Well, it has begun. We have baby chicks on the farm.
We have ten Bourbon Red Turkeys and 100 Black Broiler Chickens that we just picked up from the Decorah Chick Hatchery today.
It's always a bit of a chore and a wee bit of a shock when we get to the point in the Spring where the birds arrive. Rooms in the barn have to be cleaned up - this ALWAYS seems to wait until the week of their impending arrival. We have to move in the temporary boxes, get new bulbs for the heat lamps, pick up feed, bedding and any equipment that needs to be replaced. Then we get to write the check for the chicks. Now, we realize the hatcheries need to make their money - so we aren't complaining - but there is a little bit of sticker shock when you realize each turkey cost us $8.75. Oy.
On the plus side, these little turks seem to have a laid back, yet curious, attitude that we both already like. We'll try and get a picture out on the blog as soon as we are able.
The Bronze turkeys are due next week and the Freedom Ranger chickens are due tomorrow. When it rains poultry - it pours! Or, perhaps we just don't go paltry on the poultry.
Whatever.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
late April farm report
It was suggested to us in one public comment and some private comments that this blog is enjoyed by some as a window into how things get done on the farm. So - here is a short farm report for the end of April.
* Garlic took a hit this winter and did not winter well. We're not sure how much you'll get this year, but the year is young and the rain might perk some of them up yet.
* We often get overwintered leeks, onions and other items - this winter wasn't kind to our low tunnel covers or to plants that occasionally overwinter. So, never mind.
* No signs from the asparagus yet. But, we expect them to start popping up around May 4.
* Rhubarb! The rhubarb plants that we transplanted to the farm last season appear to have made it with a 90% survival rate. Not sure what we'll harvest from them in their first full year hear, but they look like they'll do just fine.
* Daffodils! The daffodils are finally blooming and the Virginia bluebells are starting. the rain did help alot of those plants out.
* We have added another part time worker for the farm and Brenda has already started to work with us in April. We intend to parlay this into more available CSA shares to meet the wait list demand.
* Perennials. We have a bunch of them in a very weedy area and we want to move them to a new area. The fact that our beloved iris and perennials have been overrun by weeds the last few years has caused us a goodly amount of consternation - and no, I'm not being facetious (this time). We're hoping to prepare a new area and maybe get a little help with the transplanting. Any takers?
* Pork buy - has been completed, with all persons receiving their share.
* Seedlings. Tomatoes are ready to be transplanted. Peppers are entering the four-leaf stage. Onions and leeks are ready to go into the ground. the first batch of lettuce is coming up in trays, as is basil and other spices.
* Field clean-up. We got the corn stubble out and have a good start on the brassica remains and the tomato remains. Still plenty to do, but we're in decent shape on this front.
* Fencing - we've got alot of fencing to put up in the next few weeks.
* Chicks! The chicks are coming! The chicks are coming! later this week.
* TSD #1 is coming up in early May - check it out.
* The newsletter for April will be put out in the next 24 hours. Promise. It'll be a shorter one so we can give you a better May newsletter.
And there you have it in a nutshell.
* Garlic took a hit this winter and did not winter well. We're not sure how much you'll get this year, but the year is young and the rain might perk some of them up yet.
* We often get overwintered leeks, onions and other items - this winter wasn't kind to our low tunnel covers or to plants that occasionally overwinter. So, never mind.
* No signs from the asparagus yet. But, we expect them to start popping up around May 4.
* Rhubarb! The rhubarb plants that we transplanted to the farm last season appear to have made it with a 90% survival rate. Not sure what we'll harvest from them in their first full year hear, but they look like they'll do just fine.
* Daffodils! The daffodils are finally blooming and the Virginia bluebells are starting. the rain did help alot of those plants out.
* We have added another part time worker for the farm and Brenda has already started to work with us in April. We intend to parlay this into more available CSA shares to meet the wait list demand.
* Perennials. We have a bunch of them in a very weedy area and we want to move them to a new area. The fact that our beloved iris and perennials have been overrun by weeds the last few years has caused us a goodly amount of consternation - and no, I'm not being facetious (this time). We're hoping to prepare a new area and maybe get a little help with the transplanting. Any takers?
* Pork buy - has been completed, with all persons receiving their share.
* Seedlings. Tomatoes are ready to be transplanted. Peppers are entering the four-leaf stage. Onions and leeks are ready to go into the ground. the first batch of lettuce is coming up in trays, as is basil and other spices.
* Field clean-up. We got the corn stubble out and have a good start on the brassica remains and the tomato remains. Still plenty to do, but we're in decent shape on this front.
* Fencing - we've got alot of fencing to put up in the next few weeks.
* Chicks! The chicks are coming! The chicks are coming! later this week.
* TSD #1 is coming up in early May - check it out.
* The newsletter for April will be put out in the next 24 hours. Promise. It'll be a shorter one so we can give you a better May newsletter.
And there you have it in a nutshell.
Monday, April 27, 2009
except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms
"except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms" as quoted from the forecast for Wednesday night found at NOAA.
We have come to dislike this phrase because what it REALLY means is "you're going to get very very damp."
It's starting to look like we will not have time to dry out from the latest drenching (4 inches over a *roughly* 48 hour period). The forecast calls for some rain on Wednesday night with the wonderful catch phrase at the bottom.
"except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms"
Of course, t-storms have a way of hitting one place with something and missing another place not five miles away. So, we can't complain about NOAA's use of the phrase - because it is true. However, last year is still fresh in our minds. It was exactly one year ago that the rains really got going that led to the eventual record flood levels.
This is not a scare tactic, we don't think we're going to get a repeat of last year, so you can all calm down. However, it is similar enough that we can still hear the weather radio voice listing practically every county in Iowa as having flooding, flash flooding, heavy downpours and nasty t-storms. Perhaps we listen and watch the weather more than some people - but it was draining, demoralizing and just downright difficult to deal with last year's weather (how's that for alliteration?). So, any echo or hint of more of the same is enough to make us a little uncomfortable.
We need moisture in the soil - so rain is not frowned on at all. It just makes it a little harder to work when everything is thoroughly soaked. Moist - ok. A few puddles here and there - fine. One continuous puddle? Not so nice.
We have come to dislike this phrase because what it REALLY means is "you're going to get very very damp."
It's starting to look like we will not have time to dry out from the latest drenching (4 inches over a *roughly* 48 hour period). The forecast calls for some rain on Wednesday night with the wonderful catch phrase at the bottom.
