Quick Update For Febuary On Our Little Farm.

Was on a long leave from 16th January till 20th February. Spent quality time with family for the Chinese New Year and had a vacation in Krabi, Thailand and Jogjakarta, Indonesia. Had a fabulous time. Traveling is adventurous and fun, especially with loved ones.
First week back to work, the mind is able, but body need to acclimatise. Went through our little farm, most of our plants had been harvested. Plants still bearing produces are long beans, which shall end maybe in a week's time, Okra and a very small numbers of pumpkins. Doing a quick reorganizing on new planting in order to have a stable harvest schedule.

Our temporary helper had decided to join us, which is a good news as we are one hand stronger. Passed on the notes on weed management to our helpers worked on it immediately. Shall monitor our progress in the next few weeks. Initial results shows good potential.
Mobilized our helpers to start planting. Planted pumpkins, long beans, banana, sweet potatoes and yam. Making plants to continue planting the Okra as the price has stabilized and germinating some papaya. Our trial of planting winter gourd on scaffolding shows good potential with clean oblong mid size harvest. Shall do further trial on a bigger scale. We had utilized close to 80% of our farm land. The remainder are mostly on the edges and along the creek. Shall make an effort to utilize these area for yam, as it prices peak during Chinese New Year.
Our marketing effort is starting to pay off. We managed to arrest the negative cash flow of our little farm a month ahead of schedule. Phase two is to achieve a slight profit or at least maintain for the next six months. Contributors are both our own harvest as well as wholesale of harvest from our neighbors. Produce of banana, breadfruits, tapioca and pumpkins were our main line. Should be able to achieve this by further maximize our land usage, improve farm management, planting technique, weed & insecticide management. Also making plans to expand our produce line and collection from our neighbors within this vicinity. Our collection has also brought new opportunities and economic gains to some of our helpers, neighbors and their families. Hope to  improve on their standard of living as our plans moves forward.
 
Looking back on the challenging time from October 2011, we had made noticeable progress in terms of our farm management and performance. The achievement that I take pride most is the personal development of our helpers. Our morale is extremely high.
Our business model, ecological sustainable farming is beginning to turn into a reality from our initial investment started back in July 2010. The next challenge is to duplicate this to our other parcels as in our rubber plantation.
Having a short break next week as am having a couple of guests visiting on 4th March till 8th March.