harvest followup mailout

2010-11-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

Details in the following mailout dated September 25th refer to notes regarding our 2010 harvest that you can reference in the previous post, complete with photos!

sent September 25, 2010
Dear Spudsters,

Congratulations on a successful 2010 harvest! For a detailed report and photos from the field, please visit our blog.

Please also note that the MEETING of SPUDS whole co-operative membership proposed in the harvest field for Monday, September 27th at Susan Marie's has been POSTPONED. A new meeting date will be set sometime in late October/early November so stay tuned. Planning for 2011 has already begun, and everyone's input is welcome and significant to our cooperative efforts!

In the meantime, if you have not already done so, please confirm your membership renewal so we have an idea of how many folks are on board for 2011...and please spread the word that more members are welcome!

........HARVEST FOLLOWUP:

All 2010 spuds have been divvied up and distributed among our active members (delivered to those who were unable to attend the harvest). 'Extras' set aside at the time for gifting have been, or are being delivered this weekend with notes of appreciation to the following generous SPUDS supporters ...

-Brian Miles for continually loaning us his hand-pulled roller when we've needed it to press our cover crop into the soil to increase germination potential, and avoid additional fossil fuel use;
- Mike Lindsay who has borrowed tilling equipment on SPUDS behalf, delivered it to and fro the field, and this time ploughed the whole field in preparation for total field covercropping... which we hope will now lead to a significaint decrease in fossil fuel use in the field next year;
-Derek Tanneker for his valuable input both on and off the field with soil management strategy, planting, covercropping and more;
-DI's Volunteer Fire Department for a total of four refills of our cistern during our long summer drought, thanks to organization by Charlie Johnston!

......COVER CROPPING UPDATE:

Mike Lindsay made it into the field with a tractor on Thursday, September, 23rd and prepared all four quadrants for reseeding. Jan, Lindsay, Fireweed and Mike of the FSC (field management sub committee) successfully planted our winter peas today in the one quadrant we will be using for potatoes next year, and clover in the other three quadrants with the help of member Ron Dobie.

Charlie, Mike and Fireweed will finish planting the hairy vetch in the two remaining clover covered areas waiting, on Sunday (that's a total of three quadrants planted with a mix of vetch and clover, one quadrant with peas only). Ron and Mike hauled the water-filled roller over the entire half of the field that has been fully planted, and the same thing will happen with the upper half of the field once the hairy vetch is down in those last two remaining quadrants as well.

The warm wet weather right now is ideal for sprouting, and we could see many volunteer peas already taking off throughout the field where this year's cover crop went to seed. High winds are a worry, so impregnating the seed into the soil with the roller will hopefully increase our chances of even coverage and good germination.

To avoid wasting any seed and to ensure best possible field coverage, each of our four quadrants was divided into another four sections today using stakes marked with flagging tape. The three cover crop seed varieties were then laboriously divided into just the right amount for each of the four strips per quadrant where destined, and in the case of the very tiny clover seed, successfully mixed with sand (at an approximate 10 to 1 ratio) to aid broadcasting coverage.
Total time cover cropping by hand this way estimated at 4 hours for the whole field.

......MULCH-

If everyone could put out feelers for spoiled hay, it's not too early to start finding sources of mulch for next spring's potato planting. Please get in touch if you have a lead on any free bales of hay! (Pickup can be arranged for mid October)

The next SPUDS update will include a date for the whole membership meeting and proposed agenda. Additional agenda items, thoughts/ideas for collective deliberation, etc, welcome. In the meantime, happy potato eating!

-Fireweed,
on behalf of the FSC

Cover Cropping for Fall 2010 completed!

2010-09-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

For an update on our 2010 SPUDS harvest on September 18th, please see the previous entry (click on 'older post' at the end of this entry)

Mike Lindsay got into the field with a tractor the following Thursday, September 23rd. Anticipating a big storm, he raced the raindrops to get the whole field tilled so our cover cropping would not be delayed on the weekend. (CLICK on any photo for enlargement)

Members had previously rolled up all the hoses from the field to clear the way for the tractor. Here we've attached them to the fence to avoid entanglement by weed growth over winter. Red maples line the Hermitage driveway behind.

The FSC thought Mike L was going to use a brushcutter first to break down the old standing stalks of pea (and some rye) that were laying flat in the field. On another occasion Mike had found it difficult to till the field with long stringy stalks getting caught up in the blades. But this time he made the call in the field to proceed with tilling only, saving on time and fossil fuel use. The old stalks were not a problem, but he avoided cutting any of the long grass along the edge of the field, and that will have to be dealt with at a later date by hand or sheet mulch. It doesn't affect our cover cropping but can creep into the field as competitive growth.. And now there are still big chunks of sod in the rest of the field that might have benefited from the brushcutter to help them break down faster. We'll just have to hope the grass doesn't reroot and gain control of the field before our cover crops can mature sufficiently to suppress unwanted growth.

spiders were back at work right after tilling, and rain bejeweled webs laced the field

Saturday, September 25th was a blustery day, but the FSC (field management sub-committee) managed to get most of our cover crop for Fall 2010 in the ground in about 2 and a half hours (the remainder took about 1.5 hours on Sunday.)

Jan, Lyndsey, Fireweed, Mike N and Ron Dobie staked out the four quadrants with flagging tape (photo further down.) Each quadrant was then divided into four strips. The quadrant where our 2011 potatoes will be planted received one more seeding of overwintering pea to continue adding nitrogen back into the soil in that area. We could see that some of the pea planted this past spring that went to seed and is now tilled under to add more humus to the soil, has begun to sprout anew after all the rain. The new pea just added had been soaked overnite, as this seemed to aid in germination significantly last time.
We used a full 25 pounds of pea on this one quadrant (or half a bag at the cost of approximately $ 40)

In the quadrant where we harvested our potatoes this year, we planted a mixture of hairy vetch and clover, beginning with the latter. We had approximately 3 pounds of clover total (one pound per quadrant)
and mixed it with an approximate 10 -1 ratio of sand to seed to aid hand broadcasting coverage. Dividing up the field into strips and measuring out the seed exactly was especially beneficial for ensuring that we had adequate clover seed coverage in the areas designated. The cost of the clover, purchased locally at South Country Feed, was $29.39.

We seeded one third of our vetch in the area where we had just harvested our potatoes for 2010 as well. Mike and Ron Dobie rolled the entire field with the tank loaned to us by Brian Miles, and filled at the Hermitage Barn. The power had been out overnite, so it was fortunate that we could rely on the pump at the Barn by the time of cover cropping, since we have no water left in our cistern to use to fill the roller..

Mike N hauls the water-filled roller over cover cropped ground to increase soil contact and help improve germination

The next day, Sunday, September 26th, Fireweed and Mike returned to the field to finish seeding the top two quadrants with hairy vetch (top, meaning nearest the cistern). Jan and Lyndsey had already seeded the clover throughout this entire half of the field on Saturday.

Total cost of the hairy vetch seed was $63.42...we split the cost of a whole bag with Ironwood Farm in Fanny Bay, which included an extra $7.50 each for shipping from the U-Pick warehouse in Delta to the Vacouver bus depot where Lyndsey picked it up while in the city. Buying the vetch directly from the distributor saved us about $40 over Vancouver Island retail prices.

Welcome, new SPUDster, David Graf

New SPUDS member, Dave Graf, signed up for the 2011 season at the Fall Faire. He arrived by bicycle to lend a hand with the vetch seeding and to assist in pressing all the seed in the top half of the field into the soil with the hand-pulled roller. The high winds we had anticipated failed to materialize, and it was a spectacular warm fall day! Between mild temperatures, wet soil and planting ahead of the absolute last minute this year, we have our fingers crossed that our cover crop will take hold before winter kicks in and do its intended job of boosting soil nutrient levels by spring time!

The total cost of this fall's covercrop is $132.81 for seed and $100 for tillage. If successsful, we will not be cover cropping the whole field again anytime soon. The plan is to leave those quadrants not in potato production to mature and self-reseed as perrenials. Fossil fuel should also be significantly reduced.

Dave broadcasts hairy vetch.Circles drawn over the photo below reveal sectioning of the field with markers for most even distribution of seeds possible.

Mike and Dave. It's easier for two people to pull the roller. Ron Dobie and Mike N shared this work on the other half of the field the day before.

Charlie Johnston arrived to lend a hand, drained the main hose from the cistern, and advised against removing the bottom cistern valve for now. It will need to be insulated over the winter so it doesn't crack from freezing if water is left standing in it. But until we build some kind of water catchment over the cistern (it would make sense to catch winter rains for at least one fill) leaving the valve attached shouldn't be a problem.

NOTE: A reminder that you can find info about proper potato storage on the LINKS list on the right hand side of this page. There are also links to information about various potato issues, like the wire worm it seems likely put tiny holes in a lot of our potatoes this year. The latter is a problem that can be reduced with earlier harvest. But it is also known to increase in fields that have previously been 'sod' in the 3rd or 4th year of new cultivation. Next year's anticipated earlier planting should help!

Pill bugs can invade wire worm holes, so all potatoes should be checked before storage to avoid further spoiling by these opportunistic crustaceans (yes, they are not really insects!)

2010 Harvest Success!

2010-09-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

After a rainy start to the day, the skies cleared above and eleven SPUDS members plus one made it out to the field to unearth this year's harvest at 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 18th..

                       Photos: top- Ron, Sheila, Kevin, Vern, and Herb's son Ollie digging away
                       middle- Susan Marie shows a variety of sizes in her bucket
                       bottom- V has her mojo on! Ollie, Herb and Karl

We each took a row or two and worked from the bottom of the field to the top. Mike retrieved our potatoes as we dug them, and busied himself running back and forth to a scale so we could have an accurate account of this year's harvest. We think everyone got about the same volume of potatoes as they did last year, but this is the first year we are keeping detailed records. Last year there were more SPUDS members and the Seglindes were much bigger because they received additional fertilizer (the Yukons we planted last year didn't produce well at all, we couldn't get any White Rose this year although we had been happy with them in 2009, hence our decision to simply stick with Seglindes which had produced really well for us. We had been advised not to plant red or blue potatoes to reduce the chance of increasing scab in the field)

Photos: top- Kevin works his guitar muscles digging, and Mike lugs buckets of spuds to the scale
bottom- Mike is in his element weighing the harvest and divying up the piles

Some of our Seglindes this year are slightly pitted, and some plants had very few potatoes at all. But we expected a lower yield since we are still working on boosting nutrient levels in the depleted soil, water was insufficient ( even with four refills of the cistern) and as previously mentioned last year the spuds were boosted artificially with the addition of alfalfa meal and another additive (anyone remember if it was rock phosphate or something else?) This year we fed only the soil, and not the plants, in keeping with our Basis of Unity Statement adherence to organic principles that put the soil first.

So it was nice to be able to take home as many potatoes as we did ranging in size from very small...to perfect meal-sized specimens!

Photos: top- Sheila models a potato 'earring'... fundraiser idea?!
Middle- Vern shows off a nice plump spud
Below- another 'big' tater

In about two and a half hours, we had harvested 750 pounds which Mike seperated methodically into 15 piles. Family memberships netted 51 pounds each, and our two single memberships this year, 46 pounds a piece. This leaves us one pile to share between kind hearted folks that have helped us out this year!

Photos: Above- 2010 harvest crew minus Herb's son Ollie, filling in for Bob V, and Fireweed on camera.

Including Karl, Kevin, Mike Ron, Herb, Vern, Veronica, Sheila, Lyndsey, Susan Marie

Below- everybody but Ollie, and Lyndsey on camera

Active SPUDS memberships unable to participate in the 2010 harvest included Bob Vosburg (for whom Ollie attended), Ron and Max, Fox and Margaret, Charlie Johnston and Bill Engelson. Their share of our harvest was set aside for later delivery or pickup. Also missed were SPUDS 2010 Communications Committee members Rae and deNeen

Above: celebrating the harvest with FW's homemade chili (which turned into supper!) with cornbread on the side and our traditional chili salute!

We ate around 5:30 pm and chatted briefly about dates for a meeting of the whole membership to debrief 2010 and plan ahead for next year's crop. Before then, the whole field will be tilled by Mike Lindsay, and covercropped with fall pea, red clover and hairy vetch...hopefully by/or on the weekend of Sept. 25/26. Helpers needed!

Wondering About our Saturday Harvest Weather?!

2010-09-18T02:18:00.000-07:00

RAIN, RAIN, RAIN!

As of 8:10 am Saturday, the weather forecast for Bowser and Courtenay says SHOWERS till 3 pm. Actually, Bowser clears up a little sooner.

THE HARVEST IS CURRENTLY RESCHEDULED FOR THIS AFTERNOON AT 3:OO pm.

Please check back for any changes! If we are unable to harvest all the potatoes (or any) today, our fall back plan is for late MONDAY which is currently looking like a sunny day.

So keep your fingers crossed, and dress accordingly for this afternoon for now! Bringing along an extra container for your potatoes in the form of bucket or bags might also be helpful, although we will have some boxes and mesh bags with us. If you have an extra spade, someone might appreciate borrowing it, too.

You can also click THIS link to see an HOURLY weather forecast for our region.

2010 HARVEST on Sept. 18th!

2010-09-14T02:23:00.000-07:00

This coming Saturday is Harvest Day in the Spuds patch beginning at 10:00 am, and as many of us as possible are needed to dig this year's potatoes!

Please read to the bottom for list of what to bring, and other pertinent details.

First of all though, a head's up about this year's crop-
Inspite of our late planting date this past spring, our plants got off to a vigorous start. However there are several factors that have influenced our expected reduced yield in the field, including smaller potatoes...

1) this is the first year of our new four year crop rotation schedule and enhanced cover crop planning, so the nutrient levels depleted after SPUDS earlier plantings in the field still need more time to recover and increase.

2) the Seglinde potatoes we harvested last year were large in part because they were artificially boosted by the addition of supplements at planting time to try and compensate for decreased nutrient levels in the soil. SPUDS more recently developed Basis of Unity Statement embraces the principle of organic growing that puts the health of the soil first, rather than bypassing the soil in the quest to boost individual plants.

3) although the rains have finally found us once again, our incredibly dry summer was problematic. Inspite of the generosity of our Volunteer Fire Dept. and four cistern refills, we had more thirsty plants than we had sufficient water availability.

NOTE: It could be worth mentioning in our records that some growers on the island are linking very low fruit tree yields this year with poor pollination as a result of our cool, wet spring. We don't know if this year's SPUDS crop might have also been similarly handicapped, so this topic could use some research.

What we DO know is that we continue to have a wonderful opportunity to collectively further local knowledge about organically growing a food staple that all may share... and that cover crop TIMING for proper soil fertility maintenance is crucial!

To that end, our late potato harvest means we must get our fall legumes and red clover in the ground as soon as possible. Mike Lindsay will be chopping up and turning in this summer's cover crop for us once we have our potatoes out of the ground. So a number of members will be needed to reconvene in the field the following weekend (September 25 or 26) to accomplish our next seeding. Please let the FSC know if you can volunteer a little extra time for this important component of SPUDS field management as well when you respond by phone or email, and we'll set an exact time.

What to Bring on Saturday at 10:00 am:
-helping hands (including friends who might be inspired to become new SPUDS members!)
-spades (NOT pitchforks)
-buckets for hauling
-gloves for gently rustling up stray spuds -any strong storage bags (like large mesh onion sacks, or burlap bags)
-water bottle (and a hat if it's sunny)
-suggested $3 donation if you would like to enjoy some home made chili for lunch after the harvest!
-bowl and spoon

Fall Co-operative Meeting

For sometime in the latter half of October, a date will soon be proposed for a general meeting of the membership where FSC learning experiences and recommendations for next year, along with budget updates, member input, etc, can be shared by all.
What if it's Raining this coming Saturday?

Please check back here for an update on the morning of if you're in doubt abou the weather.

In the meantime, hope to see you soon, and please don't forget to rsvp so we know how many names to put in the chili pot, etc! 335-1209

UPDATE ADD ON:

On August 30th, Bill, Ron S, Fireweed, Mike, Ron D, and Herb arrived in the field to weed. Susan Marie and her son had gotten out to the patch a few days earlier and taken care of the vast majority! So we spent less than an hour attending to the rest of the field, and then rolling up the drip lines that we would no longer be needing since no more cistern refills are scheduled for this year's crop.

FSC UPDATE August 27th, 2010

2010-09-14T02:20:00.001-07:00

Harvest time is fast approaching!

Thanks to Charlie and the generous support of our Volunteer Fire Department, SPUDS potato plants have suffered through but survived our extremely dry summer so far (driest July on record since 1985!)

While next week's weather forecast sounds promising, the little bit of rain we have had since the dry spell began has been negligible, so the SPUDS patch has been watered as judiciously as possible. With no more cistern refills coming this year, we are now solely reliant on Mother Nature. We have just a few short weeks of needed tuber development left so help is needed now to remove weeds that may otherwise retard remaining growth potential.

Please come on out to the field this coming Monday evening at 7:00 pm (Aug. 30th) to help get this relatively small job accomplished swiftly. A quick call or email response will let us know how many members intend to participate. We’ll also roll up the hoses that are no longer needed on the field this year.
A reminder will be sent out closer to the date, but please also mark your calendar now for our 2010 HARVEST, set for Saturday, September 18^th at 10:00 am!

