We caught a real soaker this last week: at least five inches of rain touched down, mostly lightly, on the farm. Lompoc is now sitting at over 450% of our normal rainfall YTD, and the farm typically gets a little more than the surrounding areas due to the canyons. Water drenched the compost piles and rushed down the road. The garden rows turned to mud, so we paused garden work during and after the heaviest hours of rainfall.
The good news: it never hit hard enough to cause flooding or strip topsoil. Our groundwater was recharged, and we should see a lot of green in the next few weeks. In farm speak, the weeds are a-comin’. When the clouds finally broke, a double rainbow arched over the farm. These gorgeous mornings are what it’s all about.
Behind the Scenes: Chicken Photoshoot Day
The rain finally broke Tuesday morning, and we hosted a crew for a chicken product photo shoot. We set up our Weathertop Chicken coop, brought out a friendly mix of Adult hens, and kept the “talent” happy with Pecking Order treats all day. We added a blend of ranch dogs, and they ended up as part of the shoot too. It was fun, a little chaotic, and very on-brand—real birds, real farm, real smiles… and real mud.
Farm Dog Update: Chloe
Our LGD, Chloe, met horses for the first time yesterday as they traveled by the entrance to the farm, and she approached them and caught a side kick to the face. She ran away in pain, and it took several team members to piece together the story. We searched for hours for her, and she finally emerged from her hiding spot and rolled over to show us the damage to her mouth. *GOOD Girl!* She had a deep cut on her lip under her nose, and a gum injury above her canines. No damage to teeth, jaw, or skull—lucky dog.
Huge thanks to Dr. Harris and Lori at Lompoc Vet for quick, skilled care. Chloe is home, stitched up, comfortable, and already eager for her patrols again. She’ll need to stay inside for meds, rest and soft meals for the next week, however. If she doesn’t greet you at the farm stand, she’s tucked away in recovery.
What’s Inside?
Check out what’s inside this week’s box, discover the value of the items and how to keep them fresh, and see our curated recipe using items in this week’s harvest!
Essentials Box
Cost: $18 | Retail Value: $24 | You Save: $6.00
- Red Little Gems (8oz) $3
- Honeyboat Squash (1ct) $3
- Torpedo Onion (1bu) $4
- Spaghetti Squash (1ct) $5
- Grapes (2lbs) $5
Original Box
Cost: $30 | Retail Value: $42.00 | You Save: $12.00
- Essentials Box, plus:
- Bunching Onion (1 bu) $4
- Swiss Chard (1 bu) $4
- Persimmons (1lb) $5
- Yellow Onion (1lb) $3
Hearty Box
Cost: $42 | Retail Value: $55.00 | You Save: $13.00
- Original Box, plus:
- Kale (8 oz) $5
- Broccoli (1ct) $6
- Basil (3oz) $5
Values are based on farm stand and regional farmers market pricing for comparable produce.
Know Your Veg: Honeyboat Squash
If butternut squash had a sweeter, more flavorful cousin, it would be Honeyboat squash. This heirloom delicata variety is long, slender, and tan with deep green stripes — but the real magic is inside. Honeyboat is known as one of the richest, sweetest winter squash varieties, with a deep caramel flavor and smooth, almost velvety texture when roasted. Think brown sugar, chestnut, and sweet potato all rolled into one naturally sweet, nutrient-dense package.
Unlike larger winter squash, Honeyboat has thin, edible skin, making it easy to prep — no heavy peeling required. Just slice, scoop the seeds, and roast. Its small size makes it perfect for weeknight meals: halve it for roasting, cube it for soups and grain bowls, or slice it into rings for caramelized edges that crisp beautifully in the oven.
Nutritionally, Honeyboat is packed with beta-carotene, fiber, potassium, and slow-burning carbs that keep you full without feeling heavy. It’s a powerhouse squash for both flavor and nourishment.
Storage Tip: Keep whole Honeyboat squash in a cool, dry place. Properly cured, it can be stored for up to 3 months. Once cut, refrigerate and use within a week.
If you’re looking for a winter squash that earns its name, this is the one — sweet, hearty, and easy to love.
For full details on this week’s harvest list, including a recipe for Spaghetti Squash Gratin with Basil, storage tips, most popular FAQs, and partner farms, you can view the complete newsletter at the link below.
