Although it's the time of year when temperatures drop below freezing and snow sometimes blankets the ground, Green Acres Michaela Farm in Oldenburg has vegetables and pasture-raised eggs available throughout the winter months.

Several different vegetables and microgreens are growing in the high tunnel on Michaela Farm. High tunnels provide a way to produce fresh, healthy produce in a protected and controlled environment. 

High tunnels, also called hoop houses, are unheated structures covered in a plastic layer. The plastic helps to trap heat and moisture, creating a warm and humid environment inside the tunnel. This is especially beneficial for growing vegetables in cooler climates or during the off-season. 

Vegetables currently listed on the websites are:

Carrots

Hakurei Turnips

Curly Kale

Kohlrabi

Sweet Potatoes

Swiss Chard

Delicata Squash

Butternut Squash

Garlic

Cabbage

Beets

Microgreens are seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs, typically broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi, radishes, mustards, and pea shoots. Michaela Farms grows microgreens because of their high nutrient value and levels of vitamins, minerals, and other health-supporting components. 

Updated veggie options are listed on the road front sign in front of Michaela Farms and online at https://green-acres.org/michaela-farm-store-product-availability. Herbs available are also listed on the website.

Herbs currently listed on the websites are:

Dried herbs:

Thyme

Chives

Spearmint

Rosemary

Sage

Sweet Basil

Cilantro

Oregano

Lemon Balm

Parsley

Lemon Verbena

Fennel Seed

Lavender

Dried Peppers:

Cayenne

Fresno

Jalapeño 

The pasture-raised eggs are the most popular item in the farm store. Pasture-raised eggs are often considered more nutritious and healthier than conventional eggs. The hens that lay these eggs can roam freely in green pastures, eat a natural diet, and get plenty of exercise and sunlight. As a result, pasture-raised eggs have been found to have more vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids, than eggs from hens raised in confinement. Additionally, many believe pasture-raised eggs taste better and have a richer, more flavorful yolk.

There are currently three coops on the farm that produce. Eggs are collected daily. Pricing is available in-store.

Now part of the Greenacres Foundation, Michaela Farm is a non-profit farm focused on education. Greenacres acquired Michaela Farm from the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg after conversations and visits between the Sisters and Greenacres began in 2019. It quickly became apparent that the missions of both parties were very much aligned, eventually leading to formal contract negotiations starting in 2020 and the closing being finalized in July 2021.

Michaela Farms is located at 3127 State Road 229 in Oldenburg and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.