We are close to finishing planting our barley.

My wife asks me every year how long I think we’ll be planting. Every year, I tell her probably about two weeks. I don’t think she believes me anymore, but she doesn’t say it. Each year that seems like plenty of time, even allowing for breakdowns and weather delays. And every year it takes longer than that. 

This year is no different. For years we have planted all our barley using no-tillage but this year we had to plant a little over 200 acres conventionally. Most of it was new ground that had to be broken out and not suitable for no-till equipment this year. The rest was a field that had been damaged by excessive runoff a couple years ago and needed to be worked smooth again. 

We were happy to finish that and get back to the no-tillage. It is so much easier. That, coupled with rainy days, equipment malfunctions, and a certain amount of squeezing it in between mill and bakery orders slowed our progress. Not even several late nights were enough to come in on time. So here we are, finally seeing daylight at the end of the tunnel. As fun as it is and as much as Milo enjoys a break from being in the mill, it is time to move to the next project. As it turns out, that next project will be tackled with the help of all our kids, who are coming next week. 

Twenty-six Wrigleys, of all ages, will converge on the farm for fun and frolic as we tackle a couple big jobs. Personally, I think they are actually coming to try the pizza, which continues to get amazing reviews. We are so very grateful when someone stops us at the post office or in the store and says it is the best pizza they have eaten. 

For us, having invested so much into making good tasting, locally grown food, those comments make our hearts happy. So thank you again for your support and encouragement. 

I hope you will also thank the stores that carry our products. They are a vital part of our local supply chain. Share a taste of Alaska with your family as you enjoy this amazing summer. Let us know on social media which of our products you have enjoyed.