January Farm News
The Palouse isn’t quite the winter wonderland many of us are hoping for this year. As Kevin Mader puts it, “Growing up, we always had snow by Christmas, but hopefully, these colder temperatures in the coming weeks will bring the snow we need.” For the Mader family, snow is more than just a beautiful backdrop for the holidays—it plays a critical role in protecting their crops. With winter wheat already planted in the fields, the dusting of snow that melts off each day isn't enough. Without its insulating blanket, farmers like Kevin worry about the potential for early frosts that could damage the crops, which are typically shielded from such cold by the snow's cover. Despite the lack of snow, the winter wheat is looking strong and healthy, which is encouraging news.
Farm Prep Begins!
On the farm, preparations are well underway for the upcoming spring planting season. The family has been hard at work ensuring everything is ready to go once spring time is here. All but two of the fields are prepped and ready for planting, and the machinery is getting a much-needed tune-up to make sure it’s in top shape for the busy months ahead. So far, two of the drills have already gone through the shop for maintenance, and now the focus has shifted to the tractors. Kevin and the team are determined to be fully prepared, so as soon as the weather turns favorable, they can begin planting their spring crops, including legumes and spring wheat. The goal is to hit the ground running as soon as possible to ensure the crops get the best start they can.
It’s a season of careful balancing—managing the unpredictable weather, tending to crops that are already in the ground, and preparing for what’s ahead. The Mader family is doing everything they can to ensure a successful transition into the new season.
Beans Beans Beans!
This month, we’re celebrating one of the most versatile and nutritious foods on the planet: beans! Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, beans are not only great for your health but also perfect for creating vibrant, flavorful dishes. Why Beans? Beans are an excellent addition to your meals, whether you're looking to boost protein in a plant-based diet, or just enjoy a hearty, delicious dish. They’re easy to incorporate into all kinds of recipes, from stews and salads to tacos and curries! We offer a variety including, Black Beans, Kidney Beans, and Pinto Beans.
Melissa H on
Reorganizing the pantry while we have some snow on the ground here in Central Texas and rediscovered my blue bucket of red lentils!
I put together a simple lentil soup and had it ready to serve for a midmorning hot meal. After the first round of servings, I diced and boiled some small potatoes to add to it, and it made another round of deliciousness for a mid day warm up. This afternoon I’ll probably add some bulk sausage to stretch it out another day. Thanks for providing a wonderful, versatile, healthy product!
Ernie Klimek on
Super idea! Great Update!
Thx for sharing the latest news!👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Ernie Klimek
Sarah Webb on
Love the idea of the newsletter and brings back so many wonderful memories from living in the dry land wheat farming country at Kahlotus, WA, and later in my 40’s living in Lewiston, ID. So much rich land in the Palouse and I wish you all the best, not only for your sakes but for ours too!
ROGER on
Just received my order of wheat for our home baking needs. I am writing from the state of Maine. WE have no snow in the south of the state and very little up north.I hope you get your snow cover soon. Have a great Winter.
Sam on
The newsletter is a great idea! I love Palouse products, and feel great about buying and eating from within my region. So learning more about my coveted Palouse foods and the planning, work, and care going into producing them is awesome! Keep up the great work – I’ll be hoping for snow!
Heidi on
Great newsletter, short and sweet. As a Missouri farm girl, love the pics. Split pea soup always a favorite, yum!
Sharon on
Love the idea of the “From the Farm Newsletter”. Looking forward to each month’s newsletter. We love all your products. Thank you and much prosperity in 2025.
Sonja Goldinak on
I’m looking forward to purchasing the wheats to grind for my upcoming new adventure with sourdough bread!!
Thank you,
Sonja
Tara Beam on
Thank you for all of your hard work with your farm! As a restaurant owner, Roadhouse Diner-Great Falls,MT, and maker of black beans burgers from scratch to serve in my restaurant, you provide top quality beans!
Anne Sampson on
Nice newsletter. It’s really special to connect with the people actually growing the food, especially when it’s a family affair. Keep up the great work!
CB on
So great to see the photos! Getting a sense of the seasons and how your local weather effects my bag of beans creates a lovely connection.
Mary Anderson on
I jhave been aware of your products for quite a while now and enjoy the products you offer. My problem is that I have never used some of these things, so do not know how to use them. What is the right procedure for cooking lentils? With the varieties and colors, they just look like something that will make fun foods. What should the end texture be like? Split pea soup is one of my favorites, and I know how to cook them into the much-beloved dishes my mother used to make, but lentils keep their shape when cooked and that is just not quite what I expect. Am I cooking them wrong? Or do I need an attitude adjustment here? Thank you for your attention and help. Mary Anderson of Moses Lake, WA