NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER NEWS AND EVENTS
Hello farm friends!
We have a lot of November and December news to share with you in this email, so we'll get right to it. Read on! ????
Upcoming Events
View all our upcoming events on our calendar.
November 18 from 5-8 PM: Craft Party at Morning Bell in the Back Space (more details below)
December 14 from 1:30-3:00 PM: Farm Team Meeting @ Collegiate Presbyterian
January 11 from 1:30-3:00 PM: Farm Team Meeting @ Collegiate Presbyterian
Holiday Craft Markets
This year we're taking on five markets over six days between Nov. 22nd and Dec.13th to sell handmade wares from the farm and team as a fundraiser, and do community outreach.
November 22 from 9-2 PM: Ames Holiday Farmers Market at Quality Inn & Suites
November 22 from 4:30-6:30 PM: Christmas Market at St. Cecilia's
November 23: Christmas Market at St. Cecilia's (before and after morning Masses)
December 5 from 6-9 PM: Lucky Star Market at Prairie Moon Winery
December 6 from 9-4 PM: Lucky Star Market at Prairie Moon Winery
December 13 from 9-2 PM: Ames Holiday Farmers Market at Quality Inn & Suites
December 13 from 9-2 PM: Wheatsfield Craft Market
to help table at a Holiday Market
We will need setter uppers, sellers and outreachers, and tear downers for each of the events. Please see details, dates and times on the sign up sheet above and add your name along with a note detailing what hours you're available to help and let us know if you have any questions.
Craft Party: Tues 11/18
Craft Party for Market Prep: Tues 11/18 5-8pm @ Morning Bell (back room)
Drop in or stay a while to help print a few festive cards, tshirts, or beaded jewelry or garlands to sell at holiday markets. There will be some light bites, hot chocolate, and a few craft stations to ensure the market teams are stocked and ready to rock. If you are crafty and would like to contribute some of your own handmade goods to the sales as a donation, please let Emma, Kari, or Schontonia know!
Support Us at a Holiday Market
We make and sell crafts at markets because it's fun, it helps us raise money to support the work of our volunteer-run farm, and we hope that we can help provide you with special, unique gifts.The items we sell are all made from reused, recycled, or local materials. This year we will be selling candles, greeting cards, honey, t-shirts, rugs, pottery, earrings, and more. There are lots of ways to show love and generosity during the holidays that don't involve shopping or spending money, but if you plan to buy gifts, please consider purchasing something from us. ????
How to Purchase Advent Candles
Option #1: Order Online by November 20: Click here to order.
This helps us estimate how many sets of candles to make.
This ensures there will be candles set aside for you at the market of your choice.
Delivery options include Local Pickup and Mail ($5 for shipping).
Option #2: Purchase at Church or a Market
Candles will be for sale while supplies last at all the markets listed above.
Candles will be for sale at St. Peter and Paul's after Mass on Sunday, November 23 and *maybe* Sunday, November 16. (If they aren't ready by the 16th, you can place an order on the 16th for pick up once they are ready.)
Seeking Leaf Donations for Mulch
Now that the leaves have finally fallen, we'd love it if you shared them with us! Black plastic bags or the brown compostable are preferred. Placing the bags upside down after filling would also be preferable so they stay dry inside. Please, no black walnut leaves, no sticks, no trash, and clean leaves only (no animal poop!). Please text Nate at 515-231-2002 when you have leaves. Include your name and address. Nate will confirm with you and let you know when pickup day will likely be for you.
2026 Agroecology Internships
There's a whole separate email about 2026 internships! Please check it out and help us spread the word! We are seeking skilled and enthusiastic individuals who want to make an impact on local food justice to work with us next summer. The full internship description can be found on our website. (Click on the link at the top of the webpage to download a PDF version.)
Whew! Thank you for reading all the way to the end of this email!
With care,
The Mustard Seed Farm Crew* ????
*This month's email was written by Amie, Emma, and Nate.
