Kernels of Support

“We stand behind everything we sell and do. However, without a name I cannot help. We grow 120 acres of corn and work very hard to pick fresh seven days a week. We have done this for 50 years and this has not changed.”—Mike Marini

This post was in response to an unsigned comment left at the corn bin early in the season.  Mike’s response above was posted on Facebook along with the photo of the comment, and it received 7,664 views, 91 likes and 145 comments moments after the posting of the photo.

Corn is Marini Farm’s top selling crop for both retail and wholesale sales, so the farm is committed to providing the best and sweetest corn available in the region. Their 200 acres of corn provide over 10 tons of corn and over ten different varieties, including the two newest varieties; Marai and Allure. Marai corn is a new hybrid breed of corn known for its intense sweetness, tender kernels and superb eating quality. Marini incorporates special techniques by growing 20 acres under plastic to make sure they are can offer the first local corn in eastern MA.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture report, there will be an abundance of corn this fall as the nation’s farmers are expected to harvest a record 14.03 billion bushels of corn this year.

Below are some of the special comments posted on our Facebook page in response to the customer comment.

“My family started doing business with the Marini family close to 50 years ago. I consider Mario like a second father. When my father passed away my first summer running our farm, Mario was there to take me under his wing and help me anyway he could. When Michael took over running the farmstand he took an already well-established business and made it into one of the best in the state. They are one of the most hardworking, honest, caring and giving families you'll find in Essex County. I am proud and honored to be in business with them and look forward to another 50 years”. — Robert Marshall

“My family had a farm stand as well. I drive out of my way to get Marini produce. Superior to every other place I have shopped”.—Matt Desmond

“I have been buying produce both wholesale and retail from the Marini’s for thirty years....never once had an issue....this family business is operated with the highest level of integrity possible. If Michael says it's fresh, it is! If this person had a problem then have some courage and go make your complaint face-to- face!”—Marilyn Donati

“Bought your corn yesterday and brought it to a house party. The biggest hit ever! People are crazy”.—Kim Folan

Marini’s is top of the line. This family has given so much to our community. The person who left this message doesn't have the guts to sign their name. Therefore, the message is meaningless. I'm sure the corn looked perfect when they purchased it. Wonder how long it was left in their hot trunk?”—Cheryl Becker

“I just want to add my two cents to this awful note left for Mike. My husband goes to Marini Farm every day for fresh produce to supply our farmstand. He is there when the trucks come in from the fields every morning. We have NEVER had anything but the freshest produce. His corn is by far the best around and picked fresh every day. The Marini Family are the hardest working people and the nicest around.They go above and beyond. Wherever this corn came from, it was not Marini Farm unless they kept it there for a week or more. Thank you Mike Marini and Mario for all that you do.”—Marilyn Sweet, LattofFarm, Rockport

“I live two streets away from another local farm, and I still drive 25 minutes just to get Marini Farm produce because it is THAT fresh and delicious! That one customer may have a gripe but customers like myself who don't even live in Ipswich and everyone else who have posted supportive comments on here love your farm and the awesome selection!” —Melissa Newbury

“I eat Marini's corn just about every night of the week all summer long, and the corn is delicious. I just had my corn tonight, the third night in a row from corn I got on Saturday, and it is still yummy! Marini's has perfected the art of growing corn for the whole entire growing season. They are the only place I get my corn, and I look forward to it every year. It wouldn't be summer without Marini's corn and vegetables.”—Michele Huot Elliot

“We will make it a priority to respond to all comments, questions and posts we receive, as it is your feedback that matters the most.Thank you all for your overwhelming and kind comments on our Facebook page, and your commitment and loyalty to our farm.”—Mike Marini

Prepared by Lightning Consulting

Marini Is A Party Farm!

Marini Farm offers parties that focus on farm exploration, seasonal activities, and fun farm attractions. The farm is busy in season with school tours, family events, church groups, company outings, scout outings and children’s celebrations. Our children’s parties are packed with interactive programs for experiencing agricultural fun. All parties include a farm tour, animal visits, and special farm explorations. If you want to have a special theme party, you can work those details out with our party professional. Summer parties include hayride, bouncing pillow, jump slide, play structures and visit at the animal park.

