Market Monitor: Titus Farms

Photo: Rose and Paul Titus 

Titus Farms is a small, sustainable farm in rural Ingham County, just outside of Dansville. The farm, a fixture at the East Lansing Farmers Market, is owned and run by Paul and Rose Titus and their daughter Rebecca, who says that, “along with my dog and kitties, we grow almost 40 different kinds of veggies that we’ve selected over many years of experimenting.”

After Paul and Rose were married in 1982, they officially started what Rebecca calls “the farming gig.” Both came from diverse faming environments, and wanted to start a different kind of farm than their parents had; they settled on growing vegetables and cut flowers. Rebecca explains that “there wasn’t ever really a ‘birthdate’ for the farm, it just sort of evolved from a hobby, to a serious hobby, to a passion that also makes a living!”

Rebecca has gradually taken over since graduating from MSU in 2008. “Our income is solely based on the farm, which is rare among farmers these days and we market almost exclusively directly to our consumers. Our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program is one of largest and diverse in the area, feeding almost 300 families throughout the summer.”

Although “preparing for the season is a never-ending cycle,” Rebecca doesn’t seem to mind the work. “Farmers are eternal optimists and we always want to make the next year is better than the last. True, planning is done in December or January, but every day on the farm is a chance to record the triumphs and mistakes of the season and plan for a better year.”

At this time of year, there is lots to do before we shop the Titus Farms booth at the Farmers Market. “Harvesting seems like the least of our worries sometimes!” Rebecca explains. “We, of course, have to be sure there’s lots of interesting items on the table and we gauge how much to bring based on weather, time of year and previous sales, but many people don’t realize all the little pieces of the puzzle that go into having a great looking display at market. So, there’s signs to make and print, containers to set aside, bags, tape, markers and tents to gather, plus coffee to brew and snacks to pack! That’s why we have checklists!”

Asked what’s best about her life as a farmer and market vendor, Rebecca says she “loves the freedom that being an entrepreneur and farmer provides. Having the ability to be outside and play with my dog Maggie, all while working, is definitely a plus. Knowing that we’re providing excellent veggies, that are feeding awesome families, is also a really excellent feeling. There’s a community feeling like none other among farmers and food enthusiasts that I think is hard to replicate.” There isn’t much she doesn’t like: “rainy days and mosquitos. After this many years, we’ve learned to roll with punches in almost every other regard.”

This coming Sunday, August 16, Titus Farms hopes to have “our famous green beans plus a few of the first tomatoes. Also: kohlrabi, basil, fennel, Swiss chard, kale and lots of beautiful cut flowers. We’re on the verge of muskmelons, raspberries and sweet corn, too. We hope everyone enjoys the farmers market as much as we enjoy being there! East Lansing has proven to be a welcoming and friendly place to be!”

Titus Farms onions

Finally, Rebecca was willing to share a recipe with ELi readers. “One of our favorite things to do around the farm is grill. When we make a summer bruschetta for the farm hands. Everyone is happy.”

Titus Family Bruschetta
Ingredients

• Olive Oil
• Garlic (1 clove per person)
• 1 quart heirloom, cherry or Juliet tomatoes (approx. 2lb), roughly chopped
• Balsamic Vinegar (1-2 Tbsp.)
• A dozen Basil leaves, chopped into ribbons
• Salt, to taste
• 1 loaf rustic-style bread, cut into slices

Instructions
Combine tomatoes, balsamic, basil, and salt in the serving bowl. Toss to combine, then taste and add more basil, vinegar, or salt if needed. Cover and refrigerate for an hour or two if you’d like.

Prepare a grill and oil the grates. Brush bread with olive oil and lay on the grill. Depending on the heat level, don’t leave it alone too long. Cook until toasty on both sides.

While the bread is still hot, serve with garlic cloves and tomato mixture. Have each person take a clove and rub the bread with as much garlic-goodness as they like (it wears down like an eraser). Pile on the tomato mixture and enjoy!

To learn more about Titus Farms, visit their website or their Facebook page.

The East Lansing Farmers’ Market is open Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm in Valley Court, rain or shine. You can read about other vendors in our weekly Market Monitor.