SPUDS member Bob V notified the FSC that he will be away in September but has arranged for someone to take his place (and share his potatoes) so we are not short-handed in the field on harvest day. We hope others unable to attend may be inspired and able to do the same!

Mike Lindsay will be back in the field to prepare all four quadrants for cover crop sowing as soon as possible after our harvest. Members will be needed to reconvene in the field on Saturday, September 25^th (and/or possibly Sunday, Sept. 26^th) for this vital task. There won't be many weeks left in the growing season for the seed to establish itself, so time is of the essence. Next year we should be able to plant our potatoes earlier and harvest them sooner so there is a longer window available to us for fall cover cropping.

The BLACKBERRY FAIRE is on Sunday, September 5th This isn't an official SPUDS date, so therefore not included on the list of field parties below. However it would be great to have a SPUDS table at the faire, so if anyone is interested in helping host our small display, please get in touch! We could really use a few more members for 2011 and this might be just the time to interest neighbours and island newcomers.

Finally, another reminder that anyone interested in assisting SPUDS FSC or Communications Team is welcome and encouraged to do so. A general meeting of the membership will be in order after the harvest for budget reports, sharing learning experiences and recommendations for the 2011 growing season. Stay tuned!
For your convenience in the meanwhile, here again are the several SPUDS field dates requiring membership involvement. RSVP’s always appreciated!

Monday, August 30th, 7:00 pm (WEEDING)

Saturday, September 18^th, 10:00 am (HARVEST TIME!)

Saturday, September 25 (COVER CROP SOWING, time TBA)

Mulching and Watering! Sunday, July 11th, 2010

2010-07-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Twice as many members came out to our mulching bee than expected (12), at 8:30 am Sunday morning. Bill also brought his young nephew, amd Susan Marie's visiting friend Dianne pitched in too. Many hands make light the load, and we completed the mulching job in just under an hour!

The hay on hand 'just made it' around the field, and later in the day the first couple of rows which were very heavily mulched were pilfered to even out the thinner areas of the patch .

Members piled hay on top of the hoses with the idea that doing so would help hold them in place, and make sure water from the drip irrigation system reached the roots and didn't just saturate the hay. In order to try and keep dirt from clogging the emitters, we elevated the hoses slighty by shoving a litlle hay under individual emitter locations. NOTE: later in the day the hoses were pulled up on all the rows and repositioned on top of the hay. More info below!

We shared some homemade treats and a group photo, thinking our work for the day was done! Scroll down for photos, details on the actual watering situation, and how it now works!

14 folks pitched in at 8:30 Sunday morning to mulch our healthy, blossoming plants

Above: Vern; Below: Herb, Ron and Max, Bill and nephew, Fox


July 11th, 2010 Mulching Crew: Vern, Karl, Mike, Bob, Fox, Bill, Aiden, Max, Dianne, Kevin, Ron S, Susan Marie, Ron D, Fireweed on camera

WATERING ISSUES

The cistern tap was turned on as soon as we'd finished mulching. It didn't take long to determine that the pressure was not evenly distribued throughout the field. Mike and Fireweed stayed on to sort out the problem, and ended up hauling all of the hoses up from under the hay mulch and repositioning them on top to find a few leaks in the line and monitor emitters. LESSON LEARNED: it's advantageous to lie the hoses on top, instead of under the hay, inspite of reasons for doing the latter

Duct tape was used to repair the few weak spots, or new emitters were inserted where water was squirting out. Sections of hose between the rows that were not laying flat because this year's rows are closer together were trimmed in case the formerly arching sections were impeding the flow. These improvements seemed only marginal, as only the top section of the field appeared to be getting watered.

The tank valve was left open so that half the water in the cistern could be allowed to saturate the field over the next 3-4 hours. Upon return, it was again noted that the system was simply not distributing water to the whole patch. Advice obtained in the interim suggested that limiting flow to specific areas of the field with valves would likely allow for a more equitable distribution of water.

We found enough extra hose available to create a second line so that we could actually divide the quadrant in half and water the upper half seperately from the lower half and vice versa. Below are photos that illustrate the system now operating.

These will be added later......

Second Hilling, July 7th, 2010

2010-07-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

We did it! The second hilling was completed on July 7th in about two hours time, and the hoses were moved onto our rows. Many thanks to Derek, Jan and Mike for reconfiguring the water system for this year's crop layout, and to Charlie for arranging the filling of the water cistern. Scroll down for photos.

The plants had already started producing, as the odd baby spud was found near the surface. With hot sunny days now the norm, it was obvious that mulching, and getting the field watered as soon as possible should take place as soon as possible.

The plan was made to mulch on Sunday, July 11th at 8:30 am, then turn on the cistern tap! The idea of working before the sun gets too high in the sky was our motivation for picking this early start time, and six folks agreed to attend.

We hoped that anyone who hadn't had the opportunity so far this year to participate in the field at least 3 out of the 4-5 times per season that SPUDS membership involves, and might be free on Sunday morning would join us for the mulching bee, bring a wheelbarrow, pitchfork along with the usual gloves, water, and a hat. About twice as many folks as expected showed up, and the following post will include that report, along with photos.

Below- members at work busy hilling our 2010 crop for a second and final time, on July 7th

Above and Below: rolling out the hoses to position down each row

Above: Jan and Vern attach individual row drip hoses to main water line

- group shot of hilling crew sharing fruit kabobs after their work is complete!
Jan, Bill, Charlie, Mike, Bob, Ron D, Karl, Vern and Susan Marie
(missing from photo: Sheila and Ron who had just left, and Fireweed on camera)

Next Hilling: evening of Wednesday July 7th

2010-06-30T01:23:00.000-07:00

Our potato plants are looking happy and healthy so far!

You are needed for our second hilling, scheduled for Wednesday evening, July 7th at 6:30 pm when the sun's heat will be off the field. Thankyou for rsvping as soon as possible so we know what our numbers will look like.

The eleven members who made it out to our first official hilling on June 19th worked hard on yet another beautiful sunny day! We shared some fresh organic fruit kabobs to take the edge off the heat, and left hoping that other members absent that day might be able to help finish the remaining rows.

A hanful of members met again in the field on the following Tuesday nite to continue hillng. And now it's already time for a second go at the whole field!

NOTE 1: SPUDS operating field management sub-committee (FSC) would love more member input. Even if you don't have time to join us regularly, there's lots to do to keep SPUDS sustainable as a co-operative venture. Putting the irrigation sytem in place, as well as distributing our hay mulch will also need to happen as soon after our second hiilling as possible, if not on the same day. Thanks to Charlie, the fire department has already filled the cistern for us, and the FSC has been busy prepping the lines for this year's newly configured field layout with the kind assistance of Derek Tanneker.

NOTE 2: It would also be great to hear from any folks passionate about working the field without machinery as much as posible, for eventual scything of volunteer buckwheat emerging in next year's planting quadrant! (see photos further down)

Please remember to bring a hoe, gloves and water with you on the 7th, and bring along an extra toonie towards refreshments if you like. Hope to see you soon!
...............................................................................................................

Below: here's a closeup of the pea cover crop in the 2011 quadrant, beside this year's potato quadrant. There are a couple of volunteer potatoes visible from last year's planting, and also some buckwheat that has reseeded. This will need to be removed before it goes to seed again, but we want the peas to grow more before we get in there to scythe it down...

Below: We still need to keep deadheading the rye in the upper half of the field for the same reason...we don't want it to reseed. In the second photo below, you'll see how the remaining stalks in the field mature, and what they look like when they've already gone to seed...these need to be deadheaded into a bucket!

Below: the pea cover crop in the upper half of the field as of June 27th - very pretty, but taller than anticipated! This will have to be cut up before the soil is tilled in the fall, otherwise the machinery will not be able to turn it all under. It's also interspersed with grasses. THe FSC considered cutting it now and using it as mulch in the potato quadrant, but determined it best to leave where it is so that it can properly feed the soil in that section as intended

Below: A Journey Through Time!

Here's how the field looked when it was freshly laid out with planting row strings, back in May...

Next, the May 22nd planting brigade at work...we dug holes 18 inches apart in 14 and a half rows two feet apart, with approximately 60 plants per row.

Because some of the potatoes were planted with their long sprouts up in the air, and others were planted with the spouts mostly buried, the growth rate varied from plant to plant. Both photos below were taken on the same day of different plants...one just emerging from the ground, the other showing leaf growth off its long eyes that were planted straight up

The long spindly plants required hilling earlier than the rest of the plants, so Lindsey and Jan got in there a week or so before our first 'official' hilling with the membership. They put in an estimated 45 minutes. It seemed prudent to limit soil compaction with fewer feet searching out the plants that we didn't want to postpone hilling while waiting for the others to catch up (like the one below, racing ahead of the pack)

Below: our first 'official' hilling crew, June 19th (following in Jan and Lyndsey's earlier footstep)
Thanks to Ron Dobie for this photo!

Below: hilling the plants in the rows closest to the fence on the south east side was tough going, so we all took on tackling some of those plants first before filling up the potato holes and mounding some of the other plants where the weeds weren't so thick. Carboard was collected and positoned by the FSC (field management sub-committee) members the week before along the area where the long grass threatened to invade our planted area ...

Above: you can also see here, that weeds dug up from the tough planting areas and elsewhere in the field have been spread out on the cardboard to kill off the roots, and weigh down the carboard mulch suppressing further growth along that side of the field

Below: take a look at the different heights of the various plants after our first hilling, even though we planted them all at the same depth (six inches down, covered with three inches of soil). Because the long sprouts were positioned in various ways there is no overall uniformity. Our initial idea was that the first 'hilling' would be simply filling in the six inch hole that the potatoes were planted in, but additional mounding has already been necessary for most plants

Below: Membership attendance for the first hilling was lower than necessary to complete the job. Most members worked for about two and a half hours, but we still had tough patches to weed, and two or three entire rows left to finish hilling and weeding. So a second crew went out on Tuesday nite, June 22nd to continue working... here's Jan depositing some of the weeds and clumps of grass roots collected from the field earlier by Sheila and Rae onto the cardboard mulch stretching out along the southeast side of the 2010 potato quadrant

Jan and Lyndsey are new members of the Co-op this year, and a great asset to the FSC. Below, Lyndsey demonstrates her talent as a multi-tasker extraordinaire! She does keep asking, though, if anyone else has expressed interest yet in joining the four of us on the FSC...please get in touch if you're inspired to contribute to the co-op this way(no tool juggling actually required!) You can see that the soil is still moist here, just after the Summer Solstice since we've had so much rain this spring/early summer

Above: the Tuesday, June 22nd evening crew- Lydsey, Sheila, Jan, Ron, Mike (missing from photo, the photographer, Fireweed) We put in another two and a half hours in the field hilling and weeding

Below: the FSC met in the field on Sunday, May 27th to discuss field management issues, and address the water system. The cistern has already been filled by our volunteer Fire Department, thanks to Charlie. Mike Lindsay and Charlie put on the new spout that hopefully made filling the tank easier this year.

Above: Lyndsey, Derek, Mike, and Jan (missing from photo, the photographer, Fireweed) stand in front of the shrinking pile of hay mulch we plan to spread over our potato crop as far as it will go after the water system is in place

Below: the various lenghts of plastic tubing for our irrigation system are stretched out in the quadrant next to this year's potato patch for measuring. Since the photo below was taken on June 27th, Jan has purchased clamps and connectors for reconfiguring the system to suit our current planting layout. And Derek and Mike have started assembling the tubing which had to have approximately fifteen more feet added to each of fourteen lengths for this year's existing number of rows.

FIRST SPUDS HILLING JUNE 19th!

2010-06-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

The following update was emailed to the membership on Tuesday June 8th. The Minutes from the last meeting of the membership are in the previous blog entry

! At the bottom of this post, you will find a list of items considered by the current field management team volunteers at their informal get together, Sunday, June 6th. (in green) Please note that if you'd like to be involved on the proposed Field Management Sub-committee to contact Jan or Lyndsey at 3122!

Dear Spudsters,

First of all, please mark your calendar for 10:00 am June 19th for our first potato hilling of the year in the SPUDS patch! In the event of inclement weather, the following day will be a backup. in the event of extremely slow growth in the field, you will be notified of any necessary delay as soon as possible.

Members will receive a reminder next week about what to bring (hoes, etc), but if you are unable to participate on the date currently anticipated, please get in touch! It really helps to know how many hands are or aren't going to be available at a given time.

Gentle Reminder: We all know that in many respects our field dates are dictated by Mother Nature! Membership does involve representation in the field 4-5 times per year, however. There are a variety of ways you may be able to pitch in if making it out to the field, or finding someone to represent your membership on a group field day is problematic. So thanks for checking in with the Communications Team if you would be so kind.

Secondly, highlights from the minutes included in the previous post include an update on the progress of our cover cropping and potato planting (photos on the blogspot included with the previous post there!)

Also, please note that the proposal (below) announced in the last email outreach was carried by the membership present at our May 31st meeting and so has now been adopted in principle. Out of consideration for members who may have wished to attend the meeting but were unable, members present opted to extend the invitation a second time to any others interested in weighing in on the proposal before it is considered formally adopted.

Proposed: that the membership strike a SPUDS sub-committee mandated to oversee field management organization and keep the membership fully apprised with regular updates.

It was suggested that a deadline for any further input on the proposal be set as June 12th, so that a field management sub-committee could move forward knowing they have a clear mandate from the cooperative membership to proceed with field management planning on its behalf.

It was agreed that any member is welcome to join the field management sub-committee (FSC) at any time, but that with our Basis of Unity Statement now in place to guide us in our co-operative venture, and a four year crop rotation plan in place, subsequent deliberations should no longer necessitate alerting the entire membership.

This will significantly reduce the amount of emails SPUDS members have been receiving, and meeting invitations!

It was suggested that in order to keep members fully apprised however, that news from the FSC (field management sub-committee) would be regularly posted [here] on the blogspot for member access at any time. Scroll down for related info added in green at the bottom of this post. Hard copies will also be added to the library binder so the co-op maintains an uptodate record of all deliberations, expenditures, growing conditions, planting dates and observations, etc.

As per the attached minutes, four members volunteered for the FSC at the meeting. Anyone else interested is requested to get in touch with Lyndsey or Jan at 3122. An informal followup was held on the weekend to determine timing for the first potato hilling and assess other upcoming field management needs. Please scroll down for details, and refer here to the blog for additional updates from the current field management volunteers, and/or get in touch to be involved in this important aspect of the co-op!

NEWS FLASH: You won't find this update in the Meeting Minutes posted in the previous entry. The Regional District has awarded SPUDS a grant of $200, which will be available to us at the end of July!

The goal of regular updates is of course to keep everyone fully apprised, and engaged in both successful potato growing/care of the land and community building! Hope to see you all on June 19th. As mentioned, a little reminder will be coming your way next week, via phone and/or email. As always, thanks in advance for your RSVP!

Below, here are notes from the first (informal) meeting of the current field managment sub-committee (FSC) on June 6th, 2010

In attendance: Mike, Fireweed, Jan & Lyndsey Recorder: Lyndsey

In no particular order:

Fireweed/Mike checked field today, June 6th, and found some potatoes already need hilling.
Jan/LJ to perform above adhoc hilling this week. Less feet on the field will result in less compaction, since the long tubers needing attention are scattered throughout the field.
Jan/LJ to obtain cardboard and place on rows nearer fence where no planting took place to suppress weeds.
First field-wide hilling planned for June 19 --- or June 20 should it rain.
Second (& final) field-wide hilling date TBD --- might include applying hay mulch (TBD - see below).
Whether watering system is put in place after second hilling or after hay mulch is applied TBD.
Advice on watering system to be sought from Derek - Fireweed/Mike to contact.
Jan/LJ to be contact for FSC - should other members wish to join the sub-committee.

SPUDS MINUTES for MAY 31st, 2010

2010-06-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

In attendance: Karl, Rae, Fireweed, Mike, Jan, Lyndsey, Charlie

Hosted by Fireweed and Mike

Facilitator: Rae Notetaker: Mike N.

OLD BUSINESS-

1. Field Updates:

Correction- 14.5 rows of potatoes were planted on Saturday (not the 16 previously reported…in the area closest to the fence where the sod was tough going, a row and a half were not planted. A few holes reportedly received two small potatoes, so there was actually less than a whole row’s worth of seed left over at the end.)

Weed suppression- it was suggested that the unplanted row and a half, as well as the adjacent grassy area be sheet mulched to suppress growth and encroachment into nearby potatoes.

Standing rye- about another hour of dead heading the standing rye has been done by Fireweed and Mike. Rae will contact deNeen about helping keep upcoming rye in check where we don’t want it to reseed.

Peas- sprouting well in the area planted by Rae, Karl, Mike, Derek, Bill, Susan Marie, Charlie and Fireweed prior to the potato planting.

Pea Purchase- the pea seed purchased last year was left exposed in the Hermitage barn over the winter where it became contaminated, so it was necessary to purchase new seed, including enough for the fall planting. Total cost: $79.99. Buying a whole bag was more cost effective than just replacing the lost seed now and waiting to buy the fall seed separately later. Mike will be reimbursed. Some discussion about proper seed storage ensued, with L and J offering the use of a metal bin for our next cover crop seed purchase. Current supplies are now safely stored in a sealed plastic tote at FW and Mike’s.

