In This Edition
emmer & rye restaurant
Farmer Fisher Chef Connection
Say NO To GMO Wheat in Washington State
Notes from a Farmer January has been as soggy, mild and gray as any I can remember here in the Methow. However, since I’ve vowed to never complain about ANY moisture we receive here in this semi-desert climate, I won’t. Instead, I’m grateful for a very good month for snowpack in the mountains, and we’ve certainly added moisture to our very moderate snowpack here in the valley, largely in the form of rain. I’m feeling a rather early farming season coming on…
As I mentioned in last month’s newsletter I would be explaining briefly what makes a quality grain and ultimately whole grain flour. Here at the Bluebird granary we have a variety of machines that enable us to “grade out” our top grains. But the real quality begins in the soil before planting and long before harvest.
When many farmers think of “fertilization” the big three components that come up are N (nitrogen) P (phosphorus), and K (Potassium). One of the most important minerals often left out is actually Ca (Calcium), without which none of the previous three can be transported throughout the plant. In grain growing, N is often perceived as king and most important to not only the protein ultimately captured in each “grain berry”, but also crop volume. Thus, in conventional operations nitrogen is often the most over-applied chemical. Often, it is Ca that’s actually missing.
Here at Bluebird we tend to be less concerned with high N than with the over-all balance in our soils. We’ve found we can grow “complete” grains – meaning fully nutritious whole quality milling grains - with below “assumed” mineral requirements so long as the minerals are all in balance with one another and we have a solid spoil PH of between 6.2 – 6.8.
Yes, we plant cover-crops of various sorts and also inter-seed clovers with our grain at times for nitrogen purposes, but ultimately we like nature itself to do most of the work. This is why we are advocates of using straw digesters as well as other beneficial microbes and enzymes in our soils. Active soils enable plants to “mine” what is there, even if deficient at times, much more easily. And to put these minerals back, we feed back all out straw.
Balanced soils take us a long ways toward the quality, high brix (sugars) reading in our grains that we are looking for. This gives us rich endosperms on our berries and ultimately, a highly nutritious, complete food for cooking as a whole grain or baking as flour. The “milling quality” and thus the “baking quality” of our grains is not necessarily due to high protein but more the balance of the nutrients there in. This can only begin with healthy soil.
Next issue I’ll very briefly address the mechanics of harvesting and storage, then a rundown of our run-to-order grain cleaning and flour milling. Enjoy our last real winter month here in the Northwest and stay tuned...
All best,
Farmer Sam
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Recipe of the Month
Cioppino is an Italian seafood stew, traditionally made with the catch of the day and served over spaghetti or fettucini. In Bluebird’s whole grain variation emmer farro replaces the refined pasta, adding a nutty flavor as well as organic protein and fiber.
Bluebird News
emmer & rye restaurant
  Congratulations to long-time supporter and customer Chef Seth Caswell (the creator of Emmer Fries) for opening emmer & rye on Queen Anne Ave, Seattle. For reservations call 206.282.0680.
We can’t wait to try out your fabulous menu!
Farmer Fisher Chef Connection
We look forward to networking with our customers & meeting new folks at the Farmer Fisher Chef Connection on March 1st. This fifth annual gathering fosters direct connections between local food buyers and producers, and it is where Bluebird Grain Farms has developed many of its key relationships with vendors and chefs.
Take Action NOW:
Say NO To GMO Wheat in Washington State
There is growing evidence of harm from genetically modified organisms. Washington State is currently facing pressures from Monsanto and other bio-tech companies to allow GMO Wheat to be grown in Washington State. This is a direct threat to contaminating our local food systems and pure wheat varieties. US Farmers are seeing massive problems with the genetic contamination from neighboring farms with GM corn, soybeans and canola. Most of the soybean supply in the U.S. is already contaminated with genetically modified seeds. Many organic and conventional corn farmers are losing markets because their crops are testing positive for GM traits. Many experts have said that it is next to impossible to find non-GM canola in Canada because of this genetic trespass. Wheat pollen is even more pervasive than that of canola. It is critical that Washington State Citizens to give their feedback about GMO Wheat grown in Washington. For more information visit: Organic Consumer Association and Institute for Responsible Technology . To sign a Washington State petition, stop by our farm office or Contact Tom Stahl: 509.745.8801. Petitions are due March 10th.
WANTED –Seattle Market Manager:
Bluebird Grain Farms is looking for a Market Manager for Ballard and U District Market. See the full job description.
 Hankering for a visit to the Methow?
With good odds on your side you have a chance to support our local community school while taking your chance to win one of three vacation amazing vacations to: Methow Valley, Costa Rica, or New Zealand. Fill out & mail in an entry form or call MVCS at 509.996.4447. |