Party details follow:

•  Two hours long (includes one hour in the party room)
•  A party professional for full duration of party (setup and cleanup included)
•  Guest minimum is 10
•  Birthday child receives free admission
•  Adult chaperones must be present
•  7 days in advance booking requirement
•  $50 non-refundable deposit

Some of the special seasonal parties include:

•  Strawberry parties
•  Corn maze parties
•  Animal friends parties
•  Farm education/”Be a farmer” party
•  Hayride parties
•  Pumpkin carving parties
•  Pumpkin painting parties
•  Customized theme parties (customer organizes the theme planning)

At the “Be a Farmer” parties the children will follow a typical day on the farm and will experience what is involved in growing, picking and maintaining the crops.

Pricing (birthday child is free):

Corn Maze party: $200 for up to ten children
Mini Maze Party: $200 for up to ten children
Pumpkin Carving Party: $100 for up to ten children
Hayride Party: $100 for up to ten children
Animal friends: $100 for up to ten children
Pumpkin Painting Party: $100 for up to ten children
Be a Farmer Party/Show & Tell: $100 for up to ten children

The farm has many fun recreational activities available and in the fall the corn maze park (duck races, rope maze, giant jumping pillow, corn house, mini maze, farm animal pen, and more) is available for party use.

At the “Animal Friends Party” the children get to learn about the farm animals, and then are provided an opportunity to pet and feed the animals.

You also may create your own special theme party. Last year the farm was a chosen spot for a marriage proposal and family engagement celebration. “I would spend time all my time educating the public about the importance of the family farm, if time allowed”, states Mike Marini.

It is a simple process to book your party on the registration form on our website. Remember parties are not just for kids!


Prepared by Lightning Consulting

It's Refreshing at Marini Farm

For over 75 years the Marini family has been focused on providing quality freshness and nutrition to our customers. Picked fresh 7 days a week, our variety of produce has expanded to over 25 fruits and vegetables. As Mike Marini is proud to state, “We stand behind everything we sell and do, and this has been our focus since the farm started in 1928. We want everyone to have a refreshing experience at Marini Farm, and think of us as your backyard farmer.” Mike wants the fresh country life to be available to everyone and wants them to experience fresh produce spread across their tables each and every day.

Our new “Fresh” campaign will focus on expanding our exposure to our neighboring towns. Postcards will be mailed out to residences in Topsfield and Boxford and other surrounding towns, introducing them to our “Fresh” campaign and commitment to provide top quality fresh produce.

Recent customer posts on our Facebook page:

“I live two streets away from another local farm and I still drive 25 minutes just to get Marini Farm produce because it is that fresh and delicious!”-Melissa Newbury

“I have been buying produce both wholesale and retail from the Marini’s for thirty years and never once had an issue. This family business is operated with the highest level of integrity possible. If Michael says it's fresh, it is!”-Marilyn Donati

“Just finished our first corn of the season. It was delicious.We have never gotten anything but the best from Marinis since we moved here eight years ago.”-Earl Parker

There’s several months of fresh produce coming your way so we look forward to seeing you this summer and fall.

Marini Farm Produce Availability Calendar

Marini Farm grows over 200 acres of fruits and vegetables which are available from May through October. To help you in planning your produce shopping visits to the farm, we have created a seasonal produce calendar. Please be aware that the calendar may vary slightly as growing dates may vary each season depending on the impact of Mother Nature. This season, as an example, our strawberry picking calendar was moved further into June based on the cold spring we experienced. To ensure that the produce you want will be available, don’t hesitate to call ahead to confirm availability. The vegetables are picked daily in the early morning to ensure quality and freshness. 

Marini is always prepared for dramatic changes in weather and incorporates special techniques and utilizes protective coverings to protect the crops from harsh conditions.

“I always need to be ready with a backup plan and can’t fight Mother Nature. It is these challenges that make farming so exciting as no two days and no two circumstances are ever the same”, claims Mike Marini. 

We are picking nine vegetables in June and 22 in July, so please keep our produce calendar nearby so you don’t miss out on your favorite vegetables.

Prepared by Lightning Consulting

Spookley Will Bring A World Of Smiles To The Marini Farm Corn Maze

The 2014 Marini Farm Corn Maze plans are in place and there is a lot of positive energy around this year’s theme. Spookley the Square Pumpkin has had a presence at the corn maze in the last few years. A large inflatable Spookley has greeted maze visitors as they entered the maze park, and this year Spookley will have the largest presence and will get the most attention ever as the 8 acre corn maze design. In 2013, Marini organized an anti-bullying concert event to focus attention on bullying prevention and awareness, and this focus will continue in 2014 with the daily awareness and reinforcement on the importance of accepting everyone, whether they are square or round.