2. Financial Update by Mike:

a. Balance as of April 30, 2010: $197.17

less check for DI Old School meeting -$15.00

less check to Mike Lindsay for tilling -$50.00

less check to Charlie for water tank accessory -$40.16

plus extra money from donations exceeding costs

for our chili and cornbread lunch at the planting +$14.00

$106.01

Outstanding bills:

Twine for marking rows $14.41

Peas for spring/fall planting $79.99

$94.40

b. Bank statements:

…the bank offered to print out an account summary for 2008 and 2009 that lists checks and deposits, so the remaining missing bank statements are no longer an issue.

c. Memberships:

…stands at 14 family/group and 2 individual. Velda and Bob no longer active this year, but would like SPUDS to keep their membership fee.

d. Recycle Bin:

….we are second in line for a bin. The Recycling center reviews requests at year end (Jan.) Note: There was some question about whether or not we should have a bin.

3. Communications Committee Update:

Rae reported that thankyou cards have been sent to Doug & JoAnn Wright in appreciation for the donated hay, and Brian Miles for loaning us his roller for use with the cover cropping. Mike Lindsay will also receive an appreciation from SPUDS for his help with the field.

Sheila has done a great job compiling hard copies of SPUDS meeting minutes and more in a binder now available in the Denman library. The group agreed that there is probably no longer a need to keep current Minutes copies in the Free Post., so the envelope there will be removed and the membership reminded to visit the library, OR the SPUDS blog to review Minute records.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Field Management:

a) rye still growing in field will be monitored and deadheaded by Rae who will contact deNeen, also interested in helping.

b) First Hilling- tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 12^th at 10 am with Sunday, June 13th as an inclement weather backup plan date. The following weekend if potato growth warrants waiting. Bring hoes.

c) 2^nd hilling and mulching to also be determined by sub-committee (see proposal below)

d) water cistern adaptation- Charlie has new fixture and will arrange for installation assistance from Mike Lindsay.

e) watering system discussed including how to adjust for current configuration of field, and whether or not it should be flushed. FW will also talk to Derek again about best likely placement in rows.

f) fall cover crop- peas purchased for fall, clover from South Country can wait; FW reports interest from Ironwood Farms, as well as Nature’s Way in possibly sharing hairy vetch purchase to come. Anticipated costs are estimated at around another $50 for cover crop seed this year.

g) Harvest/celebration planning deferred. Discussion around divvying up the harvest included concerns about different levels of membership involvement in the field, and the need to keep reminding folks to get in touch for other ways to pitch in if they are able to attend few field dates. It was recognized that 4 or 5 visits to the field remains a membership requirement, but that sometimes circumstances preclude the best of intentions.

2. Proposal:

Mike: that the membership strike a SPUDS sub-committee mandated to oversee field management organization and keep the membership fully apprised with regular updates.

There was no dissent to the proposal, so it has been adopted in principle by the membership present. All SPUDS members to be notified and invited once again to weigh in before it is considered official. It was suggested that any objections be made by June 12^th, the first possible next group field activity date speculated.

It was agreed that the field sub committee (FSC) will always be open to anyone interested in participating. Members Lindsey, Jan, Fireweed and Mike volunteered to be on the FSC and will get together soon for a field visit and report on readiness for hilling so we can better anticipate the next field gathering date so the membership has some lead time. Fireweed is also on the Communications Committee and so will help make sure pertinent updates from the FSC are made available to all SPUDS members.

3. Fundraising:

Grants- Veronica’s update on the seniors grant was mentioned as determined not to be applicable to SPUDS (a proposed composting toilet for the Hermitage site where the grant is intended to create raised bed gardens for seniors may be available for our use eventually!)

The status of the other grant Veronica had offered to look into was unknown at this time.

Mike reported that there is no word yet from the Regional District regarding SPUDS grant application, and that any money’s wouldn’t be available before the end of July.

Other fundraising ideas include selling baked potatoes at the market. It was determined that the Fall Faire would predate our harvest in the field. We are second in line at the Bottle Depot for a bin, and some discussion ensued as to whether or not SPUDS should take advantage of the opportunity.

4. Other items:

Laying of the Hoses:

All members present agreed that they would help with the laying out of the watering system in the field when the time comes. Charlie will connect with the Fire Department around the filling of the cistern.

The meeting came to a close after fits of laughter were linked to the innocent refreshments made available by the meeting hosts. There is no next meeting of the membership as a whole planned at this time outside of the next field hilling date TBD.

Meeting, Monday May 31, 2010

2010-06-01T09:41:00.001-07:00

our cover crop peas sprouting a week after planting (maybe soaking them first helped, but the rain sure hasn't hurt!)

Yes, both our latest round of pea cover crop and now this year's potato seed are in the ground and sprouting!

A total of 14.5 rows with approximately 65 plants each have no doubt benefited from the subsequent rains (weatherwise, our timing was blessed!) and before we know it our first hilling will be necessary. So please stay tuned for our next field day announcement.

As you can see by the above photos, the potato seed we planted was long and leggy! We had even slowed down the sprouting by storing them in Rod and Vlasta's apple barn over the last month, as we were waiting for the soil to dry out enough for a tilling in the field.

At the planting last Saturday it was agreed that on Monday, May 31st at 7:00 pm, all members interested and able to attend would gather to plan for next steps and ongoing field management requirements. It's a busy time of the year, but do come if you can. Every member's input is valuable to our co-operative endeavour so please take a moment to look over the proposed agenda below.

Herb, Veronica and Jan at work planting our spring potato seed.

A reminder for new or renewing members: membership in SPUDS only requires a commitment of four or five gatherings in the field over the course of the growing season, so folks who don't have the time or interest in participating in additional meetings are not required to do so. However the shared leadership inherent in our recent adoption of consensus process provides everyone interested in helping coordinate SPUDS infastructure the opportunity to engage in this important aspect of the co-op. With our Basis of Unity in place to guide us as an egalitarian community and a four year crop rotation now underway, our next meeting agenda is likely to look something like the following (and please note the proposal at the bottom of the list!):

basic AGENDA so far:

Old Business
-field updates
- book keeping
-communications

New Business
1) Fundraising (baked potatoes at the Fall Faire?!, etc)

2) Field management including....
-cutting the volunteer rye before it reseeds
-First Hilling
-Second Hilling
-Mulching
-Water sistern adaptation
-Water system Installation
-Watering schedule
-Fall cover crop ordering
-Potato Harvest/celebration
-Fall tilling and cover crop planting

3) Proposal for adoption of a field management sub-committee*

* Proposal: that the membership strike a SPUDS sub committee mandated to oversee field management organization and keep the membership fully apprised with regular updates.
Anyone with thoughts, ideas or concerns is invited to provide input regarding the proposal, or any other item on the agenda, as well as to add other items. If no one in your family/group membership was available to participate in the field on or around planting day, you'll see there are other ways to pitch in!

Below are a few excerpts to do with the consensus process model SPUDS recently adopted, from the Seeds for Change website also listed under the LINKS column on the right hand side of this blog. New and old members are invited to visit the link for further information about the shared leadership approach in SPUDS evolving co-operative adventure!

Last but not least, the meeting on Monday, May 31st will take place on the farmhouse veranda at 2910 Northwest Road, (on the other side of the road from Lone Pine Farm The date is so soon due to immediate requirements in the field. Thankyou in advance for your RSVP!

Scroll down for more photos!

Madigan Wright, our second youngest SPUDs family member (sister Ivy is in a photo with Madigan and mom below) shows off a sprouting potato seed about to be planted by papa Vern.

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Notes on Consensus Process- from Seeds for Change

-In contrast to majority voting consensus decision-making is about finding common ground and solutions that are acceptable to all. Decisions are reached in a dialogue between equals, who take each other seriously and who recognise each other's equal rights.

-Another benefit of consensus is that all members agree to the final decision and therefore are much more committed to actually turning this decision into reality. -Nobody must be afraid to express their ideas and opinions. Remember that we all have different values and opinions, different behaviours, different areas and thresholds of distress.

-Not every decision needs to involve the whole group. Set up working groups on different areas, such as publicity, fund-raising, research. These sub-groups can then decide the nitty-gritty business that they are responsible for, within certain limits that the group has defined beforehand.

-Consensus is about participation and equalising power. It can also be a very powerful process for building communities and empowering individuals. Don't be discouraged if the going gets rough. For most of us consensus is a completely new way of making decisions. It takes time to unlearn the patterns of behaviour we have been brought up to accept as the norm. Consensus does get easier with practice and it's definitely worth giving a good try!

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kevin entertains in the field.

The spuds were all planted in alignment (mostly!) with the strings that marked each row, exactly 18 inches apart. (each row is a tight squeeze of only two feet apart, which should suppress weeds inbetween the rows, and help conserve water)

Visiting family members help supervise the planting!

Rae deadheads self-seeded rye in the upper half of the field to help prevent it from reseeding where we don't want it anymore!

a big pot of organic veggie chili warming up in the Hermitage barn for the workers to chow down on with organic cornbread and refreshments after their hard work planting in the field.

chili salute from the 2010 Spring planting brigade: Veronica, Herb, deNeen, Sheila, Bob, Ron, Mike, Rae, Kevin, Jan, Lyndsey, Barb, Vern and Karl. Missing from photo: Fireweed (the photographer- and your devoted blog mistress!), and Herb's son who also pitched in a helping hand. Mike helped plant the pea cover crop a few days earlier with Charlie, Bill and Susan Marie. (along with non-member supporter Derek T, as well as myself, Rae and Karl)

and for a little more fun...

http://www.petitiononline.com/spudlove/petition.html

SPRING PLANTING MAY 22nd , 11:00 am

2010-05-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

First of all, the weather looks great for planting! So we're right on schedule for getting our spuds in the field Saturday morning.

Spudsters have already been very busy this spring, prepping the site and collecting supplies. Kudos to Bob Vosburgh for scything our fall cover crop before Mike Lindsay got in to till the field two weeks ago! Also to Rae, Karl, Lindsay, Jan, Mike and Bob for delivering hay donated by Gordon Wright (thankyou farmer Gordon!) for our mulch this year.

And on Monday, May 17th, Karl, Rae, Mike, Fireweed, Charlie, Susan Marie, and Bill Engelson planted our pea cover crop in the now tilled quadrant that will NOT be receiving potatoes this spring, but building nitrogen. We also laid out sixteen rows in the quadrant where our potatoes WILL be going...all with the supportive assistance of organic grower Derrik Tanneker. Thankyou Derrik!

See you Saturday, unless the weather changes drastically, in which case our backup plan is same time, same place on SUNDAY. Don't forget shovels, hat, gloves, bucket if you have one, and a bowl and spoon for our chile lunch. Small donation greatfully accepted towards expenses if your name is 'in the pot'!

SPRING PLANTING: SAT. MAY 22nd

2010-05-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mike Lindsay who tilled the field just before Mother's Day, SPUDS has an official planting date set for Saturday May 22nd!

Please plan to arrive and get started by 11:00 am. Refreshments will be available- a big pot of chili and cornbread will be provided (a donation of a loonie or two greatfully appreciated towards expenses).

Be sure to bring water, gloves and a hat...it could be warm out there! Any planting tools...BUCKETS, shovels, rakes, etc, will also be important.

If no one from your family/group membership is available to participate with the planting on the date selected, please contact the communications team. The more folks that gather at the same time, the faster the job. And the more fun!

So, hope to see you there!

Meeting Minutes April 26th, 2010

2010-05-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

Meeting place: Veronica’s House, 7:00 pm

Attending: Fireweed, Mike, Bob Vosburgh, Lyndsey Jennings, Jan Murphy, Sharon Walberg, Veronica Timmons (facilitator), deNeen Baldwin (notetaker)
Regrets: Rae

Welcome to our new member, Sharon Walberg.

Hay acquisition:
Bob Vosburgh says Doug Wright is donating 25 bales of hay which need picking
up very soon. Bob, Jan, Lyndsey and Mike will help getting the hay to the field.

Financial Update:
Mike says $100 in new memberships have been received, which brings the total
number of memberships to 16 (14 family/group and 2 individual).
The account balance is $182.17. Tilling the field this spring will cost $50 and the tap will cost $40.
It was suggested we consider having online access to the bank account. Mike to investigate and report back.
Sharon suggested Mike check if we can get a donation bin at recycling.

Field Update:
Cleanup of the field has yet to be done; needs to be done before tilling.

Tilling: The field is not ready yet; too wet. After turning over the cover crop, the field needs 2 weeks prior to planting.
Planting Date Possibilities:
We have tentatively slated two time frames for planting: either Saturday May 22 (Sunday 23rd if it rains) or Saturday May 29th (Sunday 30th if it rains).

Cover Crop:
FireWeed researched getting the best seed possible for the coming cover crop of Red Clover and Hairy Vetch. She will look into purchasing the former from South Country Feed, and arrange to split an order of the latter with Ironwood Farm in Fanny Bay.
Jan and Lyndsey may be able to pick up some seed in Ladner early in May.
Regarding the storage of the seed potatoes—Thanks to Mike for picking them up from Bob Parsons and moving them to Rod and Vlasta’s cold storage. The group thanked Rod and Vlasta for the use of their space.

Grants:
Veronica to meet soon with Louise Bell on a grant possibility from the Union of B.C. Municipalities. She will also work with Bob to explore a Home Depot/Evergreen grant for a structure for water catchment and hay storage. Veronica will submit the application.

Other Business:
The Islands Trust is hosting a meeting of the representatives from the various Agricultural interest groups which have recently been forming on the island. The meeting, which is partly designed to assure the groups are not working at cross purposes, is on Monday,May 10 at 10:30 am at the Old School. FireWeed will attend for SPUDS.

Next Meeting:
Let’s hope the next time we meet it is for planting! No meeting scheduled.

Meeting Minutes for April 5th, 2010

2010-05-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Held at Sheila and Ron’ house

Attendance:

Mike Nestor, Sheila Nopper, Karl Goodwin, deNeen Baldwin, Veronica Timmons, Rae Eckel, Ron Sakolsky, Fireweed, Lindsey Jennings and Jan Murphy (new members)

Facilitator: deNeen Baldwin Minutes: Veronica Timmons
Welcome to new members: Lindsey Jennings and Jan Murphy

1. Soil Test
Rae presented the findings of the soil tests. The test was done on the quadrant that will be planted this year. Most of the soil tested is 6ph – a little on the acidic side but good for potato growing. The results showed nitrogen depletion, phosphorus deficiency and potash sufficiency.

2. The field
Carl reported that in the planting area 1/6 is underwater. The cover crop is not evenly dispersed and there are not many peas growing in the planting quadrant. Cardboard has blown over the field. Need a clean up crew to take the cardboard out. Veronica and Jan will do this.

3. Financial Report
Mike reported that the account balance as of Feb 28 ’10 = $97.17. We have $ 100.00 of memberships to deposit and one check outstanding for $ 15.00. This leaves us with a balance of $ 182.17. Short-term expenses: tractor/tilling - $50; tap for cistern - roughly $50. There are 15 members – 13 family, 2 individual

4. Cover Crop
Discussion on different cover crops. Fireweed gave a breakdown of costs for vetch and red clover. We need $200 to buy cover crops. Needs to be purchased May/June. S.W. Feed is the best source. Ironwood Farm interested in sharing a bag of vetch. Fireweed to check availability.

5. Seed Potato Storage
Seeds are sprouting on the potato stock. Rod and Vlasta can offer cooler storage. The boxes need to be moved there.

6. Planting
The 2010 planting quadrant is muddy/wet. Options discussed: plant in wet soil, plant in hay, not plant. The plan is to plant in mid-May when it should be dried up. It was decided that reconfiguring the quadrants/field would be the best method to avoid the wet zone. There will still be four rotations.
Mike to check with Mike Lindsay regarding tilling.

7. Basis of Unity
Ron suggested we hold a place for the addition Reduce dependence on fossil fuel over time. Members who are interested in weaning us off fossil fuel could come back with a proposal. It was agreed to insert the addition in the Basis of Unity. Those who are concerned could form a sub-group to study other choices.

8. Grant – UBCCM
Veronica discussed the grant that Louise Bell has obtained for the island. It is for the Seniors Society and another group such as ours to decide what to do with it. Veronica will get the application and bring it to the SPUDS meeting for discussion.

9. Library – binder
Veronica will give sheila binder for the archival documents to go in the library.

10. Next Meeting-
Monday, 7 pm, at Veronica’s :5792 Thomas Road.

Minutes for March 8, 2010

2010-03-28T03:22:00.000-07:00

Members in attendance: Bob Vosburgh, Kevin Mitchell, Mike Nestor, Fireweed, Ron Sakolsky, Sheila Nopper, Rae Eckel, deNeen Baldwin

AGENDA:

I. Financial Report/Membership Update
2. Outreach/Communications
3. Basis of Unity amendment
4. Field Management
5. Next Meeting

1. Financial Report- Mike

Old Balance (in checking account as of February 28, 2010): $ 97.17
Outstanding bills: $ 15.00 (room rental)
Outstanding Deposit: $ 25.00 (family membership received)
New Balance: $ 107.17
Paid Memberships (as of March 7, 2010): 14 (12 family/2 individual)

Updates:

i) Area A Grant In Aid – Mike mailed in application February 27. The requested amount was $ 400.00. Copy of document will be kept for future reference.

ii) Missing Bank Statements -- SPUDS is still missing the first 14 statements (from January, 2008 – February, 2009) from its bank account. We could obtain copies, but it would cost the membership $ 35.00 to replace (at $ 2.50 per statement.) Given current finances, I am not recommending we get these now, but they would be useful in helping clean up our accounting from 2008 and 2009.

iii) Budget for 2010 – Mike Lindsay has told us rototilling the whole field will cost $ 100.00. The seed potatoes for planting have been purchased and Maxine has brought them up from Victoria.