"except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms"
Of course, t-storms have a way of hitting one place with something and missing another place not five miles away. So, we can't complain about NOAA's use of the phrase - because it is true. However, last year is still fresh in our minds. It was exactly one year ago that the rains really got going that led to the eventual record flood levels.
This is not a scare tactic, we don't think we're going to get a repeat of last year, so you can all calm down. However, it is similar enough that we can still hear the weather radio voice listing practically every county in Iowa as having flooding, flash flooding, heavy downpours and nasty t-storms. Perhaps we listen and watch the weather more than some people - but it was draining, demoralizing and just downright difficult to deal with last year's weather (how's that for alliteration?). So, any echo or hint of more of the same is enough to make us a little uncomfortable.
We need moisture in the soil - so rain is not frowned on at all. It just makes it a little harder to work when everything is thoroughly soaked. Moist - ok. A few puddles here and there - fine. One continuous puddle? Not so nice.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Pickin' them up and puttin' them down...
We knew it was coming. The forecast was pretty adamant about the coming wet weekend, with a possible start of the 'festivities' on Friday, later in the day.
We put in a respectable day of hard work on Thursday and then put in a longer and more respectable day of work on Friday. In short, we were kind of tired once quitting time hit around 7 pm or so. Ok, we were probably a bit tired before that, who's keeping track?
We had warm, windy weather and were reminded how much the wind can take out of you when you're working outside. But, I think the thing that stuck with me is how focused we can get when we are faced with a deadline - and I don't mean a self-imposed deadline.
I mean a deadline like that line of clouds to the west that says - "You are going to get wet if you don't get a move on." and/or "Stay out here if you want to learn how a lightning rod feels."
We were working hard and doing our best to get a good list of things done before that line of clouds was noticed by T. You should see how fast we can plant onions and move things around after we notice a line of clouds like that one.
So, yes - we got three 'rows' of onions in. To give everyone out there an idea of what a 'row' means to us. They are 60 foot long. We plant the onion plants three wide at 3 to 4 inches apart. Do the math - that's about 1600 onion plants in. That's a GOOD thing. Only ten or so more rows of onions to go and 5 or so rows of leeks after that. Piece o' cake.
We put in a respectable day of hard work on Thursday and then put in a longer and more respectable day of work on Friday. In short, we were kind of tired once quitting time hit around 7 pm or so. Ok, we were probably a bit tired before that, who's keeping track?
We had warm, windy weather and were reminded how much the wind can take out of you when you're working outside. But, I think the thing that stuck with me is how focused we can get when we are faced with a deadline - and I don't mean a self-imposed deadline.
I mean a deadline like that line of clouds to the west that says - "You are going to get wet if you don't get a move on." and/or "Stay out here if you want to learn how a lightning rod feels."
We were working hard and doing our best to get a good list of things done before that line of clouds was noticed by T. You should see how fast we can plant onions and move things around after we notice a line of clouds like that one.
So, yes - we got three 'rows' of onions in. To give everyone out there an idea of what a 'row' means to us. They are 60 foot long. We plant the onion plants three wide at 3 to 4 inches apart. Do the math - that's about 1600 onion plants in. That's a GOOD thing. Only ten or so more rows of onions to go and 5 or so rows of leeks after that. Piece o' cake.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Filatelic Phaux
After taking a bit of ribbing about having a secret blog that no one could access regarding my alter ego as a philatelist (if you don't know what THAT is, read on), I decided I throw a post out there about that very subject.
Yes, I grow veg, I throw tomatoes to turkeys, I carry shingles in carts that have been thrown off a roof and
I collect used postage stamps and postal history.
Ya, I'm a bit different - but you knew that already.
If this helps any, there are items in postal history that can mesh nicely with what we do. For example, we do use wheel hoes on the farm that are fairly close in design to the Planet Junior. These are an excellent tool for cultivating close to rows of veg. The picture shows an offset system with two wheels and two saddle hoe cultivators behind them so that a person can walk the row and cultivate both sides of the row at the same time. I can tell you that your rows had better be straight!
I have long favored a series issued in the US for postage in the 1860's. One of my favorite stamps is here. The 5 cent stamp was typically used in conjunction with other denominations to pay for mail that went overseas to France or some of the German States.
But, if you really want to get into the nitty gritty of what I pay attention to - I collect the 24 cent stamp of that 1860's issue on postal history pieces, such as this envelope that shows five of the 24 cent stamps on it. That's $1.20 in postage in the 1860's! What's worse, this envelope was marked for 6 schillings ($1.44) to be collected by the addressee in Scotland. At the time it was sent, if you underpaid the amount due, it was treated as if you paid NOTHING. I suspect the recipient may have been a little less than appreciative. The content of this envelope had to be good - we can hope.
Yes, I grow veg, I throw tomatoes to turkeys, I carry shingles in carts that have been thrown off a roof and
I collect used postage stamps and postal history.
Ya, I'm a bit different - but you knew that already.
If this helps any, there are items in postal history that can mesh nicely with what we do. For example, we do use wheel hoes on the farm that are fairly close in design to the Planet Junior. These are an excellent tool for cultivating close to rows of veg. The picture shows an offset system with two wheels and two saddle hoe cultivators behind them so that a person can walk the row and cultivate both sides of the row at the same time. I can tell you that your rows had better be straight!
I have long favored a series issued in the US for postage in the 1860's. One of my favorite stamps is here. The 5 cent stamp was typically used in conjunction with other denominations to pay for mail that went overseas to France or some of the German States.
But, if you really want to get into the nitty gritty of what I pay attention to - I collect the 24 cent stamp of that 1860's issue on postal history pieces, such as this envelope that shows five of the 24 cent stamps on it. That's $1.20 in postage in the 1860's! What's worse, this envelope was marked for 6 schillings ($1.44) to be collected by the addressee in Scotland. At the time it was sent, if you underpaid the amount due, it was treated as if you paid NOTHING. I suspect the recipient may have been a little less than appreciative. The content of this envelope had to be good - we can hope.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sproing!
It must be Spring - well at least it's beginning to feel and look like it.
The garlic is coming up. The picture was taken prior to the weekend's rains - which these plants are going to appreciate. The residue of last year's eggplant are to the left.
And the onions are looking good in their trays. About ready to go into the garden, I'd say. But, for now, they get rolled around in carts.
But, the tomatoes are getting tall enough to begin thinking about transplanting. That means we'll need the carts for them. Beginning to wonder if our fleet of carts needs expanding!