The book The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin, by Joe Troiano, is the story about a very special little pumpkin who teaches children that you can't judge a book, or a pumpkin, by its cover, and how being different is okay and how we shouldn’t tease others. Spookley invites you to “Dare to Be Square” and embrace the beauty of being different! The book shows how sometimes it is better to be square. Spookley saved the day and all the other pumpkins from tumbling into the river during a mighty storm by wedging between the hole in the fence and stopping all the pumpkins from the scary fast moving river.
 
Marini wants everyone who visits the maze to feel Spookley’s presence and join in and smile along with him as people help each other navigate through the maze and participate in all the activities at the maze park. At the end of the book, it shows the farmer carrying Spookley to his house and placing Spookley on the porch, lit up with a candle for all to see. Spookley went from the bullied victim to the hero in a matter of seconds, and he never hesitated to come to the rescue and save all those who tormented him because he was square. Being different can make a difference and save lives!

The key messages the book presents are:
 
• Being different is OK

• How differences can become strengths when you least expect it

• How if everyone helps each other, lives can be saved and things will be better

• You can’t judge a book by its cover

• Treating others unfairly can hurt you in the end

• Not everyone is perfect, and not all pumpkins are round

• Friends can help you when you need them most

• It’s not right to hurt others feelings

• There are friends out there for everyone

• If you make others sad, you will experience many sad days yourself

• It is not acceptable to exclude people from the group

• Everyone is special regardless of how they look

• We can all unite against bullying and help one another when it matters most

• Being a bully is not OK!

The book is available on DVD, paperback and as an app for the iPad/iPhone, Android, and Nook platforms.

For several years Spookley has been the official spokes-pumpkin for National Bullying Prevention Month, sponsored by the Minneapolis-based family support organization PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Education (ED), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) partnered with bullying experts to develop a uniform definition of bullying for research and surveillance.

In January 2014, CDC and ED released the definition listed below:

Bullying is any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths who are not siblings or current dating partners that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm.
 
The statistics as stated on bullyingstatistics.org continue to rise and present alarming data.

Bullying statistics:
 
• About 42 percent of kids have been bullied online

• About 35 percent of kids have been threatened online

• About 58 percent of kids and teens have reported that something mean has been said about them or to them online

• Other bullying statistics show that about 77 percent of students have admitted to being the victim of one type of bullying or another

• The American Justice Department bullying statistics show that one out of every 4 kids will be bullied sometime throughout their adolescence

• Well over half of young people do not tell their parents when cyber bullying occurs

The title of the 2014 corn maze is “Spookley brings a world of smiles.” “We expect Spookley to be a hit at Marini Farm and loved by all”, says Mike Marini. We want maze visitors to leave with smiles on their faces and remember one strong message, “It’s hip to be square.”  

Prepared by Lightning Consulting

The Fascination with Strawberries

Strawberries are unlike other fruits and are the “jewel” crop at Marini Farm.  Learn some interesting facts about the popular fruit that is the highlight of many festivals across the country in early summer, and is a household favorite due to its luscious sweetness and health benefits.

• California supplies 80% of America’s strawberries and has over 25,000 acres of strawberry fields

• There are over 600 varieties of strawberries grown in the U.S.

• The garden strawberry was first bred in Brittany, France, in the 1750s

• The world grows more than 2.5 million metric tons of supermarket strawberries every year

• Strawberries are known as the “inside-out” fruit because the seeds are on the outside

• Strawberries have up to 200 seeds

• Strawberries are a member of the rose family

• Once the strawberries are picked, they do not continue to ripen

• Eight strawberries will provide 140% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C for kids

• Strawberries have the highest antioxidant values, which can help prevent cataracts and eye degeneration

• Ninety-four percent of United States households consume strawberries

• It is a widely held view that the name “strawberry” was derived from 'the berries that are "strewn" about on the plants', and the name "strewn berry" eventually morphed into "Strawberry".

• Strawberries are hand-picked as they are fragile and bruise easily

• Strawberry shortcake is one of the most common strawberry desserts in America and dates back to the American Indians

• Chocolate covered strawberries have become one of the nation’s most popular desserts

• Strawberries are full of a special substance called ellagic acid, which can help fight cancer

• Nutritional experts refer to strawberries as a nutritional “superfood,” as a result of them being excellent sources of antioxidants, Vitamin C, potassium, folate, and fiber

• The ellagic acid and flavonoids in strawberries distribute an antioxidant effect that benefits heart health