2. Outreach/Communications:

a) Sheila reported working on the SPUDS binder. Bob V mentioned that REDI was turned down by the library so space there may also be an issue for SPUDS materials as well. Sheila will update.
b) Fireweed reported that the Flagstone did squeeze in our short SPUDS article, although it was split into two sections,
c) and that SPUDS’ updated listing for the REDI local foods directory was submitted
d) Discussion ensued about low membership attendance at this and the previous meeting. It was noted that while meeting regularly is not a prerequisite of membership, our adoption of consensus process means it is the responsibility of individual members to ensure that their voices are heard in a timely manner regarding any issues of concern.

3. Basis of Unity amendment

As reported in the minutes of our Feb. 22nd meeting, Fireweed reiterated her proposal that SPUDS amend the Sustainability section of our Basis of Unity statement to include the following: (addition highlighted in italics ).

Sustainability

We source supplies locally and use organic seed, compost and fertilizers whenever possible. We use organic practices that are least harmful to the soil, water, plants, people, animals and the ecosystem as a whole. Domestic animals and animal byproducts are excluded. We work toward maintaining a membership level commensurate with the yield ability of the field which we seek to maximize. We sustain the membership through regular communications, education and other events. We maintain a harmonious and respectful working relationship with each other, the community and the Dharma Fellowship/Hermitage Board. We maintain financial viability.

The proposal was adopted and the Basis of Unity amended accordingly.

4. Field Management

a) Rae reported that she is still planning to conduct soil tests and just needs to get some distilled water to carry this out
b) On March 7th, Derek and current members Mike, Fireweed, Bob V, Rae and Karl met in the field to assess field conditions. NOTE: Contrary to earlier plans proposed to the membership, it has now been determined that an early planting date is not a viable option.
The pea seed planted last fall needs more time to mature before we can plant this year’s potatoes. We are advised to harvest by mid September this year (vs. mid-Oct. last year) so we can get our cover crop in earlier so it in turn matures sooner next spring. After much discussion the members came up with two options for accommodating soil fertility requirements. Our new goal is to till by May 2nd at the latest (earlier if possible) and plant by May 15th.

[NOTE: see (g) below, for consideration of fossil fuel use in SPUDS field management practices.]

Option 1- When the field is ready (hopefully by late April/early May) till only the north half, leaving the standing pea crop to continue maturing undisturbed on the south half. Plant potatoes on the east side of the north half, and peas on the west side. After harvesting our potatoes in the fall, till the entire field. Clover and vetch would then be planted on the south half and the northeast quarter, and peas on the northwest quarter.

Option 2- When the field is ready (hopefully by late April/early May) till whole field. Plant clover/vetch mix in the south half. Plant potatoes on the east side of the north half, and peas on the west side. After harvesting our potatoes in the fall, till only the north half of the field. Plant clover and vetch in the northeast quarter, and peas on the northwest quarter.

The advantages to Option 1 are as follows:

i) by only tilling one half of the field this spring (leaving the existing cover crop to continue growing so that it does its job of fixing nitrogen effectively), costs to the group are delayed/ and there is more time for research, etc
ii) planting the clover/vetch cover crop later, rather than sooner, will mean it won’t be needing water during summertime drought
iii) all clover/vetch cover crop planting would happen at the same time (in the fall)

The members present favor Option 1 for the variety of reasons considered.

c) It was noted that we should keep our eyes on the pea cover crop as it continues to grow. Flowering will help determine our date for rototilling.
d) Rae reported on cover crop seed available through South Country Feeds. They are reportedly discontinuing red clover, their crimson clover isn’t in stock yet, and both are annuals anyway. They have a white perennial, and it costs 12.99 kg. She also noted that they have buckwheat for 1.99 kg. Not sure this is organic seed or not.
Fireweed will bring additional research on vetch and clover sources to the next meeting.
e) Hay sources found by Rae and deNeen- $6 a bale from Orkney Farms; Doug Wright, and Dante and Tashi are willing to donate some hay
f) Bob V reported that Mike Lindsay estimates a cost of $100 for tilling the whole field. ($50 an hour) He hopes to access Dan Stoneman’s tractor. A 10-15 foot clearance is required in the field.
g) Discussion continued on fossil fuel usage, including consideration of the interests of members interested in a no till approach to field management. It was noted that our new four year crop rotation plans will facilitate fossil fuel reduction gradually, as we work to rebuild soil fertility mindfully over the next couple of years. To underscore the importance of this concern, it was agreed that the following proposal made by Ron should be vetted by the membership for inclusion in our Basis of Unity Statement:

“Our goal is to reduce our dependence on the use of fossil fuels over time”.

5. Next meeting: Monday April 5th, 7:00 pm, at Ron and Sheila’s. deNeen to facilitate.

Meeting Minutes Feb. 21, 2010

2010-03-28T03:20:00.000-07:00

Members in attendance: Rae Eckel, Karl Goodwin, Bob Vosburg, Fireweed, Mike Nestor

Notetaker: Mike Nestor

AGENDA:

Old Business
New Business
Field Management
Next Meeting

FINANCIAL REPORT: by Mike

a. Balance (as of Jan. 31, ‘10) $352.67
-outstanding checks - $280.50 for potatoes - sent
-$40.00 for Back Hall rental (Feb. 7) - sent
-$15.00 for Conservancy Room rental (Feb 21) - needs signature

-outstanding deposit (memberships collected and awaiting deposit) -$25

Balance (after the above debits and credits are dealt with) $42.17

b. Memberships: 11 currently (other new and/or expected renewals are Bill Engelson, Vern and Wendy Wright, Lyndsey Jennings, David Graham, Katherine Hill )
[NOTE: as of the posting of these Minutes, 2 out of 5 are now paid, bringing the number up to 13 confirmed memberships for 2010]

c. Missing bank statements noted: from Jan. 08- March 09 (will cost $2.50 a piece to replace or a total of $35. Not a recommended expenditure at this time given our current balance, though the membership had previously OK’ed this expenditure.)

d. CVRD Grant-in-Aid: in progress. Reported that Herb, Charlie and Mike met Feb. 12 to discuss. Mike will complete and send. Financial questions raised about irrigation system. Mike will speak with Charlie and/or Veronica.

COMMUNICATIONS/OUTREACH:

a. an updated blurb describing SPUDS for the REDI Local Food Directory (deadline end of Feb) was read and adopted

b. a short piece for the Flagstone announcing space for new members in the co-op was read, tweaked, and adopted. (Flagstone early deadline for March has passed, but the editor said they would try to squeeze something in if they still have space)
c. information provided to Barb by Bruce Holden about his own potato growing methods, and passed on to the Communications Team via email through Herb, was shared with the group. This information has been added to former input from Bruce, and the list of other growers contacted in years past about their personal experiences and ideas around potato growing. Suggested that these notes be added to the SPUDS binder for access by the membership at any time.

d. Fireweed also delivered information pertinent to no-till potato growing that she had offered in support of Barb’s research at the last meeting. This will also be added to the binder in the library for access by those interested who do not use the internet.

e. Meeting Attendance: Discussion ensued about the cost of venue rental, given the small turnout at tonight’s meeting, and lack of advance notice from the majority of members missing. Of the various venues available for rent on the island, the Conservancy Room was determined to remain the most accommodating to the needs of all members. It was noted that the home of Susan Marie, and that of Ron and Sheila were also suitable for those with chemical sensitivities, when available.

It was suggested that proposed Agenda items for the next meeting be included in the email updates (that also provide the Minutes from the previous meeting). Plus a reminder that effective consensus process requires members to keep abreast of the Minutes for meetings they may have missed so that decision-making can both benefit from the input of everyone interested, and proceed in a timely fashion.

It was also agreed that the facilitator or co-facilitators for subsequent meetings should be determined before we adjourn each time, and that members take responsibility for contacting the communications team or next facilitator with any additional agenda items prior to the next scheduled meeting, whenever possible.

FIELD MANAGEMENT:

-Planting date: everyone present was in agreement that our potatoes be planted as early as field conditions would allow. Mid March was considered desirable, with the understanding that getting the crop to maturity as early in the summer as possible is an important water conservation measure.

-Given discussions at the Feb. 7th meeting about encouraging fossil fuel reduction, members commiserated at great length about how and where to prepare the field at large for planting both potatoes and cover crop. Mike addressed in detail, the three scenarios for field management that he, Charlie and Derrek had prepared and provided the membership for consideration back in January.

The possibility of hand-digging a currently pea-covered section of our 2010 field quadrant was raised by Karl. Given that bringing equipment onto the field necessitates waiting for it to ‘dry out’ sufficiently, Karl suggested that this might help prepare a section for planting sooner than might otherwise be possible. Concerns about the difficulty it might be for a tractor to disc most of the field while trying to avoid a small section were voiced.

It is agreed in principle that the membership proceed with Option B (introduced at our January 13th meeting as the most ideal scenario of the three presented for optimizing field fertility), with the understanding that if the group’s finances and the will of the membership precludes additional cover cropping and field work in the summer, that our plans simply be amended to reflect Option C. Please refer to the emailed Minutes of that meeting for all three maps. These didn’t transfer to our blog, so again, refer to the emailed minutes for THIS meeting to review the two options referred to here.)

The agreement in principle (above) will be presented as a formal proposal seeking consensus at the next meeting, so the membership can move forward with plans for the 2010 growing season ASAP.

- Rae to investigate cost of buckwheat, and sources of hay mulch. Bob, Fireweed and Mike to contact various islanders who might be able to assist with field preparation this spring, and to source hay for mulch, as well.

-Suggested that members with questions be encouraged to submit them to the Communications Team ahead of the next meeting, and/or be prepared to provide alternatives or friendly amendments to the proposal that will be under consideration. Agreed.

-As a follow-up to her presentation at the Feb. 7th meeting, Fireweed will reiterate at the next meeting, her proposal that SPUDS eschew the use of domestic animals and animal byproducts (including a small addition to the Basis of Unity statement)

NEXT MEETING(s): It was noted that Sundays might not be best for most people, and those who had suggested a weekend date were not in attendance this evening.

The next official meeting of the membership is scheduled for Monday, March 8th at 7 pm. The venue is yet to be confirmed (likely the Conservancy Room again, but stay tuned)

ALSO, several SPUDS members will visit the SPUDS patch briefly on Sunday, March 7th at 10 am to assess the field prior to decision-making at the meeting on Monday evening. Any other members interested are welcome and encouraged to attend. Bring large cardboard, mulch, seaweed if you have it.

-Rae has proposed that members remember to bring their own mug to meetings for refreshments.

Facilitator for March 8th meeting: Bob Vosburg

Adjourned: 9:30 pm. Thanks to Rae and Karl for apple juice, and to Fireweed for brownies.

MINUTES for Feb. 7th, 2010

2010-02-17T19:10:00.000-08:00

Meeting was held in the Back Hall.

Members attending: Bob Vosburgh, Derek Takerer, Fireweed, Mike Nestor, Sheila Nopper, Veronica Timmons, Max Matilpi, Rae Eckel,Karl Goodwin, Bob Parsons, Ron Sakolsky, Barb Heywood-Jones,Herb Jones, Ron Dobie and Charlie Johnston (Co-facilitators), deNeen Baldwin (note taker)

Agenda:

1. Final discussion on details of the Basis of Unity including Consensus Decision
Making

2. Field Management: Seed Potatoes, Drainage Question

3. Finances: 2010 Cost Estimates, Bank Account, Membership, Grant-in-Aid

4. Member Presentations:
(i) Fireweed, advocating for animal byproduct-free growing in the SPUDS patch, and
(ii) Barb, on non-fossil fuel gardening

5. Next Meeting

1. Basis of Unity

At the January meeting, the Basis of Unity was adopted in principle. After some discussion and minor changes, we are happy to report that the Basis of Unity, including using the consensus method of decision making, was adopted by the co-operative.

This culminates several months of discussion and effort. Although we have been using consensus at our meetings for some time, it is good to establish common ground and it is essential to our continued progress. See the additional attachment for details.

2. Field Management:

Seed potatoes for this year’s planting were picked up by Max near Victoria and are being stored at Bob Parsons for the moment. If mice prove to be an issue, we may
have to make alternate arrangements. Concern was expressed at the lack of diversity in planting only one variety of potato; while realizing that for this year research showed this to be the best option, the group hopes for more diversity in future.

The issue of ditching to deal with the wet side of the field was discussed. Timing is key as the excessive water is only a problem in early spring; planting later in that area might resolve the issue, or other methods of planting. It was agreed to not dig ditches for the moment as the situation needs more research.

3. Finances:

Bob Vosburgh presented the following research on 2010 Cost Estimates:

Cover crop- clover $13/kilo 12 k/acre $160
Hay Mulch $5 per bale
Valve for Cistern $40
Wnter peas 22 k bag $80
Innocolant $6.00 kilo bag
Fall Rye 55 lb bag $31.99 2 bags per acres $64
Rye-pea blend $51.95 per bag $104
Seed potatoes 150 lb- $290 $290
Plow and rototilling

Mike reported:
the Old Balance (in our checking account as of December 31, 2009) as: $ 352.67
Outstanding bills as: $ 280.50 (for 2010 potatoes)/ and $ 40.00 (room rental for the Feb. 7th meeting)
an Outstanding Deposit of: $ 25.00 (family membership received)
providing a New Balance of: $ 57.17

NOTE: Not reported at the meeting, but requested by Mike as an addition to his financial report in the Minutes is the following:

Missing Bank Statements-- SPUDS is still missing the first 14 statements (from January, 2008 – February, 2009) for its bank account. Replacement copies can be obtained at the cost of $35.00 to (at $ 2.50 per statement.) Given current finances, Mike is not recommending this action be taken now, but reporting that these documents would be useful in helping clean up our accounting from 2008 and 2009.

Rae reported on the member survey she conducted by phone in order to determine which past members would be rejoining us this year, which indicated that we need to increase our 2010 membership to cover our costs. Our current membership, as of Feb. 7th, is 11 (10 family; 1 individual) Last year total membership was 20.

The Communications Committee will put together an article for the Grapevine and Flagstone to invite new members and update the community on our adopted Basis of Unity. The group agreed it would be great to have younger members with strong backs.

The price of membership was revisited to make it more accessible. We agreed to introduce a sliding scale, recommending Individual memberships be $15 and Family/Group memberships pay $25. It is important to convey that if someone is interested, not to let lack of money be a barrier to joining.

Grant In Aid: After discussing pros and cons of receiving money from the Regional District, the group authorized Charlie Johnston, Herb Jones and Mike Nestor to meet and fill out the application (and to use their names as nominal President/VP/Treasurer for purposes of this grant, due in late February). A copy of the document will be kept on file for future reference.

It was suggested that relying on grants was not in keeping with our sustainability tenet and that, at some point, the Co-operative needs to stand on its own without possibility of compromise. It was also suggested that because we’re “not there yet”, that the leverage of financial assistance in the short term could have long range benefits.Agreed that overall funding is a larger discussion for another time.

4. Presentations:

The speakers were afforded 10-15 minutes each, with discussion to follow.

Fireweed provided several reasons for SPUDS consideration concerning her proposal (Sept. 09) that the Co-operative eschew the use of manure (and other animal products) in the field.

She included environmental and ethical issues, highlighting inherent advantages in maintaining SPUDS as a stock-free growing opportunity and educational model, from both a local and global perspective.

Fireweed is happy to make a transcript of her presentation available to anyone interested who was unable to attend.

Barb spoke about sustainability, farming versus gardening, and the damage rototilling does to the soil.

When we discussed the Basis of Unity, Barb proposed using the term “gardening” rather than “farming” as she feels that the connotation of “farming” is that it legitimizes machinery used by the few for food for many. The membership present agreed to replace “farming” with “growing” where applicable, in the Basis of Unity.

Barb read an article which explained how rototilling works well initially but releases too many nutrients the first year which are leached over subsequent years; then the soil turns to dust. In the end, she says, rototilling is not sustainable.

In the discussion which ensued, concern was expressed about how those of us in our 50’s and 60’s and beyond, may or may not be physically able and/or willing to grow potatoes using hand tools only. The question of whether or not we would want to consider non-human animals as beasts of burden if fossil fuels are no more was also raised. Fireweed stated that her original proposal would be amended to included “animals”, as well as “animal manure and byproducts”, for clarification.

Both member presentations were intended for information and discussion at this meeting only, and so no decisions were made.

5. Next Meeting

Rae researched meeting places and the upshot is that the School Library is best for a standard 2 hour weeknight meeting at $5 per hour and the Conservancy room at the Old School would be best for a weekend meeting at $15 for a morning, afternoon or evening. These are venues suitable for those members with chemical sensitivities.

The next meeting will be held on Sunday, February 21st, at 7 pm at the Old School.

Minutes fo January 13th, 2010

2010-01-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

Meeting was held at Ron and Sheila’s house.