The garlic is coming up. The picture was taken prior to the weekend's rains - which these plants are going to appreciate. The residue of last year's eggplant are to the left.
And the onions are looking good in their trays. About ready to go into the garden, I'd say. But, for now, they get rolled around in carts.
But, the tomatoes are getting tall enough to begin thinking about transplanting. That means we'll need the carts for them. Beginning to wonder if our fleet of carts needs expanding!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
100 pounds of snow is heavier than 100 pounds of ?
We thought it was ok to store our cages out in the field. Really...we did. We made a mistake in that. Some of the cages were closer to the bush line on the north. The snow drift there was, of course, substantial. Reaching about 10 feet in depth in places. The result? Bowed cages under the drift.
If you look carefully, you'll realize that the legs actually were PUSHED into the ground - which too the attached cross bar with it, until they pulled apart.
Not sure how we'll fix these. Another fun spring project!
Wind Energy
We have a bit of wind on the farm now and again. In earlier posts I alluded to the wind when the roof was being worked on . We are having another such day today. Enough of a wind that I literally was blown off of our back steps as I tried to enter the house. It wasn't just me. DB (one of our outdoor cats) was also blown off of the bench he was standing on. I did, at least, catch my hat before it got away.
In any event, the picture below is of a piece of backing plastic from the roofing that took off as the ice and water barrier was being put down. It went over our mature oak trees and got snagged by the top of the electrical pole. It served as a wind sock (of a sort) for a few trees before coming down.
It is windy enough out here that we have considered wind energy. With the biggest issue being that most personal wind energy systems requiring repairs a little too frequently to pay off (according to a few sources we have consulted). So, we are looking at solar generation of electricity for the farm.
Until then - we will capture wind and solar energy with some simple tools. I think you might appreciate one of our clever 'inventions' below. Perhaps some of you could try it as well! (insert smiley face here)
In any event, the picture below is of a piece of backing plastic from the roofing that took off as the ice and water barrier was being put down. It went over our mature oak trees and got snagged by the top of the electrical pole. It served as a wind sock (of a sort) for a few trees before coming down.
It is windy enough out here that we have considered wind energy. With the biggest issue being that most personal wind energy systems requiring repairs a little too frequently to pay off (according to a few sources we have consulted). So, we are looking at solar generation of electricity for the farm.
Until then - we will capture wind and solar energy with some simple tools. I think you might appreciate one of our clever 'inventions' below. Perhaps some of you could try it as well! (insert smiley face here)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Roof Revisited
We now have a roof. What a nice thing.
The whole thing started inauspiciously with snow on the ground, cool weather and lots of wind. It got progressively nicer - thankfully.
At the beginning of day 2, Gingerich Construction had tar paper and ice/water barrier around 2/3rds of the house. Part of his crew was working on morphing the old roof into a mess on the ground.
And, at the end of day 2, there was metal on two-thirds of the roof and the remaining one-third was wrapped in ice/water barrier and tar paper. The mess on the ground was substantial...of course.
Two and three-quarters days later - we had a full roof. Looks pretty darn good.
The picture above was taken a few days later after the mess was cleaned up and we had begin working on other spring projects. Coolers and containers needed cleaning, plant seedlings are getting some sun (at right) and the 4-tier portable 'greenhouses' got cleaned up and ready for use.
To give only a sample of the magnitude of cleaning that had to be done - here's a picture of one particularly nasty pile after the roof tear off was completed.
Most of the cleanup was R's job. T helped when she wasn't busy handling finals week at the same UOC that Dr. Ben work's at... T's parents helped to finalize the cleaning - so it all over except for the crying. And the wayward shingle/cedar shake.... Oh, and the nails. The magnet sounds like it's popping popcorn when we run it over some of these areas.
R is still not sure how to feel about all of this. Every other home we have owned that we have roofed (most) we have done ourselves (with help, of course). But, the reminder of how tough it can be just to clean up was probably sufficient to cure him of that thought.
The whole thing started inauspiciously with snow on the ground, cool weather and lots of wind. It got progressively nicer - thankfully.
At the beginning of day 2, Gingerich Construction had tar paper and ice/water barrier around 2/3rds of the house. Part of his crew was working on morphing the old roof into a mess on the ground.
And, at the end of day 2, there was metal on two-thirds of the roof and the remaining one-third was wrapped in ice/water barrier and tar paper. The mess on the ground was substantial...of course.
Two and three-quarters days later - we had a full roof. Looks pretty darn good.
The picture above was taken a few days later after the mess was cleaned up and we had begin working on other spring projects. Coolers and containers needed cleaning, plant seedlings are getting some sun (at right) and the 4-tier portable 'greenhouses' got cleaned up and ready for use.
To give only a sample of the magnitude of cleaning that had to be done - here's a picture of one particularly nasty pile after the roof tear off was completed.
Most of the cleanup was R's job. T helped when she wasn't busy handling finals week at the same UOC that Dr. Ben work's at... T's parents helped to finalize the cleaning - so it all over except for the crying. And the wayward shingle/cedar shake.... Oh, and the nails. The magnet sounds like it's popping popcorn when we run it over some of these areas.
R is still not sure how to feel about all of this. Every other home we have owned that we have roofed (most) we have done ourselves (with help, of course). But, the reminder of how tough it can be just to clean up was probably sufficient to cure him of that thought.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Fave Rave
Ok, it's time to get a little feedback on the blog.
1. What post in the last two months (March/April) is your favorite?
2. What kinds of things would you like to see on the blog?
The general intent of the blog from OUR perspective was to give us a tool to provide farm updates on a more immediate basis than our newsletter. The other purpose was to give us a forum to expound on various (typically) farm related topics that don't always fit in the newsletter.
What think ye?
1. What post in the last two months (March/April) is your favorite?
2. What kinds of things would you like to see on the blog?
The general intent of the blog from OUR perspective was to give us a tool to provide farm updates on a more immediate basis than our newsletter. The other purpose was to give us a forum to expound on various (typically) farm related topics that don't always fit in the newsletter.
What think ye?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What's up at the farm - early April edition
Since the newsletter isn't going to be published for another week, I thought it was time for another farm report to keep everyone up to date!
- The new metal roof is completed. The construction crew had the 2 layers of asphalt+1 layer of cedar shakes off and the new metal roof on in just over 2 and half days. Wow.
- The clean-up crew (mostly R, with some help from Dad and T) is still muddling along. Actually, there is just one area that has a pile left over. And, of course, there are plenty of nails looking for tires to deflate.
