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Fresh from Crisp Country Acres: A Holland, Michigan Farm JournalRegenerative Journey: Diving Deep into Plant Testing
I wanted to share something we’ve been working on that I think you’d find interesting.
We’ve been diving deeper into regenerative practices this year, and one thing we’re really excited about is SAP testing.
You know how you get blood work done to see what’s going on inside your body? Well, these leaf samples are like giving our plants a blood test – we get to see exactly what’s happening with their nutrition in real time. No more guessing if they’re actually getting what they need.
The charts show us how our plants are up taking nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. With this data, we can adjust our approach to work with the soil biology and natural nutrient cycling instead of just dumping fertilizer and hoping for the best.
It’s all about building healthier soil that can actually deliver what our crops need. That’s regenerative agriculture – using science to farm in harmony with nature.
Speaking of what we’re growing – hope to see you at the markets this week! 
Here is a link with all the locations and times.
Here is a link with all the locations and times.Sometimes the Best Plans Are the Ones That Change 🌻
Last winter, as I sat with the seed catalogs and dreamed about this growing season, I had a vision: towering sunflowers creating a magical maze where families could wander and get wonderfully lost among the blooms.
I was inspired by my own little flower garden by my house, where I’d spend peaceful mornings picking stems for weekly bouquets and sharing armfuls of flowers with friends and neighbors. There’s something so special about cutting your own flowers – choosing exactly what speaks to you, creating something beautiful with your own hands.
I wanted to bring that same joy to all of you.
Well, as any farmer will tell you, plants have their own ideas! Our sunflowers decided to stay closer to the earth this year – they’re blooming beautifully, but they are short, rather than maze-worthy tall. At first, I’ll admit, I was bummed. But then I realized something wonderful: sometimes the most beautiful outcomes come from adapting our plans.
So, we’re embracing what we have and pivoting to something even better – a U-Pick flower field where you can create your own stunning bouquets!
These shorter sunflowers are actually perfect for picking, along with all the other blooms we’ve planted. You’ll be able to wander through rows of flowers, selecting exactly what catches your eye and designing arrangements that are uniquely yours.
Here’s how it works:
- $5 for 10 stems (mix and match any flowers you’d like!)
- Open Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm. Saturday: 8am-5pm
- Stop in at the market when you arrive and let Kathy know you would like to pick your own flowers! She will have scissors available for you. (Please return the scissors when you are done.)
- I would recommend bringing a jar of water from home for your flowers.
I’m excited to see what beautiful combinations you’ll create. Send me a photo or tag us @crispcountryacres on social media.
Sometimes the best adventures come from changing course, and I have a feeling this flower field is going to bring even more joy than that original sunflower maze ever could have.
See you soon!
Field to Table: The summer veggies are ready for you!
It’s officially summer and we are excited to share that some of our favorite crops are now ready for harvest! Take a look below at some of the highlights.
Fresh Beans – This is one of my favorites! We have been enjoying green beans from the greenhouse, but we are excited to add yellow & purple beans! These tender beans are perfect for stir-fries, salads, or simply steamed with a touch of butter. We will be picking them later this afternoon.
Summer Squash & Zucchini – Our summer squash and zucchini are coming in beautifully! These versatile vegetables are perfect for everything from grilled summer dishes to baked goods, soups, and fresh salads.
Colorful Rainbow Radishes – Our radish patch is producing gorgeous varieties in whites, purples, and reds. These crisp, peppery roots are perfect for adding crunch and color to your spring salads or pickling for a tangy side dish. We have also added breakfast radishes this season.
Fresh Broccoli – Our broccoli is ready and is packed with nutrients and flavor. There’s nothing quite like farm-fresh broccoli harvested at peak freshness. We are starting to see the first cauliflower heads too!
Shop at the farmers markets to pick up your local favorites!
1. Market at the Farm – Holland, MI: Monday–Friday: 8 AM–6 PM & Saturday: 8 AM–5 PM. Farm store offering fresh produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, honey, U‑pick fields, playground, and animal barn.
2. Muskegon Farmers Market: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 8 AM–1 PM
3. Kalamazoo Farmers Market: Saturday: 7 AM–1 PM
4. Trufant Market: Thursday: 7 AM–12 PM
See you soon!
Let’s create a 90’s summer!
Remember those summers? The ones filled with simple pleasures, outdoor adventures, and quality time with family – no screens in sight, just pure connection with nature and each other. I’ve been seeing people talking about wanting to create that same nostalgic summer magic for their kids, and I couldn’t agree more!
I have the best memories of picking beans and tomatoes in my grandma’s garden. We loved to eat them right off the plant, filling our pails with fresh veggies to take home.
Our U-Pick Club is the perfect way to bring back that summer experience that we grow up with. Picture this: your family spending sunny mornings in our fields, kids getting their hands dirty, everyone working together to fill baskets with fresh produce, and creating those precious memories that last a lifetime.
U-Pick Club is the perfect way to bring back that summer experience that we grow up with. Picture this: your family spending sunny mornings in our fields, kids getting their hands dirty, everyone working together to fill baskets with fresh produce, and creating those precious memories that last a lifetime.What’s Included in Your U-Pick Club Membership: Eight farm visits where you’ll fill your own half-bushel baskets with the season’s best produce – that’s eight full baskets to take home! From late July through mid-September, you’ll have access to our U-Pick fields during designated hours, giving you the flexibility to visit when it works best for your schedule.
