HappyDirt is Closing

Dear Friends and Customers of HappyDirt Veggie Patch,

I’m sad to announce that this will be the final season for HappyDirt at Eagle Mill Farm.  As many of you know, this has been a tough season for many local farms, and HappyDirt was no exception.  On top of that, the situation here at the farm has evolved in ways that make the prospect of running a viable business seem further away than ever.

My collaboration with Jonathan Ash and RuralCraft turned into a competition–not by my choosing.  Essentially, without going into details, I’ve felt angled and pressured out of control of my own business, and I do not have sufficient support from the landowner, Ron Roth, to stop it. I cannot count on a solid lease, nor on running my own marketing at the stand.  I am not interested in a competition for who gets to grow and sell from this property, so I am letting it go.  I just like to grow stuff, not fight.

I am winding down the season– and expect to be gone by the end of the year. The stand is still open in self-serve mode. The summertime crops are slowing down to a trickle, but there are some nice fall things coming in.  There is a good crop of winter squash on hand. I’ll keep the stand going as long as there is enough produce to warrant it.

I encourage anyone who still has HappyBucks, or FarmBucks to use them ASAP at the stand, or get in touch with me if you want to get a big load of squash, potatoes, etc. to keep through the winter.

I am so very appreciative of the support from each of you for the past couple of years.  There have been many wonderful times and connections made, many great veggies grown and purchased, many magic moments.  It’s been a good adventure, and I don’t regret it at all.  Moving on will allow things to evolve as they should, and will open me up to new horizons.

Though I have needed to state my hard truth about the situation here, I’m already past it emotionally.  I hold no ill-will and wish the best for everyone who will carry on after I leave, and will do what I can to be helpful in the transition.

As for me, I don’t know what I’m doing next.  I’m hoping to stay in Ashland.  I’m pursuing some opportunities locally.  If I find a good gig soon, then I’ll stay.  If not, then I’ll have to leave the area and go wherever I’m called to go.  Scary…and exciting!

Thanks again for the support you have given, and for the opportunity to serve in a healthy way.

Peace and Love,
Matt Suhr

541-499-4903

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