- The pork buy is largely distributed - it's always a relief to complete those.
- Taxes have been (and still are) taxing R as he works to complete them - that's why he's typing a blog post - got to do something different for a few minutes.
- We are finding that we have outgrown the number of coolers and containers we have (again). Yikes.
- The tomatoes range from 2 inches to 4 inches in height right now - approaching transplant stage in many cases.
- The peppers and eggplant are just getting started. Rosemary are cute little things - and always so slow to get going.
- Found a little bit of spinach that did overwinter. But, the wind did a number on most of the covers this year. That's the way it is sometimes.
- We were shocked to discover that we only had 10 packages of frozen veggies left in our freezer from last year's efforts to store up. Hm.
- Rain might be nice about now. Now is the time when we might like a little rain to store up for later. But, if prior weather patterns are any indication, we'll start getting it when we want to be in the fields more.
- We are contemplating trying to put together a Tom Sawyer Day that doubles as a fund raiser for the Food Shelf. Stay tuned (and feel free to weigh in with suggestions for dates, etc)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Roof or DiMaggio?
The old talking dog trick. What's over your head in a house? Roof. Who's the best ball-player of all time? Roof.
And, if you go to the Loony Tunes version - after getting kicked out of the audition, the dog asks, "Maybe I should have said DiMaggio?"
Dan Gingerich and his crew showed up today to begin work on the .... roof. Faux real.
All I can say is this - it is NO FUN working in the kind of wind we had out here today. It started out difficult and ended at levels that were well beyond difficult. I've got to hand it to them, they stuck it out - even if it was a battle just to get the ice and water barrier and tar paper down.
My job is to clean up the tear off. It's a tedious and wearing job at best. Today - it was at its worst. There were two layers of asphalt and one layer of cedar shakes up there. The asphalt is not so hard to work with. The cedar shakes mixed in make it impossible with the wind blowing as hard as it was. Even if I DID manage to clear up an area, the wind made sure that shakes got spread into those locations later.
Typically, the wind calms down in the evening (though the weather forecast says it will calm down to gusts of 25 mph..hmm). But, I'm too tired to consider taking advantage of these 'calm' breezes.
I sure hope it calms down tomorrow.
And, if you go to the Loony Tunes version - after getting kicked out of the audition, the dog asks, "Maybe I should have said DiMaggio?"
Dan Gingerich and his crew showed up today to begin work on the .... roof. Faux real.
All I can say is this - it is NO FUN working in the kind of wind we had out here today. It started out difficult and ended at levels that were well beyond difficult. I've got to hand it to them, they stuck it out - even if it was a battle just to get the ice and water barrier and tar paper down.
My job is to clean up the tear off. It's a tedious and wearing job at best. Today - it was at its worst. There were two layers of asphalt and one layer of cedar shakes up there. The asphalt is not so hard to work with. The cedar shakes mixed in make it impossible with the wind blowing as hard as it was. Even if I DID manage to clear up an area, the wind made sure that shakes got spread into those locations later.
Typically, the wind calms down in the evening (though the weather forecast says it will calm down to gusts of 25 mph..hmm). But, I'm too tired to consider taking advantage of these 'calm' breezes.
I sure hope it calms down tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Season of Discontent
You know, I 've been thinking.... Pre-Spring is a dangerous time on the farm. I just can't bring myself to describe the recent weather as Spring just yet. Even though temps get above freezing every day (and sometimes don't dip below freezing at night) and the robins have been singing.
We're not in farming 'shape' physically or mentally. Ok, yes, we always do work on the farm - but there is far more desk work and less work that involves moving around during the Winter. And, whether this should be the case or not, the urgency level is much lower. It takes a completely different mental approach to handle growing season than it does 'planning season.'
We have the least information regarding how things will grow and how our production will fare. So, that leads to the highest levels of uncertainty. Things usually work out in the end. But, there is always a nagging doubt in the earliest stages.
The college school term is approaching its end - with all of its incumbent pressures. While R is not teaching this term, the school calendar still impacts him through T. We should be used to this sort of thing by now - but it always seems to sneak up us (well, maybe just R).
And, everything we set up now becomes a foundation for the rest of the growing season. No pressure there. :)
As a result, we end up with two people who will be fighting physical and mental fatigue. It always seems to get better as the season progresses. But, that may be because we have no time to analyze how we are feeling? But, more likely it is because we are of one mind once the season truly gets going. Right now, we are anxious to get moving - yet hoping for a bit more delay before we get moving - all at the same time. It's a feeling that ranks right up there with fingernails on the blackboard - ick.
We're not in farming 'shape' physically or mentally. Ok, yes, we always do work on the farm - but there is far more desk work and less work that involves moving around during the Winter. And, whether this should be the case or not, the urgency level is much lower. It takes a completely different mental approach to handle growing season than it does 'planning season.'
We have the least information regarding how things will grow and how our production will fare. So, that leads to the highest levels of uncertainty. Things usually work out in the end. But, there is always a nagging doubt in the earliest stages.
The college school term is approaching its end - with all of its incumbent pressures. While R is not teaching this term, the school calendar still impacts him through T. We should be used to this sort of thing by now - but it always seems to sneak up us (well, maybe just R).
And, everything we set up now becomes a foundation for the rest of the growing season. No pressure there. :)
As a result, we end up with two people who will be fighting physical and mental fatigue. It always seems to get better as the season progresses. But, that may be because we have no time to analyze how we are feeling? But, more likely it is because we are of one mind once the season truly gets going. Right now, we are anxious to get moving - yet hoping for a bit more delay before we get moving - all at the same time. It's a feeling that ranks right up there with fingernails on the blackboard - ick.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Winding Up
The wind is winding up. Say that however you would like.
During most of the rest of the year, T & I blissfully forget exactly how windy it gets on the farm in the Spring. The weather may be getting nicer in terms of temperature, length of day and amount of sunshine - but the wind can turn what looks like a beautiful day into a bit of a struggle for us.
I was just reminded this AM that my eyes will be taking a bit of a beating through the first part of the growing season. Just enough so that I might reconsider finding some biking glasses to wear during the windiest of days.
I do get extra exercise chasing my hat around after it blows off my head. Or chasing plastic trays (used for starting plants). Or chasing row covers. Or chasing anything else that isn't anchored to the ground and relatively heavy for that matter.
