Impacts of Coronavirus on produce farm business
As our busy farm season is coming to a start in just a few weeks and the Coronavirus pandemic is affecting us all, we are taking steps to adapt. We are lucky in that there will be no shutdown at our business. Likewise, self isolation is a natural part of farm life. So, in those respects, life is normal for us at the farm.
We have thousands of plants well on there way already. In the greenhouse it feels like summer. Sunscreen is a must when working for an extended time. A couple more tunnels are going up in the coming weeks. Potatoes are going in the ground in the near future. Tomato plants are a couple feet tall. Thousands more plants will be started every week for the next few months.
As of now, it appears farmers markets will still be open as planned. However, no doubt markets will have some changes. Grocery stores will not shut down. People need to eat. We will be offering ONLINE ORDERING and HOME DELIVERY. We will be taking some steps to avoid unnecessary contact with customers during delivery. No big changes. We’ll leave your products at your door and ask that customers collect the box after we leave.
Our produce is usually only touched by one person and at a maximum two to three people before it is received by our customers. It’s hard to say how many people have come into contact with products at stores after is has been packed, shipped, stocked and then touched by multiple shoppers. That’s not to say store produce is not safe. You can find our products in local stores as well. As with all store bought produce, take a little more care in washing the produce after it is purchased.
We will do our best to produce enough to meet demand. However, we never know what mother nature has in store for us in South Dakota. As always, our CSA members will be our first priority, followed by our store supply relationships. Anyone interested in our products can purchase through our online SHOP. Product availability will begin end of April/start of May. If interested in learning about our CSA share program, you can find information at CSA Farm Share. Now is the time to sign up and lock in your source of fresh, local, organic produce at a discounted price.
Stay safe. Wash your hands. Stay at home. Stay healthy. Eat local, organic produce!
