HAY RIVER™ Pumpkin Seed Oil

America's first pumpkin seed oil

info@hayriver.net

Spring Is Finally Here!


Look Ma, No Hands! Happy to be in the fields again.

Oh we have let way too long go without posting, sorry folks! Spring is finally here, snow long gone and we are indeed happy to be doing our prep work in the fields. We are certified organic so the only way to deal with weeds is cultivation. Ideally you cultivate just ahead of a dry spell so that the weeds dry out and die. Ideally. Actual results may vary. We are looking forward to greenhouse starting seeds on May 24th then will be transplanting in the field about 2 weeks later.

2018 Harvest Ships March 2019


In every way, our 2018 growing season was fantastic, fields were beautiful, our weed and pest control was working and the yields of big, beautiful seeds were excellent. The organic certified company we use to cold press our oil, Botanic Innovations, has been booked and is moving so there is a delay. Our seeds will be pressed at the end of January, they will then sit for 4 weeks to let the fine seed particles settle, THEN we will bottle. Pre-order now and your oil will be the first shipped in March.

Thanks for your patience and we think this amazing crop is going to be worth the wait!

Winter Work

One of our projects this winter is to beat back the trees. In Wisconsin with our abundant moisture and rich soil, trees will rapidly infiltrate cleared land. Over the years the steady march of the forest has moved into our prime fields. It has been perfect weather to rev up the chainsaw and make the world safe again for pumpkins.

Fall Harvest 2015—Done.

Fall Harvest Sick Crew 2015Fall Harvest Bob & Ken 2015

Well, harvest is over and done and nearly put to rest. Seeds are in the dryer and soon they’ll be pressed and bottled. Another frustrating year, our field produced nothing and thank goodness our neighbors did!

The first shot is our crew, Adrian, Bob and yours truly being silly. The second is of Bob and Ken about to unload the seeds from Kate’s field. The harvester (Mister orange) works like a charm.

Explains why my posts here have been so scant. Not much to report.

Cool and wet summers do not favor pumpkins. Yet we’re already planning to really work our land into shape for 2016. I know, sounds bonkers and who knows how we’ll feel come spring.

We’re not giving up this dream of ours. We’re not!

Happy Fall Wonderful YOUZ!

 

 

Jumping July! Who Took June?

2015 July Pumpkins

Look at this little gem.

Trying its very best to outgrow our ‘organic weeds’. One of the challenges of maintaining a field of pumpkins, or any organically grown field-crop for that matter, is weed pressure. No matter how much you cultivate or disc or fuss or worry, the weeds will march down the aisles and try and take over the dang field! As I walk along the rows, wringing my hands and cussing, I’m also amazed and grateful and full of hope. Farming is pretty nuts especially when no one has done this before.

Maybe there’s a reason…

Wonderful Crew for 2015! Mary Ann, Adrian & Bob

Planting Crew

Okay, so this isn’t the best picture. I am really not known for my action shots. But these people worked their little tales off putting 3 seeds in each little cell and moving like there is no tomorrow. Had a great day with them all. Now I visit the greenhouse ever day to water and hope. HOPE like mad these babies grow. Using one’s own seeds is a little nerve-wracking. You just don’t know if they’re going to germinate. Even though we did a test run over the winter. As the saying goes, results may vary. As in SCARY!!!!!

Planting Crew Gathered at Sue’s Greenhouse.

Planting Day

Finally!

We begin our new season. Mary Ann is a new helper and she was amazing! As was Bob & Adrian. Now we wait…They planted 304 trays with 3 seeds each cell. 50 cells per tray. All with our own seeds. Sure wish that we had more heat going on. Get some sun people!!! Can’t wait to get these babies in the ground. I’ll keep you posted, you know.

Fingers CROSSED!

We Begin…2015 here we GO!!!

ken&jay-field

We have many seedlings planted (over 45,000 of the little dudes) in 4 acres.

We’re so excited to begin—again. Hoping this year is a much hotter one and that all the effort that goes into this project will pan out. As in, oil to share with all of wonderful YOUZZZ!

Onward!