It is a bit humorous watching the cats try to walk in this wind. If they try to walk perpendicular to the wind direction, they tend to walk just a bit 'crooked' with the back end being a bit off-center. A few weeks ago, I actually saw DB slide across an ice patch because the wind pushed him sideways on it. While he didn't think it was funny, I did - until my hat blew off.
During most of the rest of the year, T & I blissfully forget exactly how windy it gets on the farm in the Spring. The weather may be getting nicer in terms of temperature, length of day and amount of sunshine - but the wind can turn what looks like a beautiful day into a bit of a struggle for us.
I was just reminded this AM that my eyes will be taking a bit of a beating through the first part of the growing season. Just enough so that I might reconsider finding some biking glasses to wear during the windiest of days.
I do get extra exercise chasing my hat around after it blows off my head. Or chasing plastic trays (used for starting plants). Or chasing row covers. Or chasing anything else that isn't anchored to the ground and relatively heavy for that matter.
It is a bit humorous watching the cats try to walk in this wind. If they try to walk perpendicular to the wind direction, they tend to walk just a bit 'crooked' with the back end being a bit off-center. A few weeks ago, I actually saw DB slide across an ice patch because the wind pushed him sideways on it. While he didn't think it was funny, I did - until my hat blew off.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Brown Bagging It
Here at the farm, we encourage self-sufficiency. Cubbie, one of our outdoor cats, understands this quite well.
Yes, we do feed the outdoor cats every day - but just once in the morning, and not too much. We need them to help with rodent control.
If she catches a rodent and we're around, she tends to meow to get our attention and our praise. Normally, she will wait until we skritch her and tell her how wonderful she is. Then we tell her we do not want to eat her prize - at which point, she will typically begin to eat it in our presence. Nice.
Today was a bit different. She'd just had her breakfast. She managed to catch a mouse. She yodeled for attention. She got it. I went to do something somewhere else. Some time later, she appeared there - with the mouse - and asked for more praise. She got it.
I went somewhere else and the same thing happened. I left for town to run an errand or three. I came back. She was in a new location, with the same mouse nearby.
She's been carrying this mouse around like a brown bag lunch all morning now. Never know when she might be hungry.
If she offers to share again, I think I'll still decline.
Yes, we do feed the outdoor cats every day - but just once in the morning, and not too much. We need them to help with rodent control.
If she catches a rodent and we're around, she tends to meow to get our attention and our praise. Normally, she will wait until we skritch her and tell her how wonderful she is. Then we tell her we do not want to eat her prize - at which point, she will typically begin to eat it in our presence. Nice.
Today was a bit different. She'd just had her breakfast. She managed to catch a mouse. She yodeled for attention. She got it. I went to do something somewhere else. Some time later, she appeared there - with the mouse - and asked for more praise. She got it.
I went somewhere else and the same thing happened. I left for town to run an errand or three. I came back. She was in a new location, with the same mouse nearby.
She's been carrying this mouse around like a brown bag lunch all morning now. Never know when she might be hungry.
If she offers to share again, I think I'll still decline.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Irony
We have only seen two Spring training baseball games in person. One in Florida some years ago and now one in Arizona.
The first game was really a scrimmage between the Cincinnati Reds and... well.. the Cincinnati Reds. Since this is R's favorite team, it was a very good thing. His team was guaranteed to win.
It was a windy day and it tended to knock the ball down if it was hit to left field - so there were some well-hit balls that might have gone out on another day. Got to see a guy named Hector Carrasco throw the ball at around 99 mph in the bullpen and figured out why Barry Larkin was an All-Star. Good stuff.
But, here's the most memorable part. Roberto Kelly was the Reds starting center fielder at the time. midway through the game - he smacked a ball into left-field and he took his sweet time heading to first. Obviously, he thought it was a home run. Well, the ball died in left at the wall. He realized this as he got to first and sped up in an effort to at least get to second base. He was thrown out easily.
As he came back towards the Reds dugout, the first base coach, Joel Youngblood gave him a continuous stream of, um, criticism. If you can picture a coach jawing with an umpire - you might get some idea. There was, as you might guess, a fair amount of 'colorful' language. And, we were only a couple rows in back of first base - so we got to see, and hear, the whole thing.
This time, we had a chance to see the Milwaukee Brewers host the San Francisco Giants. The game didn't have much pitching, but it was fun to see nonetheless. We sat four rows back - not far from first base.
The irony?
The first base coach for the Giants was Roberto Kelly.
The first game was really a scrimmage between the Cincinnati Reds and... well.. the Cincinnati Reds. Since this is R's favorite team, it was a very good thing. His team was guaranteed to win.
It was a windy day and it tended to knock the ball down if it was hit to left field - so there were some well-hit balls that might have gone out on another day. Got to see a guy named Hector Carrasco throw the ball at around 99 mph in the bullpen and figured out why Barry Larkin was an All-Star. Good stuff.
But, here's the most memorable part. Roberto Kelly was the Reds starting center fielder at the time. midway through the game - he smacked a ball into left-field and he took his sweet time heading to first. Obviously, he thought it was a home run. Well, the ball died in left at the wall. He realized this as he got to first and sped up in an effort to at least get to second base. He was thrown out easily.
As he came back towards the Reds dugout, the first base coach, Joel Youngblood gave him a continuous stream of, um, criticism. If you can picture a coach jawing with an umpire - you might get some idea. There was, as you might guess, a fair amount of 'colorful' language. And, we were only a couple rows in back of first base - so we got to see, and hear, the whole thing.
This time, we had a chance to see the Milwaukee Brewers host the San Francisco Giants. The game didn't have much pitching, but it was fun to see nonetheless. We sat four rows back - not far from first base.
The irony?
The first base coach for the Giants was Roberto Kelly.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Chuckwallas and more....
T and I are getting our traveling done for the year in a period of one month, it seems. A conference here, a conference there. The latest of which was in Phoenix.
I'm not always at my ease in a big city - but given everything downtown Phoenix wasn't so bad. It never really felt crowded. There was alot of sunshine (well, ya, it's Arizona). There were some pretty good places to eat, a history museum, science center, etc. So, that was fine. But, the highlights of the trip for me had nothing to do with the urban center (surprised? no?).
We saw a Chuckwalla Lizard.
cool.
On the last day, we asked for suggestions of a park or some such thing we could get to within a reasonable drive of Phoenix. And, after a short drive, arrived at White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Chalk one up for the people who suggested it and for us taking the time to go there.