Members attending: Bob Vosburgh, Derek Takerer, Fireweed, Mike Nestor,

Sheila Nopper, Veronica Timmons,

Ron Sakolsky and Charlie Johnston (Co-facilitators),

deNeen Baldwin (notetaker)

Agenda:

1) Cooperative Management:

Field Issues: Potato Seed Order, Field Management 2010

2) Committee Reports

Communications, Budget, Financial

3) Basis of Unity

4) Next Meeting

What to include:

- Basis of Unity and Consensus;

- information and discussion about growing potatoes without the

use of animals or animal byproducts in the field, as well as the

issue of fossil fuels

Field Issues:

Potato Seed Order-

The amount of seed potatoes required depends on how much area of the field we intend to cultivate this year. Based on selling whatever we don’t use, Veronica ordered

150 pounds; in order to keep our books straight, it was proposed that the SPUDS cheque to Across the Creek Organics pay only for the potato co-op’s needs, rather than mixing in other purchasers. Both Fireweed and Veronica have been researching the type of seed potatoes available and Seglinde seems the only organic ones we can get at a reasonable cost which are not scab prone. So the group decided 150 pounds is the appropriate SPUDS order.

Field Management 2010-

Charlie, Derek and Mike met to discuss strategy on field use and Mike reported on their

findings. It was suggested that we adopt a 4 year Crop Rotation Plan by dividing the field into four quarters. The upper right quadrant, No. 1 (closest to the barn) would be planted in 2010, the upper left quadrant, No. 2 (closest to the driveway) would be planted in 2011. The lower right quadrant, No. 3 would be planted in 2012, and the lower left, No. 3 (closest to the gate) would be planted in 2013.

Each section is roughly 30 feet by 85 feet. It was determined that one section could offer the same amount of planting as we had last year by tightening up the rows.

The right side of the field is usually very wet in the spring. Discussion ensued on

the idea of creating a ditch to divert water and what that would entail. Using the upper

right quarter would work providing the wet is not overwhelming. The group agreed we would use a 4 year crop rotation plan.

Three proposals were put forward for the 2010 growing season

(the maps made available to the membership on the email attachments do not translate to the blog)

The group thanked the committee for its work on the field plans.

Committee Reports:

Budget:

Mike listed the items for budget considerations which will determine what is possible this year:

1. Cover crop

2. Seed potatoes

3. Hay bales for mulching

4. Water – free fills?

5. Rototilling costs

6. Valve for cistern

7. Option B will cost more in cover crops and digging or rototilling

8. Winter Peas and innoculant

9. Irrigation piping status

It was agreed we needed a working group to research costs and bring the information back to the group. Bob Vosburgh volunteered for this task, with Charlie checking on #6.

Finances

Applications for the Grant In Aid program from the Regional District need to be in

in late February. Veronica will ask Herb to see if he will do it.

Communications:

Fireweed reported that deNeen, Sheila and Rae met informally to discuss the flow of information for the co-op, and the following was shared:

Notes of thanks for various contributions over the last year have been sent by Rae and Fireweed. Appreciations were noted.

deNeen proposed that Note taking for the meetings circulate to others in the group with an appointed backup from the communications committee to help and ensure it gets completed within a week to ten days. The group agreed.

Sheila will put together a binder of all SPUDS documents to be kept in the library as the free post is being overloaded. Veronica to pass on previous hard copies for this record.

Fireweed will provide additional info and photos also permanently archived on the blogspot.

deNeen and Rae will call existing members who have not paid their 2010 membership fees to determine if they would like to continue to be part of the co-op and also if they want to receive emailed information.

Basis of Unity:

It was proposed that at this meeting the group would tweak the draft statements, post the results through the blog and at the free post, and if there was no dissent, the Basis of Unity would be adopted at the next meeting. Charlie clarified that in the Consensus

method of decision making, when important decisions such as this are adopted at a meeting, it is adopted in principle but finally (formally?) adopted at the next meeting.

The group has adopted, in principle, the Basis of Unity. See the accompanying insert at the bottom of this post.

Next Meeting:

The Basis of Unity, including using the Consensus decision making process will be brought forward for ratification by the membership. For a refresher on consensus, visit the following- also accessible here on the SPUDS blogspot in the Links column (short excerpt in italics below)

What is consensus? http://www.seedsforchange.org.uk/free/consens

Consensus is a decision-making process that works creatively to include all persons making the decision. Instead of simply voting for an item, and having the majority of the group getting their way, the group is committed to finding solutions that everyone can live with. This ensures that everyone's opinions, ideas and reservations are taken into account. But consensus is more than just a compromise. It is a process that can result in surprising and creative solutions - often better than the original suggestions.

Proponents of non-fossil fuel use and animal free agriculture are asked to make a 10 to 15 minute presentation to inform members about their concerns. No decision on these matters will be made at this meeting.

The next meeting is proposed for Sunday, February 7th at 1 p.m. in the Back Hall. This may be subject to change, with January 24th as a back-up date. Co-facilitators are not yet in place.

Next Meeting, Wed. Jan. 13, 2009

2010-01-11T19:23:00.000-08:00

Just to confirm, there is no meeting date change for our next gathering. It will take place at the home of Ron and Sheila at 4062 A Wren Road, with Ron and Charlie co-facilitating.

Here are at least a couple of topics that will be on the agenda for sure:

Seglinde potato seed has been ordered, but your input is needed in regards to other seed potato options given limitations under discussion.

The development of field management plans for 2010 and beyond has begun. Mike, Charlie and Derek will be sharing several proposals they have put together for the membership's consideration.

Also, we will look at the Basis of Unity as it has evolved to date.

Everyone's input is valuable, so the cooperative can function as inclusively as possible with timely decision making. We've come a long way practising the consensus process model, building our basis of unity. Suggestions on how best to incorporate input from members unable to attend meetings they would like to as we move ahead into the next growing season are welcome.

SPUDS MEETING MINUTES

2010-01-05T01:32:00.000-08:00

for Friday, December 11, 2009

Tonite’s meeting also doubled as a seasonal SPUDS celebration complete with tasty treats and refreshments. Thanks to Bob and Carol for hosting!

In attendance: Veronica Timmons, Herb Jones, Barb Heywood-Jones, Fireweed, Mike Nestor, Ron Dobie, Maxine Matilpi, Charlie Johnston, Bob and Carol Vosburgh, DeNeen Baldwin, Ron Sakolsky, Sheila Nopper, Derek Taneker

Minute Takers: DeNeen Baldwin and Fireweed

Facilitator: Ron Dobie

AGENDA :

1. Bookkeeping (update from Mike)

2. New Business
- (a) potato ordering (Veronica)
- (b) grant information (Fireweed)

-PARTY BREAK-

3. Basis of Unity – the Soil

4. Test for Consensus around Consensus Process Decision-Making

5. Next meeting details

……

1. Bookkeeping

Mike Nestor has replaced Corinne as a signatory for SPUDS bank account. Veronica and Brian Miles were the other two signatories according to bank records. Mike clarified that he is willing to assist with bookkeeping for SPUDS, but would like a team approach as he doesn’t have time to help with fundraising/grant applications, etc.

Mike received some of SPUDS receipts from Corinne, but we’re still missing 14 bank statements. Please see second email attachment if you are receiving these notes that way (or hard copy for those not on computer)for detailed report by Mike also advocating clear protocol on how expenses are authorized and greater transparency for SPUDS financial matters.

In short for the blogspot:

Bank Balance: $642.64
Owing: $239.47 (cover cropseed expense reimbursement)
$402.67 (expected balance after above payment)

11 members have paid their membership fees for 2010 so far. We had 22 paid memberships in 2009, up from 18 in 2008.

Cheques can now be written directly to SPUDS (OR Cascadia Food Security Project).
Fireweed proposed that Veronica receive reimbursement for her personal purchase of cover crop seed for fall planting, and that SPUDS adopt the policy of vetting future purchases through the group prior to expenditure. Consensus Noted.

It was also recognized by the members that advance budget planning is important.

2. New Business
(a) Potatoe Ordering: Veronica reported that the opportunity to order seed potato again through the same bulk purchase of certified organic seed we got in on last year, if we do it ASAP. Last season we purchased 150 pounds@ $157.50. Discussion determined that 2/3rd of what was ordered last year will likely be more than enough for the area suitable for planting in Spring 2010. Last year’s low Yukon Gold yield was noted. White Rose, Seglinde or Kennebec were suggested as preferred choices for the next planting. Interest in purple potatoes was raised, but Derek explained that it was in the best interests of soil health to avoid planting either red or purple skinned potatoes, given their propensity for scab and the evidence of some scab already in last year’s harvest. Veronica was mandated to go ahead and make the order since there would not be time for a group meeting for further discussion if we don’t want to miss the deadline for the shared order direct from Across the Creek Organics in Pemberton.

UPDATE: Since this meeting, Veronica discovered that only the Seglinde we want is available from this particular source, and is placing an order for 50 pounds of this one variety, leaving us the option of finding another type elsewhere if possible and the group wants more variety.

(b) Grant Availability: Fireweed reported news of a grant from the Investment Agiculture Foundation of BC for “development of sustainable agri-food sector”, with a Dec. 31st deadline for applicants. Veronica volunteered to research the grant, see if we would qualify if it looks useful, and make an application. It was suggested that if Veronica were to go ahead and fill out an application that anyone interested provide feedback before submission. Veronica agreed to make her findings known by Dec. 18th and Fireweed agreed to post relevant details on the blog if a grant application were to go foreward.

UPDATE: Veronica’s research determined that the grant in question was not applicable to SPUDS interests so no further action has been taken.

Discussion around the potential use of grant monies, brought up discussion about the need for a different type of attachment on the water tank, as requested by the Fire Department for greater ease of refill. Charlie Johnston volunteered to find out what the actual cost of this item will be and to report this to Veronica by the 20th, in case we want to reference the need for this item in any grant application.

It was noted that if sustainability is an important focus for SPUDS, then perhaps applying for grants contradicts this notion. Other thoughts suggested that taking selective advantage of appropriate financial assistance may help us reach that goal sooner than later. Members agreed that grant applications generally require good record keeping and budget outlines. With assistance from Derek, Mike and Charlie will come up with budget outlines for the group’s consideration at our next meeting in order to move ahead with planning for 2010 and beyond. Veronica’s timeline/task sheet will be helpful in developing some potential scenarios weighing both labour and financial resources.

PARTY BREAK!

Given that the original plan was to focus only on our Basis of Unity at this last meeting of 2009, it was agreed that tackling new business BEFORE our party was a great idea!

3. Basis of Unity: The Soil

Group work on this section concluded with Sheila Nopper volunteering to tighten up the wording further and forward to Fireweed for posting in the minutes here and on the blog.
Here it is:

SOIL (draft 3 – Dec 14/09)

Members will care for the soil by not using pesticides, toxins or any harmful substances on or in the soil [with consideration to COABC standards].
The soil will be amended, weeded, planted, and the crop harvested at the appropriate times on a continuing basis so as to improve the health, fertility, and tilth of the soil.
Any further needs or issues for the soil will be discussed and determined by the members.

Sheila has also provided a link to the COABC standards on line for general reference.

http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/organics/organics_industry/section6.pdf

4. Charlie proposed that testing for consensus on the consensus process be deferred to the next meeting with more members hopefully in attendance. Fireweed asked if we wanted to do an informal temperature check on the topic with those present through a simple show of hands. This informal test showed unanimous support for the consensus model.

5. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13th, 7:00 pm. Susan Marie’s house was suggested as a possibility, with Ron and Sheila’s as backup.

UPDATE: the location is not confirmed as of January 4th, but should be shortly.
Charlie and Ron Sakolsky will co-facilitate.

OLD BUSINESS: Fireweed made a last minute proposal that some extra potatoes currently stored by Bob Vosburgh go to Mary Lang, as a small gesture of our appreciation for her introduction last fall to the consensus decision making model. Those present were in favour, and the potatoes have since been delivered and appreciated!

Meeting January 13, 2010

2010-01-02T11:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! Our inaugral SPUDS meeting of the New Year is scheduled for Wednesday evening, January 13th. Stay tuned for location details, etc.

SPUDS Minutes- Tuesday, November 24, 2009

2009-11-29T00:58:00.000-08:00

3206 Wren Road, Denman Island

Members attending: Barb Heywood-Jones, Herb Jones, Karl Goodwin, Ron Dobie, Bob and Velda Parsons, Sheila Nopper, Bob Vosburgh, Ron Sakolsky, deNeen Baldwin, Rae Eckel, Mike Nestor, Charlie Johnston, Fireweed, Veronica Timmons, Peter Bickel-Janes

Co-facilitators: Mike and Fireweed, Time keeper: Rae Eckel, Speakers List keeper: Herb Jones, Minutes: Veronica Timmons

Agenda:

(1) Old Business

A.- Bob’s thoughts

B.- Cards- condolensce card for Marjo, and thankyou notes to SPUDS allies

C.- Farm Plan Update

D.- Book-keeping

E.- Communications

(2) New Business

A.- Linnaea Farm Update

B. -Water

C.- Soil Testing

D.- Funding

(3) Basis of Unity

Revisions Updated- Community Building, Sustainability, Group Process, Ethics

(4) Topics for Upcoming Discussion

(5) Next meeting, Co-Facilitator Selection

……….

(1) Old Business

A. Bob’s thoughts/Field issues

-Bob Parsons was invited to share a written submission he made a few weeks ago about the necessity of maintaining the field’s fertility. Entitled, The Soil, these thoughts had already been posted here on the right hand side of the blogspot). Bob elaborated on the current state of the field, which members attending the previous meeting, Nov. 11^th, were also already apprised of. Full details can be found in the last minutes.

Bob P. added that the absence of earth worms is a concern, stressing the need for additional humus, e.g. seaweed. A group of members will gather seaweed and put it on the land.

-Bob Vosburgh suggested that we don’t let the cover crop go to seed in the future, given the difficulty of moving the tangled pile of rye plants recently relocated for mulch to the lower end of the field. (again, see the minutes for Nov. 11^th, for details)

B. Cards

Rae and Fireweed will work on getting thankyou cards out to anyone who has assisted SPUDS and hasn’t already received a formal appreciation: the Fire Dept. (water), the Scrutons (hay), Anne and Larry, Jane and Patrick Fawkes (apple juice), Ironwood Farm (inoculant), Mike Lindsay (ploughing). Anyone else?

C. Agriculture Plan Update

The Islands Trust is initiating an Agriculture Plan for the island and seven islanders are volunteer members on the Steering Committee, including SPUDS members Peter Bickel Janes and Fireweed. Anyone interested in links provided to the Steering Committee members regarding Farm Plans in other communities can contact Fireweed directly. She will also act as a liason for SPUDS, keeping members abreast of the activities of the Committee.

D. Book-keeping/Financial Update

-deNeen announced receipt of the cheques and chequebook, formerly held by Corinne, along with a spreadsheet documenting 2009 income and expenses. deNeen plans to retrieve additional materials from Corinne soon.

-Veronica is awaiting reimbursement of $230 for winter pea seed she purchased for cover cropping.

-Mike will assist with book-keeping and he will replace Corinne Bjorge as a signatory on SPUDS bank account. Mike will go to the Credit Union to get the signing authority changed.

-The membership present approved Mike Nestor replacing Corinne Bjorge as signatory for Cascadia Food Sustainability Projects.

-Grant in Aid: Herb suggested that we apply again for the Regional District Grant In Aid.

E. Communication

Fireweed asked if members are getting their minutes before they go to a meeting. She reiterated that anyone interested is welcome to assist with helping keep communications flowing smoothly in a timely fashion. The minutes are sent to the membership of the whole after they are put up on the blogspot. Sheila asked for the minutes to also be sent as an attachment to the email announcing the blogspot posts so they can be more easily printed out for those that want to do that. Sheila will make sure the FreePost copies are available to those not on computer in advance of subsequent meetings.

(2). New Business

A. Linnaea Farm

-Fireweed provided an update on the Linnaea Farm Potato Coop system. They are on a four year rotation. Members pay $20 for a Linnaea Farm membership plus $50 per family for the Potato Coop Membership ($30.00 for individuals)

-The coop has been operating since 1984.The harvest is abundant, using almost exclusively green manure and cover cropping. (Pigs were brought in one time to clean up leftover potatoes, and a couple of years ago they amended the soil with rock phosphate and magnesium). Sections are sometimes left fallow. Favorite cover crops are Rye and Hairy Vetch (does not appeal to geese like regular vetch). Seaweed and compost are also added from time to time. This year they are experimenting with Red Clover.

- Regarding SPUDS crop rotation, Bob Parsons suggested that we divide the field into thirds to enable us to get a better yield. He has seed potatoes that can be used next year. Fireweed suggested that a four year rotation would be preferable, depending on membership numbers and yield expectations from the area available to us for cultivation.

- Potato Preferences and Yield: Some members commented that they liked the Seglinde and Yukon more than the White Rose potatoes that were harvested this year. The issue of record keeping, and yearly yield was met with an offer from Peter to use his scales to assess the harvest volumn next year.

-The importance of addressing crop rotation, planting plans, etc, with more time for deliberation was duly noted. These topics were deferred to another meeting.

B. Water

Herb said that Peter Marshall of the Fire Dept. has requested that we purchase a Forest Valve that goes on the bottom of the cistern to enable them to fill the tank more easily. Herb will research cost and supplier and report back.