Each week during the season, we’ll send you an email letting you know exactly what’s ready for picking, so you can plan your visit around your favorite crops or try something new.
What’s planted in the U-Pick fields? Sugar snap peas, beans, potatoes, carrots, zucchini, summer squash, pickles, tomatoes & peppers.
All of this for just $140 – that’s less than $18 per half-bushel basket of premium, farm-fresh produce!
There’s something special about picking your own food. Kids love the adventure, adults appreciate the quality and freshness, and everyone enjoys the satisfaction of knowing exactly where their food comes from.
Ready to join? HERE is the link.
Looking for a Unique Family Outing? Try This!
Looking for a hands-on, unforgettable experience the whole family will love?
Come visit us at Crisp Country Acres for our Animal Encounters – where you can get up close with the goats! The first event is happening June 11.
What’s included:- 45 minutes of one on one with one of the goats.
- 1 feed cup so you can feed the animals.
Important notes:
- You can have a maximum of 4 people per ticket.
- Each ticket is for 45 minutes with 1 goat.
- The goats need to stay on their leash at all times.
- You may only feed the goats the veggies from the feed cup.
- Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
- You must stay in the designated area at all times.
Reserve your spot today – appointments are filling fast!
What does regenerative growing look like?
We are putting a heavy focus on regenerative growing this year.
What does that look like? THIS!
Planted in between the beds at the greenhouse is oats.
The Green Pathways Between
If you visited the fields by the greenhouse, the first thing you’d notice is the vibrant green pathways between our growing beds. These aren’t weeds or neglected areas—they’re intentionally planted cover crops. Rather than leaving bare soil exposed between our production beds, we’ve established a living root system that works 24/7 to build soil health.
Why This Matters
You might wonder why we’ve dedicated valuable farm space to plants we don’t harvest and sell. The answer lies in what happens below the surface:
These cover crops are essentially “growing soil” for us. Their roots create channels for water infiltration, preventing the runoff and erosion. They feed soil microorganisms that, in turn, make nutrients available to our crops.
I will continue to share more about this as the season goes on.
Thank you for your support! Look forward to seeing you soon.
PS – New this summer is U-Pick Club! It’s perfect for families wanting to share wholesome outdoor activities with their little ones, home cooks searching for the freshest ingredients, or anyone who loves the idea of gardening but doesn’t have the space or time. Learn more about U-Pick Club HERE.
Planting a garden?
The fields are filling up. It is so much fun to see the plants grow. We are seeing the first pea blossoms and strawberry blossoms. All the greens are really popping. You can almost watch the rhubarb grow!
Are you planting a garden this year?
We have you covered! Plant starts are now available at the farm. Here is what we currently have available: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts, dill, parsley, basil, cilantro, lettuce, beans, zucchini, summer squash, pickles, cucumbers, sugar snap peas, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, roma tomatoes & cherry tomatoes.
Don’t have time for a garden this year, but still want the fun of harvesting your own food? We have you covered there too! We are planning to expand our U-pick offerings this year. More info on our U-Pick club coming soon!
Get your Farm Shirts!
Big news from the fields! After having folks eye our work shirts for years at markets, we’ve finally taken the hint! Our farm shirts are now available for pre-order—straight from our farm to your closet.
farm shirts are now available for pre-order—straight from our farm to your closet.While most folks have forgotten where their food really comes from, you’re part of a community that knows better—and your choices are changing the game.
Our farm shirts aren’t just comfortable tees – they’re a declaration of your values.
farm shirts aren’t just comfortable tees – they’re a declaration of your values.Wear your support for local farms—these shirts tell the world you know where good food comes from. Each time you sport our gear, you’re standing with the farmers who work from sunup to sundown to keep real food on your table and our rural traditions alive.
shirts tell the world you know where good food comes from. Each time you sport our gear, you’re standing with the farmers who work from sunup to sundown to keep real food on your table and our rural traditions alive.
New Spring Collection is now available! Order by May 10 and pick up your shirt on June 7. The first 20 orders will receive a free bag of our spring salad mix!
Join the movement of conscious consumers who understand that every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.
Show Your Support – Shop Now → www.crispcountryacres.com
www.crispcountryacres.comSee you soon!
Opening week at the Farmers Markets!
It’s opening week for the summer farmers markets!
We are ready to get this season started. Here is where you can find us this summer:
- Muskegon Farmers Market | Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 8am – 2pm.
- Trufant Market | Thursday, 7am – 12pm.
- Kalamazoo Farmers Market | Saturday, 8am – 1pm.
- Market at the Farm (5888 120th Ave, Holland) | Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 5pm.
Tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, cherry tomatoes, rhubarb, green beans, leek, lettuce, salad mix, celery root, radishes, spinach, swiss chard, apples, microgreens, beets & onions.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Eat What’s Fresh
Great news from the farm! We’re excited to announce that we are now harvesting 3 new crops:
- Cherry Tomatoes – These sweet gems are bursting with flavor! Perfect for salads, snacking, or a quick pasta dish.
- Cucumbers – Grown in the greenhouse – these cucumbers are delicious a great addition to your spring salads.
- Rhubarb – The first spring treat has arrived! Great for pies, crisps or sauce.
You can find these fresh items at the markets this week!
Here is where you can find us:
- Market at the Farm (5888 120th Ave, Holland) | Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 5pm.
- Kalamazoo Winter Market | Saturday, 8am – 1pm.
- Muskegon Farmers Market | Saturday, 8am – 2pm.
Please let us know if you have any questions or need recipe ideas for your fresh produce.
See you soon!