The weather was cooler than it had been (around 55 degrees) when we got there - which made for better hiking weather. It also encouraged the wildlife to be out. Cacti were just beginning to bloom and several other plants were in full bloom. We figure the place looks quite different after a few months baking in 100 degree heat (ya think?). There were several birds, some butterflies, ground squirrels (we'd call them chipmunks), chameleons, vultures (ok, ya, they're birds too) and a variety of insects to observe. In short, it's a vastly different environment than the one we're used to. Which, of course, made it fascinating.
We watched a chipmunk eat a cactus flower until more hikers scared it away. Viewed a Gila Woodpecker as it hopped around a saguaro cactus and found a Chuckwalla Lizard that we thought was a Gila Monster sunning itself on a piece of granite. And, I had said I wanted to see a Gila Monster as soon as we saw it on a list of wildlife that could be found in the park. We decided that we didn't want to hope to see a mountain lion (probably a good choice).
The park was wonderful - made us regret not bringing a camera. But, maybe we'll remember it better since we concentrated on just observing and enjoying the place.
I'm not always at my ease in a big city - but given everything downtown Phoenix wasn't so bad. It never really felt crowded. There was alot of sunshine (well, ya, it's Arizona). There were some pretty good places to eat, a history museum, science center, etc. So, that was fine. But, the highlights of the trip for me had nothing to do with the urban center (surprised? no?).
We saw a Chuckwalla Lizard.
cool.
On the last day, we asked for suggestions of a park or some such thing we could get to within a reasonable drive of Phoenix. And, after a short drive, arrived at White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Chalk one up for the people who suggested it and for us taking the time to go there.
The weather was cooler than it had been (around 55 degrees) when we got there - which made for better hiking weather. It also encouraged the wildlife to be out. Cacti were just beginning to bloom and several other plants were in full bloom. We figure the place looks quite different after a few months baking in 100 degree heat (ya think?). There were several birds, some butterflies, ground squirrels (we'd call them chipmunks), chameleons, vultures (ok, ya, they're birds too) and a variety of insects to observe. In short, it's a vastly different environment than the one we're used to. Which, of course, made it fascinating.
We watched a chipmunk eat a cactus flower until more hikers scared it away. Viewed a Gila Woodpecker as it hopped around a saguaro cactus and found a Chuckwalla Lizard that we thought was a Gila Monster sunning itself on a piece of granite. And, I had said I wanted to see a Gila Monster as soon as we saw it on a list of wildlife that could be found in the park. We decided that we didn't want to hope to see a mountain lion (probably a good choice).
The park was wonderful - made us regret not bringing a camera. But, maybe we'll remember it better since we concentrated on just observing and enjoying the place.
Monday, March 23, 2009
What's up at the farm - late March edition
One of the things we're hoping this blog will do is help our CSA members and other interested parties get a quick picture of what's going on as we progress through the growing season.
So - here's a very early garden/farm report:
We have over 1000 tomatoes planted in trays at this time. They are popping up as I type. The peppers will go in early this week. The onions and leeks are already up and are anywhere from 1 to 3 inches tall. There are some spices already in trays and we'll be starting many more very soon (this week).
The laying flock is running around outside and enjoying the weather much more than they have for some time. Egg production has slowed somewhat, but we still get about a dozen a day.
The frost is going out of the ground and the rains should help it leave the rest of the way (until/unless) we get a little more cooler weather in the next week or so.
We've got robins, killdeer and red winged blackbirds making their presence known. They've been telling us for nearly 2 weeks that Spring is beginning to win the battle with Winter.
The newsletter is nearly done and will be posted later today (Tuesday).
So - here's a very early garden/farm report:
We have over 1000 tomatoes planted in trays at this time. They are popping up as I type. The peppers will go in early this week. The onions and leeks are already up and are anywhere from 1 to 3 inches tall. There are some spices already in trays and we'll be starting many more very soon (this week).
The laying flock is running around outside and enjoying the weather much more than they have for some time. Egg production has slowed somewhat, but we still get about a dozen a day.
The frost is going out of the ground and the rains should help it leave the rest of the way (until/unless) we get a little more cooler weather in the next week or so.
We've got robins, killdeer and red winged blackbirds making their presence known. They've been telling us for nearly 2 weeks that Spring is beginning to win the battle with Winter.
The newsletter is nearly done and will be posted later today (Tuesday).
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Big Push
It may sound a bit odd - but we're entering a point in our year where a lot of things have to get done in a compressed period of time. And, it's not likely what everyone is thinking.
Once we get into April and May, activities for nursing green and growing things, chicks and other living things on the farm really get going. In fact, they take enough time and energy that many other things just are not likely to get done. Therein lies the problem.
There are home and farm repairs to do now that the weather is making some of them more possible. There are taxes to complete. There are various bookkeeping and household things. There is a roof to complete, windows to put in, cabinets and shelves to build, a building door to put up and maybe even a walk in cooler to put together. And, yes, if we want to get a grant completed for alternative energy, that had better happen soon as well. There is no end of things to do.
It's a good thing to have so much to do and so much ambition to accomplish all of this. The problem is always the time pressures to get it all done.
We still have a building to clean up the rest of the way....
And a barn that may or may not get attention...
But, you have to do what you can.
Thanks to Sally Worley for the wonderful pictures from our PFI field day last year.
Once we get into April and May, activities for nursing green and growing things, chicks and other living things on the farm really get going. In fact, they take enough time and energy that many other things just are not likely to get done. Therein lies the problem.
There are home and farm repairs to do now that the weather is making some of them more possible. There are taxes to complete. There are various bookkeeping and household things. There is a roof to complete, windows to put in, cabinets and shelves to build, a building door to put up and maybe even a walk in cooler to put together. And, yes, if we want to get a grant completed for alternative energy, that had better happen soon as well. There is no end of things to do.
It's a good thing to have so much to do and so much ambition to accomplish all of this. The problem is always the time pressures to get it all done.
We still have a building to clean up the rest of the way....
And a barn that may or may not get attention...
But, you have to do what you can.
Thanks to Sally Worley for the wonderful pictures from our PFI field day last year.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
No Right Answers?
The hardest part about running your own business (in this case - our CSA/veg farm) is the simple fact that there is no guarantee that your choices are going to be the best choices. And, with a young(ish) business, there is no history to fall back on in order to inform those choices. Of course, you can do alot of reading, look at various models and crunch a bunch of numbers. But, when it comes down to the final decisions you make, there is still a good deal of trepidation as to whether or not the course of action that was chosen will work.