• Strawberries come in at number 27 among the top 50 general foods containing antioxidants, and they rank fourth among fruits containing antioxidants
.
Marini's plants seven varieties of strawberries in an area of 10 acres, with Jewel as the favorite variety. Known for having their first native berries on the North Shore, they make sure they start planting early and cover part of the fields with a double row cover known as white clothers. The early harvest starts early June and ends around July 4th, but can vary depending on the weather. Marini's has had a robust harvest from their strawberry fields for about three years, so they've added new fields each year to keep their supply plentiful. There are also day-neutral strawberries, which are planted in the spring and harvested in late August until frost. The day-neutral berries are a great summer berry, but tend to be tougher and less sweet than the early season berries. Weather has a dramatic impact on the flavor of strawberries as the sun is vital in bringing out the full sugars, and on sunny days they can be “as sweet as candy”, explains Mike Marini. They remove the flowers on the day-neutral berries which brings the energy back into the plant, creating bigger and better strawberries later. The berries are very perishable, so they are picked by hand seven days a week. They can be refrigerated to help them last longer, but that will have an effect on their flavor and on their “native berry shine”.

Get ready to start picking! Marini celebrates the strawberry season with their annual Strawberry Festival, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, that takes place on June 21, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy a full day of family fun and memories! There are activities all day long; hayrides, bounce houses, jumping pillow, duck races, farm animals, corn cannons, face painting, antique tractors, play area with tractor, spider, castle, picnic area, food and refreshments. The star of the springtime will soon be ready for your picking pleasure, so plan for making your special seasonal desserts, and stop by and pick-your-own berries. These sweet shiny jewels will make your day complete.

Written by Lightning Consulting

Social Media and Farming Go Hand in Hand at Marini Farm

Mike Marini is rarely seen without his tablet or cell phone during the workday, as he is always ready to be in position to capture the next photo to share what is growing at the farm. He enjoys using social media to tell the farm’s story; give updates during the harvest season; promote the CSA; provide calendar updates on farm family events; answer consumer inquiries and more. It is a powerful tool in Mike’s tool box, as the farm’s 6,539 Facebook followers are actively following every planting and harvesting motion. Weekly engagement for this week was 13,869 which indicates that people want to know what the farm is up to.

Farming is a visual industry, so Mike enjoys having the community follow his workday and see in real-time what is happening at the farm. A recent post showing the first 20 acres of corn planted, was followed the next day by a photo of snow-covered acres. This type of post allows consumers to follow the challenges faced in everyday farming, so people feel as if they have a direct connection to the farm. Social media posts also allow Marini to show its commitment to producing the best quality crops possible.

The farm has been in the Marini family for four generations, so family is at the core of everything they do. Therefore, their social media presence reflects their real-life values - gratitude, family, good food and quality of life. The recent Facebook post, “Took a break from farming for another family wedding; the Marini’s dance like nobody's watching,” showed the Marini children dressed in matching colorful floral wedding attire dancing and having fun. The post received 12,028 views and 528 likes, making it the highest engaged photo of the year thus far.

Farmers now have their own term for a selfie on the farm and are posting their ‘felfies’ next to their favorite sheep, crops and tractors. During harvest, Farmers Weekly gets thousands of pictures via Twitter and Facebook and some farmers have become top social media celebrities on Instagram and YouTube. There is even a blog - Farming Selfie - set up by a UK farmer @willwilson100 that shows all the latest felfies from around the world. According to the book Future of Farming, 76 percent of farmers between the ages of 18 and 35 use social media to share knowledge, connect with consumers, and promote their business. Social media offers farmers a unique way to educate the general public about what they do, the practices they use, and the challenges they face. During harvest season, Farmers Weekly gets thousands of pictures via Twitter and Facebook.

Just like with new farming techniques, Mike is always learning about, and incorporating new social media tools. He saves everything to EverNote, a management platform app that helps you remember everything across all of the devices you use and lets you take notes, capture photos, create to-do lists, record voice reminders and save important documents. Mike reports that EverNote captures his every move, and is an app he simply can’t live without.

In 2013 Marini developed a new app for their customers to get updates on all the events and activities at the farm. They're free, and keep you up-to-date on the happenings at Marini's farm throughout the season and they are available for both Apple and Android devices. You'll know when the delicious Marini strawberries are ready to be picked, and when the corn is in, without having to go to the website. The Marini app also provides lists of events; CSA info; nutritional info; loyalty coupons; a way to share photos with the farm; access to Marini's Facebook page; a gallery of pictures of happenings at the farm; the history of Marini Farm; a fun "Fruit Salad" game to play, and more.

“Social media is a visual playground showing our love for farming and commitment to provide customers with the best quality produce possible,” states Mike Marini. Some of Marini’s favorite Facebook posts thus far in 2014 were:

Prepared by Lightning Consulting