Two years ago, Feeding America West Michigan tried something new. We decided to grow our own produce: three acres of sweet corn at Eastmanville Farm in Ottawa County. The results: more than 17,000 pounds of homegrown food for our neighbors … Continue reading
Farm
Late thaw and soggy soil: Food Bank Farm looks ahead to year two
It’s March, and even though the fields may still be covered in snow, Feeding America West Michigan has its eye on planting. The Food Bank Farm project, begun last year with the help of the West Michigan Agricultural Education Center, … Continue reading
The Harvest Begins
On Monday afternoon, food sourcing specialist Katie Auwers pulled back the husk from an ear of corn and pricked one of the glossy kernels with her thumbnail, bringing a spurt of juice. “Yep, it’s milking,” she confirmed. The corn was … Continue reading
Standing Tall in Eastmanville
The corn stalks are near their full height, and the silks are out. Doesn’t it fill you with anticipation? Speaking of which, we need your help. It’s going to take a lot of volunteers to get this beautiful sweet corn … Continue reading
Green snap, grasshoppers and other mid-season hazards
Dr. Adam Kantrovich, an educator with Michigan State University-Extension, serves as board member and treasurer for the West Michigan Agricultural Education Center, which oversees the Food Bank Farm. We spoke with Adam on his cell phone at the Eastmanville Farm, … Continue reading
… By the Fourth of July
Knee-high depends on your perspective, right? It’s almost Fourth of July, and while our corn may not have reached that proverbial height yet, it’s coming along nicely. The seedlings look healthy, the weeds are few and far between, and this … Continue reading