For example, we made a choice last spring to planfully grow up more than twice as many tomato and pepper seedlings as we would need for our own production. In the past, we would grow extra plants as a buffer in case something failed. As a result, we would sell extra plants at farmers' market. But, this was more a case of trying to make something out of an asset we had in hand and weren't going to use.
Last year's choice was to actually grow extra plants with the expressed purpose of selling them. Our niche is in the heirloom/open pollinated plants - so we weren't trying to nose into a filled market for our area. People who had used our plants in the past seemed to like them. So... We gave it a try - and found that we did well enough. In fact, plant sales were part of the reason last year wasn't a big bust for farmers' markets in general (that's another story - see last year's weather pattern to learn more).
So, of course, we are going to continue with the plant sales. Here's the problem. Do we stay the course with the same (or similar) number of plants? Do we try to expand the numbers of plants we did? Or do we expand into other types of plants (broccoli, for example?). Do we take pre-orders in an effort to find out what the demand is so we can respond to it while there is still time to start them? Do the prices stay the same as last year? Will these questions ever cease?
The answers, in order, appear to be: probably, probably not, we'll try a sampling, we'll dabble in this idea, probably and no.
How's that for definitive? Ok, I'm working on it.
For example, we made a choice last spring to planfully grow up more than twice as many tomato and pepper seedlings as we would need for our own production. In the past, we would grow extra plants as a buffer in case something failed. As a result, we would sell extra plants at farmers' market. But, this was more a case of trying to make something out of an asset we had in hand and weren't going to use.
Last year's choice was to actually grow extra plants with the expressed purpose of selling them. Our niche is in the heirloom/open pollinated plants - so we weren't trying to nose into a filled market for our area. People who had used our plants in the past seemed to like them. So... We gave it a try - and found that we did well enough. In fact, plant sales were part of the reason last year wasn't a big bust for farmers' markets in general (that's another story - see last year's weather pattern to learn more).
So, of course, we are going to continue with the plant sales. Here's the problem. Do we stay the course with the same (or similar) number of plants? Do we try to expand the numbers of plants we did? Or do we expand into other types of plants (broccoli, for example?). Do we take pre-orders in an effort to find out what the demand is so we can respond to it while there is still time to start them? Do the prices stay the same as last year? Will these questions ever cease?
The answers, in order, appear to be: probably, probably not, we'll try a sampling, we'll dabble in this idea, probably and no.
How's that for definitive? Ok, I'm working on it.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Ahhhh Tomatoes
What does one do after setting up trays and planting over 1100 tomatoes in a few hours?
One enters that fact on their blog. That's probably about it.
New tomato varieties for 2009 - for those who care:
Aunt Ruby's German Green
Black Sea Man
Druzba
Japanese Black Trifele
Jaune Flamme
John Baer
Powers Heirloom
Looks like we'll have 36 varieties this year. Ah...fun.
One enters that fact on their blog. That's probably about it.
New tomato varieties for 2009 - for those who care:
Aunt Ruby's German Green
Black Sea Man
Druzba
Japanese Black Trifele
Jaune Flamme
John Baer
Powers Heirloom
Looks like we'll have 36 varieties this year. Ah...fun.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I'm game, are you?
I mentioned in the previous post that T and I have been playing more board and card games given the reduction in tele time. That got me to thinking (dangerous pastime!).
We've always enjoyed playing card games with the occasional board game thrown into the mix. But, lately we (well, mostly I) have been less motivated to crack out the cards and play. This may be, in part, because many of the games I enjoy most are three or four player games. Last count, there were two of us. That makes those games a bit of a challenge.
But, thanks to a number of good friends (EW, the Banality's and Ben to sort of name a few) we have been exposed to some new games - at least new to us. We now find ourselves regularly playing Ticket to Ride (Scandinavia) and Lost Cities. And, as a result, I find myself feeling more interested in other games we have played in the past (cribbage, chicken feet, etc).
Having periodic games nights were always a big deal in my family. Everyone was focused on enjoying each others company and the day's residue was typically wiped away as we played the game. It was a great way for the kids to learn how to succeed and fail gracefully in a situation that didn't really have any greater consequence other than your piece didn't get to Candyland first.
For the two of us, the real benefit is that we can spend some time doing something together that isn't farm or school related. Even better, we usually don' t care so much who wins. In fact, our approach to Ticket is often based on acquiring more destination cards because we can't contain our curiosity as to a) which one is next in the pile and b) can I find a way to complete that one in addition to the others? We realize we could play harder to win - but why? We're enjoying ourselves. In some ways, the game has become a mutual puzzle - how can I protect where I need to go and still give T a chance to go where she needs to go? And, if I force her to go that way - will she get in my way later?
As the growing season gets going I am hopeful we can continue to find a way to use these games to give our days balance.
We've always enjoyed playing card games with the occasional board game thrown into the mix. But, lately we (well, mostly I) have been less motivated to crack out the cards and play. This may be, in part, because many of the games I enjoy most are three or four player games. Last count, there were two of us. That makes those games a bit of a challenge.
But, thanks to a number of good friends (EW, the Banality's and Ben to sort of name a few) we have been exposed to some new games - at least new to us. We now find ourselves regularly playing Ticket to Ride (Scandinavia) and Lost Cities. And, as a result, I find myself feeling more interested in other games we have played in the past (cribbage, chicken feet, etc).
Having periodic games nights were always a big deal in my family. Everyone was focused on enjoying each others company and the day's residue was typically wiped away as we played the game. It was a great way for the kids to learn how to succeed and fail gracefully in a situation that didn't really have any greater consequence other than your piece didn't get to Candyland first.
For the two of us, the real benefit is that we can spend some time doing something together that isn't farm or school related. Even better, we usually don' t care so much who wins. In fact, our approach to Ticket is often based on acquiring more destination cards because we can't contain our curiosity as to a) which one is next in the pile and b) can I find a way to complete that one in addition to the others? We realize we could play harder to win - but why? We're enjoying ourselves. In some ways, the game has become a mutual puzzle - how can I protect where I need to go and still give T a chance to go where she needs to go? And, if I force her to go that way - will she get in my way later?
As the growing season gets going I am hopeful we can continue to find a way to use these games to give our days balance.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Don't really miss it
We have recently taken a couple of trips that required time in a hotel. One of the things that we have access to in hotels that we do not have at home is satellite or cable tv. Yes, it's true, we do not have any TV reception of any kind at the farm. Last summer, our satellite stopped working and we just decided to have it taken down. We don't pick anything up with the antenna -so there you go.