-Charlie mentioned that his loan of irrigation equipment to SPUDS may or may not be temporary in the short term.

C. Soil Test

-Rae has purchased a kit from Art Knapps and will share it with SPUDS. A discussion ensued about when and where to test the soil. Rae will test the field this winter and again later in the spring for comparison. She will report her findings.

D. FundingTo be discussed at another meeting.

(3). Basis of Unity

The group discussed the drafts of the Basis of Unity Statements that follow in red and black ink. The most recent revisions are highlighted in red. For previous drafts in their entirety, please refer to previous minutes posted here on the blogspot. Number 3. (Soil) is in green because it has not yet been discussed by the group. It is a revision, however, of Velda’s original draft.

1. Community Building (Draft 5 – Sheila)

We want to build community by providing affordable access to land where we grow potatoes in an enjoyable, safe, welcoming environment. We strive to encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we hope to celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.

2. Sustainability (Draft 3 – Veronica)

Sustainability to the SPUDS Co-operative means that we will:

a) whenever possible, source supplies locally, use organic seed, compost and fertilizers

b) use the best farming practices that do not harm the soil, plants, people, animals or the ecosystem as a whole

c) increase the yield of the production to ensure an organic potato supply for the future

d) work toward maintaining a membership level commensurate with the yield ability of the field

e) sustain the membership through regular communications, education and other events

f) maintain a harmonious and respectful working relationship with each other, the community and the Dharma Fellowship/Hermitage Board

g) maintain financial sustainability

3. Soil (Draft 2 – Bob and Velda – to be discussed on Dec. 11^th)

a) members will care for the soil by not using pesticides, toxins or any harmful substances on/in the soil

b) the needs of the soil will be determined and discussed by the members and met in the best possible way

c) the soil will be amended, weeded, planted and the crop harvested at the appropriate times according to nature’s cycles and the weather

4. Education (Draft 3 - Veronica)

a) We encourage members to learn about organic farming, potato growing, how cooperatives operate and to share skills.

b) We will track our activities and their outcomes through reporting and record keeping.

5. Group Process (Draft 2 – Fireweed)

a) We strive for equality and inclusivity by sharing responsibilities and practicing power-with (rather than power-over) in our deliberations, decision-making and actions.

b) Before speaking we pass our words through the “Three Gates:”

- are these words true?

- are they necessary now?

- are they kind?

6. Ethics (Draft 2 – Mike)

SPUDS seeks to be a non-commercial, non-profit endeavor. Any revenue will be reinvested in the activities of the collective.

(4). Topics for Upcoming Discussion

The following topics were identified as needing to be discussed and agreed upon in upcoming meetings

* methods of growing potatoes

* petroleum product use

* animal products

* decision-making process

Shiela proposed that the membership decide on our decision-making process at the next meeting.

(5). Next meeting

Friday, December 11^th, at 7 pm at Bob and Carol Vosburgh’s, 3061 Nelson

Ron will be one facilitator, with Herb as a backup if Ron is unable to attend.

The agenda will be limited to discussion around the final sections in our Basis of Unity, including SOIL, and deciding on our decision making process so we have time to add some seasonal socializing to our last SPUDS meeting of the year. Members also agreed to bring vegetarian (or vegan) party fingerfoods to share!

Venue Change for Nov. 24th Meeting

2009-11-23T22:17:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 24th's meeting space has been changed from Bob and Carol's home to Ron and Sheila's. The address is 4062 A Wren Road.

To find it, turn right on the next driveway past Susan Marie's place. Follow that road up to Jane and Patrick Fawke's Farm (lovely blue gate partially constructed with branches).

Just after Fawkes Farm is a small rise. Make an immediate right at the top of that rise or you may will end up at the wrong place (another Sheila's house!)

After making that right turn you should see Ron and Sheila's garage right away...

Minutes, from November 11th meeting

2009-11-19T19:23:00.000-08:00

NOTE: Our next meeting of the membership takes place Tuesday, Nov. 24th, 7 pm at the home of Bob and Carol Vosburgh at 3061 Nelson.

SPUDS Minutes November 11, 2009
(originally compiled by Susan Marie)

Attending: Veronica Timmons, deNeen Baldwin (co-facilitators),
Ron Sakolsky, Sheila Nopper, Karl Goodwin, Fireweed, Mike Nestor, Susan-Marie Yoshihara

Absent: Rae Eckel, Bob Parsons, Velda Parsons, Charlie Johnson, Bob Vosburgh, Carol Vosburgh, Ron Dobie, Maxine Matilpi, Fox, Margaret Fraser, Marjo VanTooren, Riane daSilva, Brian Miles, Laura Busheikin, Peter Bikel-Janes, Corinne Bjorge, Andrew Fyson, Marjo von Tooren, Shaun Woods, Bill Engleson, Herb Jones, Barb Heywood-Jones

Agenda

1. Field Update
(a) Recent Work
(b) Bob’s Thoughts
2. Communications , Blog Updates, Farm Plan Rep
3. Bookkeeping
4. Funding
5. Webinar Info and Invite
6. Condolences to Marjo
7. Basis of Unity
(a) Sustainability
(b) Education
(c) revisit Community Building
8. New Business
9. Next Meeting (Date, Location, and Co-facilitators)

1. The Field Update was reported by Karl.
7 members (including Herb Jones, Bob Vosburgh, Karl, Bob and Velda Parsons, Fox and Margaret Fraser) moved the 2 foot piles of composting rye to the lower end of the field where they were spread out across the untilled portion to act as a mulch. The rye had already started to seed and become very entangled, making it difficult to move. The suggestion was made that in future, any such piles be covered to avoid this problem.
The available bales of hay on site were then divided between the lower area of the field (where they were spread on top of the rye to a height of 10 -12 inches) and half way across an upper portion of the field as mulch there as well.
An area of the field that had been dug but not seeded, is now partially covered with cardboard. Some soil remains exposed, so we need more cardboard (free of tape and excessive ink), as well as mulch to cover the cardboard. There should be lots of seaweed on the beach these days. Big sheets of cardboard were suggested as preferable to smaller bits and pieces, anchored down with mulch. (Cardboard like this is often available at courier/delivery services that move large appliances like refrigerators.)
The field work accomplished took around 3 hours. Thanks to Velda for her delicious muffins and to Margaret for photos for the blog.

Bob’s Thoughts: next time
( Bob's commentary has been added to the right hand side bar of the blog )

2. Communications and Blog Update:
- Fireweed will contact Margaret to get the photo from the work party onto the blog (now inserted just above, along with a photo from a previous work party who had hoped at the time that they were preparing the soil for winter pea planting (note the rye pile on the right, later used as mulch at the bottom of the field by the 'men who mulch' pictured above... with marvelous muffin maker, Velda!)
-The current acting communications ‘team’ plans to get together to discuss how best to ensure that information is relayed to the membership in as accessible, timely and efficient a manner as possible. Any other interested members are welcome to be part of this effort. Contact: Fireweed
-Fireweed reported that she and Rae would like to send thank-you cards donated by Rae, to folks who have been helpful to SPUDS in any way. All present expressed support for this initiative.
-Regarding the SPUDS envelope in the Free Post, especially important to those who don’t have computers and email, Fireweed will get a binder or folder to organize the materials accumulating there, and forward all information destined for the membership (and blog) to Sheila who will print out copies and deliver them to the Free Post SPUDS envelope/or binder.

Farm Plan Rep: SPUDS received an invitation to be part of the Denman Island farm plan steering committee. The following excerpt from coordinator Courtney Campbell’s Nov. 5th letter to Herb Jones describes the project as follows:

“The first step in developing this Farm Plan is to put together a steering committee of local individuals and organizations, as well as representatives from government agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. We aim to have the steering committee established before the end of the year, with a first meeting in January.
Building on the experience of other communities such as Saltspring Island and the Comox Valley who have recently developed farm plans, we would like to apply for Provincial funding for the Farm Plan, and hire a consultant with experience in agriculture planning to lead the process. The steering committee will continue to work with the consultant throughout the process, which is expected to last approximately two years.”

Fireweed volunteered to represent SPUDS on the committee, as she is already confirmed as a participant.

3. Bookkeeping: deNeen will contact Corrine, currently residing in Courtenay, for SPUDS bookkeeping items (cheque book, receipts, etc), and ask if she would like to pass the bookkeeping task on to another, on-island member able to attend meetings. Mike Nestor was suggested as a candidate for this role, and island book keeper Vicki Bockman as someone who might be able to lend a hand if some assistance were subsequently determined to be helpful in sorting out details. Veronica and Brian also have signing authority on our cheques.

4. Funding: This topic was not explored in any depth, but it was emphasized that we need to plan ahead with budget estimates for each year, and that we probably need between $200 and $300 for potato seed next year alone.

5. Webinar Series: Fireweed read out information about the BC Organic Network’s upcoming Webinar on stock free agriculture, and Veronica, also registered for the course, welcomed any interested members to join her for the event on her home computer for November 12th , at 8:30 pm.

6. Condolence Card for Marjo: A card for Marjo, whose partner Manfred has just passed away, was circulated among members. It will be placed in the SPUDS envelope in the Free Post for others to sign.

7. Basis of Unity: Ron asked about whether or not the small group of members present could make decisions on SPUDS ‘basis of unity’. We agreed it was appropriate to carry on, with the understanding that it is every member’s responsibility to contribute and be heard (by proxy or email if they are unable to attend meetings), and that the final version will be decided upon by the membership as a whole.

(a) Basis of Unity: Sustainability
A discussion was facilitated by Veronica about this particular section of SPUDS Basis of Unity. Below is Draft 1, which Veronica brought to the meeting. The group discussion that ensued introduced various revisions resulting in Draft 2, further down.

-The membership agree to the following definition of sustainability:
"Sustainability refers to the quality of life in a community, that is the economic, social and environmental systems that make up a community, and the extent to which those systems are providing a healthy, productive, meaningful life for all community residents, present and future. It means becoming aware of the holistic interconnections- visible and invisible- in which our day-today choices affect the intricate balance of social, economic, and ecological systems."

SPUDS will source and purchase supplies, services and products locally wherever possible. Preference will be given to Denman Island service-providers and suppliers.

We will move towards increasing the yield of the field production to ensure an organic vegetable supply for the future.

We will work with others in the D.I. community towards an island food sustainability program to support the Denman Feeding Denman movement.

Sustainability, Draft 2

Sustainability to the SPUDS Co-operative means that we will:

a) source supplies locally, use only organic seed potatoes, compost and fertilizers wherever possible

b) use the best farming practices that do not harm the soil, plants or people

c) increase the yield of the production to ensure an organic potato

supply for the future

d) maintain a membership level commensurate with the yield ability of the field

e) sustain the membership through regular communications, education and other events

f) maintain a harmonious and respectful working relationship with each other, the community and the Dharma Fellowship/Hermitage Board.

Basis of Unity: Education

Below is Draft 1 on Education, brought to the meeting by Veronica. The discussion and revisions facilitated by Veronica and deNeen resulted in Draft 2 for Education, further down.

We will encourage members to learn about organic farming, vegetable growing, how cooperatives operate and to develop the following skills: leadership, group facilitation, and communication.

Members will be empowered through skills building activities and will develop competencies experientially and formally.

Members will search out the educational model and practices that suit them best.

Education, Draft 2

We encourage members to learn about organic farming, potato growing, how cooperatives operate and to share skills.

Basis of Unity: Community Building

Community Building, Draft 3 (Nov 12/09) was presented by Sheila, and reads as follows. (to view Draft 2, please refer to the minutes posted on Nov. 7th, from our Oct. 27th meeting) Further discussion and revision by the group, resulted in Draft 4, further below.

In addition to caring for the soil and the food we produce, we also want to build community by providing affordable access to a fun, safe, welcoming environment that will encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we will celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.

Community Building, Draft 4:

We want to build community by providing affordable access to land where we can grow food in a fun, safe, welcoming environment. We strive to encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we hope to celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.

New Business:
-Karl reported that Rae has bought a soil testing kit and offered to do some testing on the land. Until we test we don’t really know the facts about what the soil conditions are. There was no information available about the capacity of the kit. More information at the next meeting.

-Riane, not in attendance, sent information about renting the Conservancy room at the Old School. It is booked through Gloria at the hardware store and costs $15 for 2 to 3 hours. Only unavailable on Friday evenings and on the third Monday evening of the month.

-Bob and Carol Vosburgh have agreed to host the next meeting at their place, 3061 Nelson Crescent.

Next Meeting: Tuesday November 24th at 7 PM

Mike and Fireweed to facilitate. Veronica will take minutes, and bring flip chart stand.

Webinar on Stock Free Organic Growing

2009-11-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

Thursday, Nov. 12,09

On Thursday, November 12th, SPUDS members are invited to attend a webinar on StockFree Organic Growing with UK farmer Iain Tolhurst. Fireweed and Veronica are registered for the session, which is part of the COABC (Certified Organic Assoc. of BC) Fall seminar series.

Veronica has a large screen tv for viewing at her home and has kindly offered to share the experience with any other SPUDS members interested. Contact her at vtimmons@island.net or 250-335-1828 if interested. The interactive webinar begins at 8:30 pm, PST.
Click here for details about the presentation and presenter)

SPUDS Minutes of October 27/09 meeting

2009-11-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

NOTE: Next Membership Meeting, Wednesday, November 11, 2009

SPUDS Minutes of October 27/09 meeting
(recorded by Susan Marie, prepared for dissemination by Susan Marie and deNeen)

Members in Attendance:
Mike Nestor, Sheila Nopper, Fox, Charlie Johnson, Karl Goodwin, Velda Parsons, Bob Parsons, Bob Vosberg, deNeen Baldwin, Veronica Timmons, Susan-Marie Yoshihara, Fireweed, Rae Eckel, Riane daSilva

Absent:
Peter Bikel-Janes, Ron Sakolsky, Brian Miles, Maxine Matilpi, Ron Dobie, Margaret Fraser, Carole Vosberg, Corinne Bjorge, Andrew Fyson, Laura Busheikin, Marjo von Tooren, Shaun Woods, Bill Engelson

Co-facilitators: Sheila Nopper and Mike Nestor

1. Agenda

1) INTRO - Sheila

2) BASIS OF UNITY - Follow-up - Sheila & Mike - 45 minutes

- identify initial core basis of unity

- identify (and resolve?) remaining concerns

- revisit remaining concerns at next meeting

3) FIELD REPORT - Mike - 60 minutes

- budget update

- field update

- immediate needs/decisions

- upcoming needs/decisions (next meeting?)

4) DECISION-MAKING PROCESS - Sheila - 20 minutes

- assessment of consensus model

- proposal to adopt?

- alternate options/proposals

5) NEXT MEETING

- date/location

- facilitator(s)

A member suggested that the field report be first on the agenda and the group agreed.

2. Field Report

Budget and financial update:

$177.64 (as of September 30)

215.00 (15 memberships renewals)

$392.64 Total

Outstanding invoices:

$200 (for peas and innoculant)

Field Update

Mike paced off the dimensions of the field and made a map which he posted on the wall. Fire Weed read Derek's field report. See previous post here on the blogspot.

The innoculated winter peas which were sown into the recently harvested part of the field on October 11 (which was rototilled by tractor on October 10) have sprouted. Mike's map showed the part of the field which was not used for potatoes this year and which was planted in rye. This part of the field has been managed in various ways. A 10x10 foot section in the northwest corner was marked off and an experiment is being conducted by sowing innoculated winter peas into the scythed rye stalks. On October 12 another part of the field, to the east, was rototilled by Bob Parsons and sown with innoculated winter peas. On the same day one more part, to the west of the pile of rye and other grasses and weeds running down the centre of the field, was partially hand dug and sown with the peas. On the 18th of October part of the field closest to the west side was hand dug but not seeded. It is now too late to sow any more peas. There is a wide area at the very north part of the field and a narrower part to the east which have not yet been cultivated by SPUDSDiscussion followed about how to manage the never-cultivated parts of the field and what to do about the places that were dug but not cover cropped. Suggestions included various methods of mulching to suppress weeds that involved plastic, cardboard, hay and seaweed. It was generally agreed that plastic was not to be used. Since the soil in the field had not been tested, Rae volunteered to do that.

It was noted that for next year, we might only be able to plant potatoes in the 2 spots where the peas were planted. Or we might want to just let the whole field recover. We were reminded that the original plan had been to divide the field into thirds for crop rotation, which would initially mean a crop reduction, but it would improve the yields in the longer term.

A proposal was made with several amendments. We achieved consensus that a group of volunteers would start mulching the 10 foot deep swath at the end of the field with hay and the cut rye. Some members emphasized the need to maintain sufficient depth to keep light out and cardboard would be used if necessary. The dug area which was not sown with peas, will have seaweed applied. Bob Parsons has agreed to co-ordinate the activity outside of the meeting.

3. Basis of Unity:

Sheila presented her draft synthesis of the Community Building category for the Basis of Unity:

In addition to caring for the soil and the food we produce, we also want to build community by providing affordable access to a fun, safe, welcoming environment that will encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we will celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.

