reflectionJanuary 13, 202612 min read

What we heard! (And what we've been up to!)

What we heard! (And what we've been up to!)

Idleness is not my strong suit.

While my body has gotten some much-needed rest these past couple of weeks, my mind certainly has not.

As I shared last week, I began this year with very little clarity around what 2026 might look like at the farm. I had ideas, of course, but nothing concrete in terms of what actions I planned to take.

That's why I asked for your feedback.

I'm so grateful that many of you took the time to respond β€” thoughtfully, honestly, and generously. I read every word. And here is what I took away:


🌱 This farm is not one thing

People engage with the farm in many ways β€” through the farm stand, the CSA, shared meals, volunteering, and even from afar. That flexibility and dynamism matter. They're part of what makes this community strong and the farm resilient.

How people interact with Cardiff Tiny Farm


πŸ’› Values come first

Again and again, you named the same things:

β€’ Supporting a values-driven small farm β€’ Access to fresh, local food β€’ Space for community and gathering

Our offerings matter less than the spirit behind them β€” or at least, the spirit of what we do here is just as important as the services themselves.

🍽 Shared meals matter

Farm-to-table dinners, hands-on workshops, and casual gatherings rose to the top as preferred ways to engage with the farm. These moments β€” eating together, learning together, slowing down together β€” are where the farm feels most alive.

Shared meals at the farm


🫢 Authenticity matters

Many of you shared that you enjoy following along through the weekly newsletter, Instagram, and short "life on the farm" moments. Not polished. Not perfect. Just honest.

πŸ‘©β€πŸŒΎ Keep it human

When asked what must stay no matter what, your answers were clear: integrity, care, beauty, and a sense of welcome. One person wrote simply, "Please keep it human." We intend to do just that.

Looking ahead to 2026

This feedback gives me confidence as we step into the coming year and helps keep me grounded in what truly matters. My vision is much clearer now for how I'd like to simplify and focus.

Here's what that looks like.


1. A new website

The first focus this year was building the farm a proper website. The irony is not lost on me that the profession I left to become a farmer β€” software development β€” is the skill I applied last to the farm.

That's no longer the case.

The website is now live and will serve as the primary place for information about the farm: products, updates, events, and stories. Working on it has reignited my love for building small, practical tools β€” not just for this farm, but potentially for others in our community as well.


2. A new CSA ordering system

The first tool I built is a credit-based CSA ordering system.

You can now purchase CSA credits and redeem them when it works for you β€” no weekly obligation, no consecutive commitments. Just flexibility.

We are also introducing a new order cutoff window: CSA credits must be redeemed at least 7 days in advance of a scheduled pickup.

This allows me to better align with our wholesale vendors and to enrich the CSA box experience with more thoughtful, educational materials.

More broadly, I see these changes as laying a foundation for the future of the tiny farm. My hope is that the CSA β€” and what it represents β€” can outlive the physical farm itself.

This is our first week using the new credit-based CSA system. It's a custom setup, so we appreciate your patience as we work through any early kinks. Rest assured, all purchases and redemptions will be carefully tracked and honored.


3. Keeping Consistent with Our Farm Stand

It's clear the farm stand is a sacred space for many of you.

For that reason I will remain committed to keeping our weekly farm stand consistent, though I will allow myself a few more weekends of rest this year (an honest heads-up). The best way to stay informed about any changes is this newsletter β€” but it's safe to assume we'll be out front slinging veggies most Saturdays.


4. Delivering Unique Dining Experiences

We'll continue hosting events, with farm dinners happening at least once a month. The team helping orchestrate these gatherings knows the space well and has proven they can deliver truly special experiences.

Events will always be announced here first (may want to peek below πŸ‘€).

We also welcome inquiries for private events. Our new events page outlines what the space offers and how to get in touch β€” please feel free to share it with anyone looking for a place to gather.


5. Community at the Core

Our community is the most important thing we have.

More than any single offering, it's the community that will outlive the physical farm. We'll continue investing in deeper connections, sharing the story of this place, and inviting you to be part of its unfolding.

β€”

Thank you all for your ongoing support.

Here's to an amazing 2026.

✌️


Upcoming events

Winter Table event

Winter Table

πŸ“† January 24th Β· 5:00–8:00 PM

A farm-to-table dinner experience celebrating the flavors of rest and new beginnings

RSVP / Details β†’

Sliding scale pricing options available.


Quick links: Website β€’ CSA β€’ Events

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