At this point, we can tell you that we do not regret this decision.
Of course, we turned the tv on while in the hotel room. And what did we see? Nothing that looked horribly different from when we saw it last. Lots of channels with nothing truly interesting to see. The news was still being reported with urgency (and repetition) by multiple channels - always with the assumption that yesterday's news is old news (even if you hadn't already heard). In sports, the news was all about T.O. (if you don't know who that is - good for you!). Lots of commercials that were either irritating, misleading, annoying or all three. And, the stupid thing was still as mesmerizing as ever. I think it has something to do with the belief that surely something was coming up that would make the moments spent watching it worthwhile. The good news - we found it much easier to turn off.
Don't get me wrong - we do like some shows and movies. But, since we dropped satellite we have:
We do work long days during the growing and harvesting season. By the time we hit the end of the day, we're really tired. With a working dish for tv, we found ourselves just flipping the thing on and letting the brain go on autopilot. The problem is - when you get that tired, it is hard to get the motivation to get up and turn the machine off and go to bed. Everyone who has had a long day and has plopped in front of the tele knows exactly what I mean.
Besides, I'd like to avoid the situation of being asked about what I've done in my life and have to answer - "Well, I didn't do much, but I DID see this cool thing on tv....."
At this point, we can tell you that we do not regret this decision.
Of course, we turned the tv on while in the hotel room. And what did we see? Nothing that looked horribly different from when we saw it last. Lots of channels with nothing truly interesting to see. The news was still being reported with urgency (and repetition) by multiple channels - always with the assumption that yesterday's news is old news (even if you hadn't already heard). In sports, the news was all about T.O. (if you don't know who that is - good for you!). Lots of commercials that were either irritating, misleading, annoying or all three. And, the stupid thing was still as mesmerizing as ever. I think it has something to do with the belief that surely something was coming up that would make the moments spent watching it worthwhile. The good news - we found it much easier to turn off.
Don't get me wrong - we do like some shows and movies. But, since we dropped satellite we have:
- spent more time playing board and card games together
- watched more movies we really wanted to see in the theater or at home (with no commercial interruptions)
- turned over the 'to do' list more rapidly (yes R is a list maker - first on list - make list)
- read more books
We do work long days during the growing and harvesting season. By the time we hit the end of the day, we're really tired. With a working dish for tv, we found ourselves just flipping the thing on and letting the brain go on autopilot. The problem is - when you get that tired, it is hard to get the motivation to get up and turn the machine off and go to bed. Everyone who has had a long day and has plopped in front of the tele knows exactly what I mean.
Besides, I'd like to avoid the situation of being asked about what I've done in my life and have to answer - "Well, I didn't do much, but I DID see this cool thing on tv....."
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Farm errata
It may be a while before our next newsletter for the farm comes out. So, here's a farm newsy type of post.
CSA
CSA
- We are currently at 96 shares for the season. Our goal? 100.
- We still have openings in Waverly and on farm pickup slots
- We have no more single shares left, only standard and large.
- You can be put on a wait list in case something changes - and there's lots of time for that to happen.
- If the season shows strength we may open some 2nd half season shares.
- Seed orders have been placed and we have received 2 of the 4 orders
- New equipment for the farm has arrived - we are adding a 2nd wheel hoe and soil block makers.
- There are onion seedings on our starting shelves that have sprouted. It has begun.
- The hens continue to do reasonably well and are happily getting more time out in the field
- It looks like we will be involved in a PFI cooperator's trial for checking out some poultry breeds for free range birds
- Our first flock of meat chickens may be 200 strong. We anticipate only 2 batches this year.
- We will be trying some Bourbon Red turkeys with our Broad Breasted Bronzes this year.
- There will be ducks.
- We're getting sick of the raccoons - they are very active at this time.
- We enjoyed the Organic Farming Conference in LaCrosse
- R is NOT enjoying finally succumbing to the head cold that is going around.
- T will vouch for the fact that R is not worth much when he's sick
- The pork buy is moving forward - with piggies going to processor Mar 10
- The book buys look like a go. The A to Z cookbooks were purchased at the conference. We had a favorable response from the publisher of the storing book.
- The snow drifts were deep enough around some of our lettuce covers that they were crushed....oops.
- Our organic certification materials have been mailed to IDALS - well in advance of the deadline! Hey, that's a big deal - so don't laugh (too hard)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
Now that was a lot of B's.
Speaking of bees. (yes, that was a lame transition - deal with it)
T and I just returned from the Organic Farming Conference in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. I'm sure we'll post much more on it as the week goes on, but for now - I will talk about bees.
Why? Well, I attended an all-day session on bees and pollinators. The presenters (Eric Mader and Ross Conrad) did a nice job and I found the experience to be a positive one. I entered the day thinking I might leave with some working knowledge as to how we might actually maintain a hive or two of European honeybees. Per the norm, expectations and reality didn't quite match up. But, that's largely a reflection of what I learned as opposed to disappointment in topic coverage.
The short of it (for now) is that maintaining honey bee hives won't necessarily be easy. But, I believe we have many options with respect to our goals. I think it most likely that we will not attempt to get into honey production. But, we may keep hives for the pollination of our crops.
Things I learned (or in some cases maybe relearned) that may be of interest to others:
Speaking of bees. (yes, that was a lame transition - deal with it)
T and I just returned from the Organic Farming Conference in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. I'm sure we'll post much more on it as the week goes on, but for now - I will talk about bees.
Why? Well, I attended an all-day session on bees and pollinators. The presenters (Eric Mader and Ross Conrad) did a nice job and I found the experience to be a positive one. I entered the day thinking I might leave with some working knowledge as to how we might actually maintain a hive or two of European honeybees. Per the norm, expectations and reality didn't quite match up. But, that's largely a reflection of what I learned as opposed to disappointment in topic coverage.
The short of it (for now) is that maintaining honey bee hives won't necessarily be easy. But, I believe we have many options with respect to our goals. I think it most likely that we will not attempt to get into honey production. But, we may keep hives for the pollination of our crops.
Things I learned (or in some cases maybe relearned) that may be of interest to others:
- 70% of 'wild' bees are ground nesting bees
- All of our pollinators have been declining in recent decades
- Most colony collapse cases are found in commercial bee pollination businesses (who ship their bees to various farms to pollinate crops)
- A mix of wild bee populations and honey bee populations provide the best pollination results
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