Discussion included concerns about the sharing being limited to the island, whether "growing knowledge" should be in the education section, clarification regarding "access," suggestion to add "growing food" to read "affordable access to growing food," concern about staying focused on potato co-op for now. It was noted that the statement doesn't preclude expanding in other directions in the future. Sheila will take the suggestions and work with them.

By now it was after 9 pm. It was proposed that the meeting end when we set a date and time and record who's doing what.

4. Decision- Making Process:

We achieved consensus on a proposal that we continue practicing the consensus model.

5. Next Meeting:

Next meeting will be held on November 11 at 7 pm at Susan-Marie's place. After that the meetings will possibly be held in the Conservancy room at the Old School. Riane will check out the availability of the room.

Ideas were still flowing thick and fast. They included: a member's responsibility for making oneself heard such as when unable to attend a meeting, proxy by email or representative was suggested. It is helpful if we know that a certain topic is coming up so that we have time to think about it and prepare for it.

Co-facilitators will be: Veronica Timmons and deNeen Baldwin

The meeting will continue to discuss the Basis of Unity. Veronica will do her summaries of the Education and Sustainability categories.

Followup from Oct. 27th meeting

2009-10-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

NOTE: The minutes for the Tuesday, Oct. 27th meeting will be distributed by email, but may not be posted on the blog before the next meeting (blog facilitator away for two weeks)

However, the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11th, one more time at Susan Marie's.

At the Oct. 27th meeting, an important update on the state of the field was shared. Please refer to the previous post for details.

Also, in the post before that, only 4 of all 6 drafts in progress towards our Basis of Unity were available. Work has already been undertaken tweaking the statement on Community, however for convenience of the membership, here are all six original draft statements in one place. At the next meeting on November 11th, the group will work on the drafts for Sustainability and Education, and review the 2nd draft of our statement on Community being amended by Sheila.

SPUDS BASIS of UNITY - FIRST DRAFT (for Oct 27/09 Meeting)

1) Community Building - draft (sheila)

In addition to caring for the soil and the food we produce, we also want to build community by providing affordable access to a fun, safe, welcoming environment that will encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we will celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.

2) Sustainability - (Veronica)

The membership agree to the following definition of sustainability
"Sustainability refers to the quality of life in a community, that is the economic, social and environmental systems that make up a community, and the extent to which those systems are providing a healthy, productive, meaningful life for all community residents, present and future. It means becoming aware of the holistic interconnections- visible and invisible- in which our day-today choices affect the intricate balance of social, economic, and ecological systems."

SPUDS will source and purchase supplies, services and products locally wherever possible. Preference will be given to Denman Island service-providers and suppliers.

We will move towards increasing the yield of the field production to ensure an organic vegetable supply for the future.

We will work with others in the D.I. community towards an island food sustainability program to support the Denman Feeding Denman movement.

3) Commitment and the Soil by Velda
The first idea could be “First, Do No Harm”.
ie- no toxins, harmful substances, and so on- I would also include ‘no harmful practoses’. This will mean different things to different people…BUT, doing things TO and FOR the land at the wrong time, CAN be quite harmful, as well as futile.

We need to be committed to our patch of Earth. We have lots of sources of information about what the land needs. When we determine its needs, THEN we will go ahead and meet those needs in the best possible way.

If green crops are to be the way of nurturing this patch, THEN its essential it be worked in at the appropriate time. Time is very important – if we are committed to this, we will be willing to forgo some other activities SOMETIMES in order to BE THERE. There are enough of us to do a good job of caring for the land, if we share responsibility, and if we ARE committed…

There is no merit in labour for labour’s sake. We have computers and lots of brains behind us. We can investigate new methods of land stewardship, we can try new ways and hopefully learn how to “love the land” in a progressive, non-greedy way. Let us now move in that direction before disaster overtakes us.

4) Education (Veronica)

We will encourage members to learn about organic farming, vegetable growing, how cooperatives operate and to develop the following skills: leadership, group facilitation, and communication.

Members will be empowered through skills building activities and will develop competencies experientially and formally.

Members will search out the educational model and practices that suit them best.

5) Group Process - draft from Fireweed

We strive for equality and inclusivity by sharing responsibilities and practising power-with (rather than power-over) in our deliberations and actions. Before speaking we pass our words through the Three Gates: “are these words true, are they necessary, and are they kind”?

6) Ethics (Mike)

Whenever possible, we will choose from the alternatives generated to address issues or problems in the field, those which are least harmful to the soil, plants, animals, people and the ecosystem as a whole. If a decision needing to be made in the field appears to necessitate going against any member's core values, it must be brought to the entire group for deliberation.
SPUDS seeks to be a non-commercial, non-profit endeavor. No individual, nor the collective, shall make any profit from the activities engaged in by SPUDS, other than to continue the necessary activities agreed upon by the entire group (e.g. buying seeds for cover crops, necessary tools or equipment, constructing a root cellar, etc.)
We shall engage in any and all activities from here unto perpetuity (or until SPUDS is no longer of this mortal coil) in an atmosphere that encourages fun and enjoyment. Should any member experience a serious lack of fun and/or enjoyment as a direct result of their membership in SPUDS, an official inquiry shall be launched to determine the root cause. If such a cause cannot be dug up by the Fun Subcommittee Working Group, the aggrieved member shall be composted.

Field Update, Sept. 27th, 09

2009-10-27T23:21:00.000-07:00

The following update was provided by Fireweed at SPUDS membership meeting, Tues. Sept. 27th

Background:
At the time of our SPUDS meeting with Mary Lang, three weeks ago on Oct. 6th, getting our fall cover crop into the ground as soon as possible was a priorty.

A decision was made that evening to convene in the field on the following weekend. Many hands came together on Sunday the 11th and Thanksgiving Monday and a great deal was accomplished.

The half of the field we had harvested was successfully tilled and seeded with fall peas. A third of the remaining half of the field was also prepared and planted.

One more third of this half of the field has now also been dug thanks to additional effort from members who volunteered after our last meeting, Oct. 16th.

In spite of all this hard work, according to Derek approximately a third of this half of the field remains undug, and this means that a full 2/3rds of the area that we would ideally be planting our spuds in next spring has not been seeded yet with the nitrogen fixing peas required for adequate soil fertility.

Derek's thoughts and recommendations:
It is likely too late now to continue with fall pea planting. Unless, as Derek put it, a work party goes out the next day (after the meeting) to finish digging, and immediately sows the seed. But given the cooler temperatures out there now it may still be too late anyway, since it is nearing the end of October. The seed needs at least a couple of weeks to germinate so it's most likely that we've lost our window of opportunity.

Derek pointed out that we ran into fertility problems this past spring due to inappropriate timing of cover crops and insufficient time for germination, so it might be in our best interests to save the pea seed already purchased, and to plant it in the spring as soon as the ground is dry enough.

Even though the peas purchased are called 'fall peas' for a reason, Derek says, he figures that given our budget restrictions a better use of the remaining seed purchased by Veronica would be in the spring. He recommends letting those plants mature into summer.

Basically, this would mean putting the health of the soil first, and not planting potatoes in this 2/3rd of that half of the field next spring that is not nutrient ready. Ideally the mature pea plants would then be mowed in the summer and a 2nd cover crop planted, like buckwheat, to continue feeding the soil.

Another option, given possible budget restrictions for future cover crop seed, might be to leave those peas standing to self-seed, although this would be experimental since seed germination this way could be spotty.

Anway, the option of saving the remainder of the seed already purchased until spring at this point is one for us to consider. We need to be keeping good records of planting times and conditions, and planning further ahead. Foregoing potato planting, at least on the scale we were hoping for again next spring, may be the best care of the land entrusted to SPUDS by the Hermitage.

In addition, Derek suggested that the approximately ten foot wide area still covered in sod spanning the bottom of the field, could be brought into eventual use by mulching it now to suppress growth. This could involve distributing the pile of cut rye currently sitting in the middle of the field over the area mentioned, and then using some of the hay bales on top of that to mulch the whole strip.

Derek says the mulch itself may not break down fully by spring, but that it might be pulled aside at that time for rototilling the area. He also suggested that the area could be left mulched for the year, rather than seeded with pea if it isn't ready for rototilling.

Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 09

2009-10-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

See you at our next meeting of the whole, this Tuesday evening, Oct. 27th, once again at the home of Susan Marie, 3906 Wren Road! Please bring a folding chair if you have one, and thanks for remembering to help keep the space accessible for all by coming 'scent-free'.

Below, please find the following submitted from Sheila Nopper for dissemination to the membership prior to the meeting.

Hello Everyone,

Below are 4 (of 6) draft summaries of the subcategories for our Basis of Unity that the group identified at the last meeting.

Due to time constraints and other critical issues that also need to be discussed on Tuesday, Mike Nestor and I (who volunteered to cofacilitate this meeting) would appreciate it if you could review these summaries prior to the meeting and be ready to identify which ideas you are comfortable with and those which remain concerns.

Thanks and we hope to see many of you on Tuesday!

SPUDS BASIS of UNITY - FIRST DRAFT (for Oct 27/09 Meeting)

1) Community Building - draft (Sheila)

In addition to caring for the soil and the food we produce, we also want to build community by providing affordable access to a fun, safe, welcoming environment that will encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we will celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.

Sustainability- (Veronica)
She will bring it to the meeting

3) Commitment and the Soil by Velda

The first idea could be “First, Do No Harm”, ie- no toxins, harmful substances, and so on- I would also include ‘no harmful practoses’. This will mean different things to different people…BUT, doing things TO and FOR the land at the wrong time, CAN be quite harmful, as well as futile.

We need to be committed to our patch of Earth. We have lots of sources of information about what the land needs. When we determine its needs, THEN we will go ahead and meet those needs in the best possible way.

If green crops are to be the way of nurturing this patch, THEN its essential it be worked in at the appropriate time. Time is very important – if we are committed to this, we will be willing to forgo some other activities SOMETIMES in order to BE THERE. There are enough of us to do a good job of caring for the land, if we share responsibility, and if we ARE committed…

There is no merit in labour for labour’s sake. We have computers and lots of brains behind us. We can investigate new methods of land stewardship, we can try new ways and hopefully learn how to “love the land” in a progressive, non-greedy way. Let us now move in that direction before disaster overtakes us.

4) Education (Veronica)

She will bring it to the meeting

5) Group Process - draft (Fireweed)

We strive for equality and inclusivity by sharing responsibilities and practising power-with (rather than power-over) in our deliberations and actions. Before speaking we pass our words through the Three Gates: “are these words true, are they necessary, and are they kind”?

6) Ethics - draft (Mike)

Whenever possible, we will choose from the alternatives generated to address issues or problems in the field, those which are least harmful to the soil, plants, animals, people and the ecosystem as a whole. If a decision needing to be made in the field appears to necessitate going against any member's core values, it must be brought to the entire group for deliberation.

SPUDS seeks to be a non-commercial, non-profit endeavor. No individual, nor the collective, shall make any profit from the activities engaged in by SPUDS, other than to continue the necessary activities agreed upon by the entire group (e.g. buying seeds for cover crops, necessary tools or equipment, constructing a root cellar, etc.)

We shall engage in any and all activities from here unto perpetuity (or until SPUDS is no longer of this mortal coil) in an atmosphere that encourages fun and enjoyment. Should any member experience a serious lack of fun and/or enjoyment as a direct result of their membership in SPUDS, an official inquiry shall be launched to determine the root cause. If such a cause cannot be dug up by the Fun Subcommittee Working Group, the aggrieved member shall be composted.

Building our Basis of Unity

2009-10-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

SPUDS next get-together is on Tuesday, Oct. 27th, 7:00 pm at Susan Marie's: 3906 Wren Road.
The meeting will be co-facilitated by Mike Nestor and Sheila Nopper, and continue with building our 'Basis of Unity'.

Please bring a folding chair if you can, and carpool! www.islandrideshare.com

NOTE: The opportunity to meet at Susan Marie's house, is in part to help maintain a scent-free environment for the comfort of chemically sensitive members of SPUDS co-operative. Several individuals in the group were affected adversely at our last meeting, so this is a gentle reminder to please abstain from the use of scented personal care products or laundry detergent before attending meetings. Please click here for further information. Thankyou for your cooperation!

Minutes from SPUDS membership meeting, Friday, Oct. 16, 09

2009-10-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

-originally recorded by Veronica Timmons-

7:00 pm -9:30 pm

3906 Wren Road, Denman Island

Members in attendance:

Brian Miles, Peter Bickel-Janes, Maxine Matilpi, Ron Dobie, Mike Nestor, Fireweed, Riane daSilva, Sheila Nopper, Rae Eckel, Velda Parsons, Bob Parsons, Margaret Fraser, Fox, Ron Sakolsky, Veronica Timmons, Karl Goodwin, Bob Vosburg, Herb Jones, Susan-Marie Yoshihara, Barbara Heywood-Jones, Charlie Johnston

Absent:

Corinne Bjorge, Andrew Fyson, Laura Busheikin, Marjo von Tooren, Shaun Woods, Bill Engelson, deNeen Baldwin

Co-facilitators:

Ron Sakolsky and Charlie Johnston

1. Agenda

The Agenda
Basis of Unity
Agreement – Basis for Decision-making
Field Decisions

2. Basis of Unity

Ron and Sheila shared some of SPUDS background by referencing our start-up grant from Freedonia, including some of the initial goals of the project as presented in our application for financial aid from the anarchist funding body (2007). [visit Freedonia online by clicking on the LINKS column, right hand side of blog]

"Our goal is to shift our food consumption away from its increasing dependence on imported produce and to shift our economic emphasis back to self-sustainability with small, local food production." [excerpted from our grant application to Freedonia; for further details see the whole application by clicking on the Funding Background link, also on the right hand side of this page]

The group used consensus process to begin building a Basis of Unity, brainstorming as follows:

Community building
Production for others
Providing opportunities to grow food
Increasingly sustainable
Building caring relationships through sharing the harvest and activity
Building empowerment through skill building
Non-commercial
Moving towards Denman food sustainability
Experimentation of planting methods
Enjoyable, fun
Minimal harm
Organic
Not monoculture, crop rotation
Strive for inclusivity
Harvest celebration ritual
Local sourcing
Organic where possible
Non gmo
Prioritizing for the health of the soil
Love and revere the soil
Variety of vegetables
Feed soil not the plants
Be an educational model
Educate ourselves
Accessibility (sharing harvest)
Encouraging youth
Egalitarian
Planting peace

Clarifications were requested of those who contributed the following ideas...

Planting peace: Sharing food, producing security/comfort. Sense of
cooperation/good-will

Non-commercial: Not selling food we grow. Not for profit

Minimal harm: Minimal harm to people, animals and the soil

Inclusivity: Including different ability levels of people. Including vegans in the cooperative, being able to afford memberships

Sustainability: Lack of fuel in the future. Move towards getting off fossil fuels

Not monoculture: Healthier for the soil and plants if crop is varied and changed

Production for others: Sharing the harvest with others if we do not need all the harvest

Egalitarian: Power sharing

The ideas brainstormed were then grouped by commonality into categories:

Community Building

produce food for others (outside the membership)

hold a harvest celebration
encourage youth
increase the opportunities to grow
strive for inclusivity
accessibility (share the harvest)
build a caring and sharing community
share in growing activities
plant for peace
encourage fun and enjoyment

Sustainability

move towards Denman sustainability

source products/supplies locally (where possible)
move towards increasing sustainability

Soil/Growing Issues

use organic (where possible)
prioritize for the health of the soil
love and revere the soil
use a variety of vegetables/not a monoculture
encourage experimentation
use a diversity of planting methods
feed the soil not the plants
encourage experimentation
encourage fun and enjoyment

Education

educate ourselves

empowerment through skills building
be an educational model

5. Group Process

be egalitarian – power sharing
use the 3-Gates in communication

6. Ethics

minimal harm to people, animals, plants
be non-commercial (non-profit)
encourage fun and enjoyment

The following members agreed to write up a category into statements. These will be presented to the membership at the next meeting for additional discussion and honing. They will also be posted on the Blog for members to access and think about prior to providing further input.

1. Community Building- Sheila

2. Sustainability - Veronica

3. Soil/Growing Issues- Bob and Velda

4. Education- Veronica

5. Group Process- Fireweed

6. Ethics- Mike

3. Agreement- Basis for Decision-making

A very brief followup discussion ensued about consensus, as the meeting's focus on forming a basis of unity had been previously determined as necessary to engagement in consensus building. However, there was insufficient time before the end of the meeting to determine how decision-making would proceed until the group has more time to deliberate on the consensus group process option.

One person suggested that we "work towards building consensus" [over time] as a group. Another suggested that we practise using it in the interim. Members were encouraged to look at the blog for information and to learn more about using consensus process.

4. Field Decisions

No formal discussion took place during the meeting about next steps in the field. However, as the membership was disbanding Margaret, Fox, Ron and Maxine volunteered to contribute to the digging left to do in the field. Veronica offered to call Derek to request his assistance in spreading the remaining peas.

NEXT MEETING: A date for SPUDS next meeting of the membership was set for : Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 7pm at Susan-Marie’s house. Co-facilitation of the meeting will be shared by Sheila Nopper and Mike Nestor. Please bring a folding chair if you have one, and carpool! Thanks for heping keep SPUDS meetings 'scent-free for inclusivity'.

The meeting ended at 9:30pm

Almost, but not quite ready for winter!

2009-10-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

October 14, 09

It was a busy weekend with Winter Soil Preparation at the field...

