Standard Process Inc.

The Summer Buzz

July 2006 News From The Farm SP News Article

Christine Mason,
Farm Manager

By the time this newsletter goes to print, we will already be finished harvesting our alfalfa, pea vine, barley, Brussels sprouts, and radish for the year. It was a successful growing season for these crops with each producing enough to meet our increasing demands. It is rewarding and a stress relief every time we are able to cross another goal off the list.

We are having a very nice summer at the Standard Process Farm. While much of the country is suffering from dry weather, we have had very timely rains. You will never meet a farmer that is totally happy about their weather conditions, but we are about as happy as a farmer gets! Our annual organic inspection will be happening any day now. Anyone that has an organic certification is required to have a thorough inspection every year. The inspector will:

• Look at our records to make sure that there are no GMO (genetically modified) or treated seeds on the farm
• Make sure that we have enough organic seed purchased to cover the acreage that we are certifying
• Examine the state of our crops and soil
• Study our soil samples
• Make sure that none of our equipment has any leaks that could compromise the integrity of our organic status

It is a very intense day, but I rest easy knowing that we are always in compliance.

The inspector is welcome here any time. We have also been busy giving tours. We enjoy meeting our customers. If you have an opportunity to come and visit us, it is the perfect time of year to see the farm during peak production.