On Sunday, October 11th, 14 members worked hard to get the nitrogen-fixing winter peas spread on the harvested half of the field which had been rototilled by tractor on Saturday.

Peter's idea to broadcast pea seed into the rye on the other half of the field was amended in order to address concerns about inadequate nitrogen fixing. Once on site members decided to set aside a much smaller 'experimental patch', and till and seed the rest in order to increase chances for improved soil fertility in the area where next year's potatoes will be planted.

On Monday, Peter and Barb marked out a 20' x 20' experimental area. Scythed rye was left on this area after seeding as mulch. Bob began rototilling the remaining area at 9 am. Another six members arrived at 11am and continued the work of removing rye fom the rest of the field to a pile for later use as mulch next spring. By 1pm a third had been rototilled and/or dug by hand/shovel. By 2 pm the tired group decided to call it a day and ask that other members complete digging of the remaining area.

A row takes about 30 minutes to work with a spade. Other volunteers are needed to help finish this job so cover crop seeding can be completed asap. Sunshine is expected again early in the coming week!

Meanwhile, thanks go to Bob P for his hard work rototilling, Brian for the loan of the roller, Peter for the seed broadcaster, Veronica for purchasing the peas, Ironwood Farm in Fanny Bay for sharing/donating hard-to-find inoculant, and Carol, Veronica, Derek, Susan-Marie, Rae, deNeen, Fireweed and Mike for helping with coordination and communications, and everyone for their work in the field. Special thanks go to Mike Lindsay for tractor-tilling half the field on short notice (and anyone else inadvertantly missed!)

As mentioned in the last update, purchasing our cover crop has more than depleted SPUDS current budget, so the idea was suggested that members renew their memberships now, rather than wait till spring. Thanks to those who have already paid. It is $15 for a single membership and $25 for a family or group membership. Please make your SPUDS membership cheque out to *Cascadia Food Security Project*, leave it in the envelope marked ‘S’ in the FreePost, OR bring it (or cash) with you on Friday. If you have any questions, please call Mike at 1209.

REMINDER: This Friday, Oct. 16th at 7:00 pm*, a meeting has been scheduled to continue our exploration of consensus process as a cooperative. Susan Marie Yoshihara has kindly offered her home again at 3706 Wren Road (note: a little earlier than last time!) Scent-free, please. Bring a folding chair if you can.

Members with computer access can familiarize themselves with information about consensus process available through the links column right here at www.wearespuds.blogspot.com. It is hoped that those who were not at our Oct. 6th meeting with Mary Lang will also attend so we can be as inclusive as possible in any decision we make about the potential use of consensus process for our group.

We have begun to craft a basis of unity by sharing our own personal visions for SPUDS, and will continue that work with Charlie and Ron co-facilitating. Bring your own vision statement for SPUDS to the meeting and be part of building our solidarity as a cooperative!

Take a look at the collage of Andrew's photos from our 2009 Harvest, below in the last post!

Please RSVP if you can't attend Friday's meeting. Last but not least, thanks for carpooling! www.islandrideshare.com

NEXT EVENTS! Oct. 11th, and Oct. 16th, 09

2009-10-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

Photos from SPUDS Harvest, Oct. 3, 09 by Andrew Fyson,
collage by Fireweed (Just click on the collage to enlarge the image)

TWO EVENTS COMING UP! Sunday, Oct. 11, and Friday, Oct. 16

Dear Fellow Spuddites,

1. It’s all hands on the field once again this coming Sunday, October 11th, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon!

Tuesday nite’s meeting about consensus process with Mary Lang from Creekside Commons in Courtenay was well attended and inspiring.

At the end of the evening, a decision was made by the 16 members present to get our fall cover crop in the ground right away!

Sunday will involve preparing the soil for broadcasting Austrian pea seed. We’re planning for a tractor and rototiller, but please bring a hoe and rake if you have them. We’re also hoping a roller will be available to press seed into the soil.

The other half of the field is currently covered in mature rye already fallen. An experiment has been proposed that the nitrogen fixing legumes be broadcast into this crop without removing it.

Purchasing our cover crop will more than deplete SPUDS current budget, so the idea was suggested that members renew their memberships now, rather than wait till spring. This will enable us to proceed with necessary expenses, so please make your SPUDS membership cheque out to Cascadia Food Security Project (the name on our bank account), leave it in the envelope marked ‘S’ for SPUDS in the FreePost, OR bring it with you on Sunday. If you prefer to use cash (or would rather pay later), please call Mike at 1209 to make alternate arrangements.

Yes, it's Thanskgiving! Bring a potato or two from your harvest share if you would like to contribute a small gift of appreciation to facilitator Mary Lang for her generous donation of time and knowledge about consensus in support of our cooperative on Oct. 6th. (See below for details on the followup meeting planned for Oct. 16th).

On Sunday, please bring water (to drink), a rain jacket (in case), a hoe and rake along with your Thanksgiving Spirit. Any questions, please call Carol at 0314.

2. On Friday, Oct. 16th at 7:00 pm, a meeting has been scheduled to continue our exploration of consensus process as a cooperative. Susan Marie Yoshihara has kindly offered her home again at 3706 Wren Road (note: a little earlier than last time!) Scent-free, please.

Members with computer access can familiarize themselves with information about consensus process available through the links column at www.wearespuds.blogspot.com. It is hoped that those who were not at our Oct. 6th meeting with Mary Lang will also attend so we can be as inclusive as possible in any decision we make about the potential use of consensus process for our group.

We have begun to craft a basis of unity by sharing our own personal visions for SPUDS, and will continue that work with Charlie and Ron co-facilitating. Bring your own vision statement for SPUDS to the meeting and be part of building our solidarity as a cooperative!

See you in the field on Sunday. Thanks to Andrew Fyson for photographing our harvest last weekend!

Please RSVP if you can't make it to either of these next two SPUDS gatherings. Last but not least, thanks for carpooling! www.islandrideshare.com

SPUDS Membership Meeting Minutes-for Friday, Sept, 25th, 2009

2009-10-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

notetaker: deNeen Baldwin

Members attending:

Barb Heywood-Jones, Herb Jones, Bill Engelson, Karl Goodwin,
Bob and Velda Parsons, Marjo von Tooren, Bob and Carol Vosburgh,
Mike Nestor, Fireweed, deNeen Baldwin, Rae Eckel, Derek Takerer,
Shaun Woods, Susan Marie Yoshihara, Veronica Timmons

Agenda:

1. Welcome, meeting guidelines, thank you’s

2. Introductions- Why I'm a SPUDS member

4. Report from the Core Group

a. 2008

b. 2009 – what worked, what didn’t (row responsibility)

c. Fall – harvest date? Tilling? Fall cover crop?

Discussion/decisions

Decision-making process
Issues: soil amendment - presentation
Policy re use of animal products/green composting

Next year’s Core Group, roles, communication system

(blogspot and bulletins)

Other

Report from the Core Group

Herb Jones gave a report on what has happened during the 08 and 09 seasons. He will write it up for the blogspot.

This year’s harvest is slated for Saturday, October 3^rd from 10 – 12 noon. If it rains, come the same time on Sunday, October 4^th.

Please bring :

-A digging fork (rather than a spade, which can damage the potatoes)
-A large pail or bag for your potatoes
-Gloves
-Hat and water might also be handy.

Organic apple juice will be provided, baked potatoes and chili. Timing has taken into consideration the desire of some members to attend Recycling earlier in the morning.

Please RSVP either by email or call deNeen at 250-335-3027, or Fireweed at 1209.

If you are unable to make it, please make arrangements for someone to pick-up your share or make other arrangements.

Discussion

Several rounds of input from those attending the meeting made up the bulk of the
evening’s discussions. Generally, members felt that they joined SPUDS to be a part of a cooperative community effort concerned with promoting Denman sustainability. However, most people felt consistent communication has been lacking; Carol Vosburgh, Fireweed and Rae Eckel have volunteered to work on communications. For those who do not use the internet, copies of all the documents will go into the Freepost in an envelope marked SPUDS.

It was also agreed the structure of how the field work is to be done needs revision. The idea of assigning rows didn’t work; both because it wasn’t always clear, and that the idea of solitary work on the field, while useful for those who couldn’t attend the designated work parties, didn’t contribute to the coming together of co-op members.

To date, there has been a Core Group of those interested in the decisions of how the field is planted, maintained and harvested. Some were concerned that they didn’t get enough information about what was happening and wanted to change how decisions are made. To that end, Fireweed and Mike made a bid for SPUDS to use the Consensus method of decision making. An email to the meeting from absent member Ron Sakolsky was read by the facilitator, also advocating for the use of consensus process.

It was decided to have a meeting about that process so those of us who are not familiar with it, and interested in decision making, could make an informed choice. That meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 7:30 pm, at Susan Marie Yoshihara’s house. 3906 Wren Road. Please ensure this is a scent-free event. For more information on Consensus and general news on SPUDS go to http://www.wearespuds.blogspot.com/ (please see the previous post on this blog for updates on the Oct. 6th meeting)

In the spring, the issue of animal manure versus plant based fertilization came to light when the Co-op was offered some island steer manure. There will be another meeting to discuss this, and other agenda items, once we have decided on the Consensus option.

See you at the harvest!

Membership Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 6th

2009-09-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

WHAT: Exploring Consensus Process
WHERE: 3906 Wren Road, home of Susan Marie Yoshihara
WHEN: 7:30 pm sharp (please come a little early!)
WHO: Mary Lang

Mary Lang, a resident of Creekside Commons (a successful co-housing project in Courtenay that uses consensus process), has very kindly offered to share her knowledge of this useful communication tool with SPUDS this coming Tuesday evening beginning at 7:30 pm.

A retired school teacher (twenty years working in the inner city of Vancouver), Mary currently works as a counselor. Her labour background included working with Unions and Robert’s Rules. She is excited to share her appreciation for the community building nature of consensus process.

Mary is leaving for Toronto the next morning, and so juggling a busy schedule to accommodate us on short notice. Please come on out to take part in this important information session, and help decide if the proposal by some members to incorporate consensus process into SPUDS is one we might collectively support!

For further information about consensus process, please click on the link to the Seeds of Change website on the right hand side of this page!

Consensus process can be a useful tool for all kinds of groups, so you just might be inspired to take some new ideas to other community-based initiatives you are also involved in. All past, present and future members of SPUDS welcome and encouraged to attend!

From the Seeds of Change website:

Last but not least, yummy baked potatoes and a pot of chili, along with organic apple juice will be on hand for hungry SPUDS members following the harvest this Saturday. Please bring a bowl. See you there, from 10am - noon!

It's Harvest Time Again!

2009-09-27T16:47:00.001-07:00

PART ONE:

On Friday, Sept. 25th at the meeting of the membership held at the Senior's Hall, the harvest date was set for this year’s potato crop. Hope to see you all this coming Saturday, October 3rd, in the Hermitage field, between 10:00 am and 12 noon!

Our alternative date, in case it’s really raining, is the following day, Sunday, October 4th, 10:00 am -12 noon.

Please bring :
-A digging fork (rather than a spade, which can damage the potatoes)
-A large pail or bag for your potatoes (some bags may be provided)
-Gloves
-Hat and water might also be handy

Organic apple juice will be provided. Timing has taken into consideration the desire of some members to attend Recycling earlier in the morning.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
If you are unable to make it, please make arrangements for someone to pick-up your share.

PART TWO:

A follow-up meeting to Friday's meeting (Sept. 25), is currently scheduled for TUESDAY, OCT. 6th at the home of member Susan Marie Yoshihara at 3906 Wren Road, 7:30 pm.

The main purpose of this meeting will be to learn about consensus process ...we were unable to locate a facilitator for the Sept. 25th membership meeting, and are hoping we will find a non-SPUDS member to come in to introduce the process. Two members independently submitted a proposal to the membership meeting on Sept. 25th that consensus be used as a means of collective decision making by the cooperative, to encourage greater inclusivity, improve communications and build community.

The membership present supported the idea of exploring this proposal further. It should be noted that because of the tight timeline, we may or may not be successful in finding someone skilled in teaching consensus process by the Oct. 6th meeting date set, so please check the SPUDS blogspot at www.wearespuds.blogspot.com for updates. All members interested are encouraged to attend.

Also,we did not have time to address all items on the agenda at the Sept. 25th meeting, so time permitting, hope to continue where we left off. The minutes from our Sept. 25th meeting will be posted on the blogspot when they become available.

Please call 335-1209 to confirm your attendance at the harvest. A new communications team is taking form, so for now, if you need to change your contact information, have questions or input you would like to make to the co-operative, please contact 335-1209.

Thankyou, and see you Saturday!

SPUDS MEMBERSHIP MEETING, Friday, Sept. 25

2009-09-25T01:19:00.000-07:00

Below is a PROPOSED agenda, (submitted by Veronica Timmons) for the next SPUDS Meeting. Please note the change in date. It is now Friday, 25th September (not 24th) at the Denman Activity Centre (Senior's hall). Please let Veronica know if you have other agenda items.

DeNeen Baldwin will be calling everyone to see if they will be attending and to answer questions.

-Veronica Timmons

PS The original memo from Veronica (above) suggests people visit this blogspot, as well as www.veganiculture.blogspot.com for information gathering before the meeting in regards to how we might choose to fertilize the SPUDS patch. (not all members consider animal manure a desirable option, and various views can hopefully be discussed at the meeting )

(Proposed) Agenda for the

ANNUAL SPUDS MEMBERSHIP MEETING

To be held on

Friday, September 25^th, 2009

Seniors Lounge, Denman Activity Centre

Welcome and thanks

Introduction of the Facilitator

Introductions - Why I’m a SPUDS member

4. Report from the Core Group

a. 2008

b. 2009 – what worked, what didn’t

c. Expansion of the crop?

d. Harvest date

Discussion/decisions

Decision-making and communications process
Policy re use of animal products/green composting

Next year’s Core Group

Elections

Other

Memo from member Ron Sakolsky:

Sorry I can't make this important meeting. I could have made the one originally scheduled for September 17, but I have other plans for September 25.

I do have 2 proposals on inclusivity that I would like to have placed on the SPUDS and Veganculture blogspots before the meeting and have read at the meeting itself.

PROPOSAL #1
In the future, since we are a small group, can we propose a few alternate meeting dates on the list before choosing a final date so that we can choose the one that is most convenient for all of us.

PROPOSAL #2
Consensus decision-making be used as the group process at all membership meetings, preferably with a facilitator skilled at building consensus.

Explanation of the above:
I believe that consensus decision-making is the only feasible way to handle potentially contentious issues among equals in a cooperative setting. Consensus allows us to fully hear what each of us has to say on an issue and to incorporate the best thinking of everyone, rather than just a majority, in the final decision. Only if each of us has the opportunity to have our concerns heard and addressed in the decision can we walk away from the meeting with an end result that we can all live with and can implement without resentment in the future. This is not a DIRA meeting, and we must relate to each other and our issues in a comradely spirit of mutual respect rather than relying on the competitive approach of Roberts Rules or just drifting along as if process doesn't matter. If we can't agree to do the hard but rewarding work of consensus, while we may be able to grow a potato crop, we have failed ourselves and allowed expediency to triumph over cooperation.

EVENING SPUDS WORK BEE!

2009-06-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hilling and Mulching:

Monday, June 15th AT 7:15 pm

Please contact Veronica Timmons at 250-335-1828 if you are unable to come. It should only take an hour if everyone turns up.

The irrigation system went in yesterday, June 9th, so the spuds are getting a drink. They are growing well.

Please bring a rake or hoe and gloves.
If you are subject to hay fever bring goggles!

Hilling party postponed...stay tuned!

2009-06-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

As only 25% of the potatoes are up and they are only 4" high, we have decided to postpone Saturday's work party.
The plants have to be higher to hill up.
We are putting in the irrigation system this week and the tank will be filled too (thanks to the Fire Department).

As the days are so hot perhaps it would be better to hold the next work party in the evening or early morning Saturday (9-noon).
Members could come and do a row then go off to recycling.
What is your preference? Contact Veronica at vtimmons@island.net

Planting Confirmation!

2009-05-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

The weather godess has promised dry weather for tomorrow's planting. (Saturday, May 16th from 1-4 pm)
Don't forget to bring your spade, bucket, boots, gloves, hat, lotion. We will have juice available.
Everyone needs to sign the waiver so see deNeen Baldwin when you get there. She will also give you your membership receipt.
happy planting!

PS At the planting, a brief meeting will be held to set a longer meeting date for organizational commiserations.

Planting Date: Saturday, May 16th

2009-04-26T00:36:00.000-07:00

PLEASE NOTE!

The date to plant the potatoes has been changed from Saturday, May 3^rd (as mentioned in the April Flagstone) to Saturday, May 16^th from 1-4pm.

Please bring a spade, gloves, water and a hat. See you there!

Membership

When everyone has paid their membership dues we will have 24 members this year. Cut-off date for membership is May 1^st.

Everyone is welcome to join. Even if you are unable to plant, water or weed, there are organizational tasks that we need help with. Call Veronica Timmons at 335-1828.

Current Core Group

Corinne Bjorge (Treasurer)

Veronica Timmons (Membership/Secretary/Organizer) vtimmons@island.net

Herb Jones (Field Operations)

Peter Janes (Field Operations)

Derek Takerer (Field Operations)