Limited Quantities; Pork cuts are stocked in the store again.
We are a small family farm, emphasis on family. I’d say we’re best described as the Amish in the way we work together. We share each other’s talents, resources, skills, and everyone is vital to how we function. We work together as one unit, close-knit, and for each other. The beefers seek solace from the wind and stay close to the treelines for shelter.
The laying chickens have been staying in their coop more frequently on these blustery days.
Even the horses enjoy their time inside when it’s windy out and the snow is blowing sideways. (I took these pictures in those nice moments when it wasn't blowing sideways). Yesterday Rob walked over to where the calf was while the mom was eating on a new bale of hay with her herd-mates, and as soon as she saw him heading towards him, she went running over, and she snorted at Rob as she passed him!... In case you missed it, earlier this year, Netflix released the film “Kiss the Ground” that awakened millions of people to the many benefits of regenerative agriculture. We grow and harvest all of our own hay for the beefers so we can ensure quality. Rob is known locally as the "Balage King" because he knows how to make a good solid bale and quality feed. There is an art to it, and nope that's not my wheelhouse- you won't catch me making bales on our hills! I can make tractors rear, bales roll, and they would be a lopsided disaster. But Rob, he's the bomb. Shipping zones, Box Sizes, and more, oh my! We bale graze two different ways, depending on what a particular field needs... The coyotes have been out full-throttle and we’ve been hearing them every night for weeks and at times 3-4 times throughout the middle of the day. We noticed early this spring we had an abundance of little bunnies and we still see them quite often, but I think that’s what drew them in. Principle 5 of healthy soil. -Animal Integration
If you are truly concerned with ecosystems, the environment, and health, you have to recognize the benefits of grazing ruminants. It’s a beautiful cycle.
A plant that has been grazed will photosynthesize more and pump more carbon into the soil vs. one that hasn’t. Not to mention all the fertility an animal leaves behind. We are getting more baby piglets soon -- should be this week! And I cannot wait to share cute piglet pictures with you. These girls are a riot and we love each one’s personality. We can't wait to meet more silly piggies and see what their personalities are.The cattle are still being rotated through the pastures. We've had some pretty good thunderstorms lately and in the past have lost a few due to lightning, usually at least one cow a year. Thank goodness we have not this year -yet anyways. They are all doing great and are growing beautifully!Some of you may not know this, but we also have horses! We do our best to rotate them around as well during the growing season. Here they are grazing the "second cutting" off a field instead of us mowing and baling it. Unfortunately, they don't always need the grass and do get awfully fat, especially since none of us have had any time to work them or ride this summer. I've had horses my whole life and I think this is the first summer I haven't gone for at least a trail ride.Most of our horses are related somehow and some I've had since my childhood - they are a part of the family- we grew up together.I have used them to move cattle in the past but usually don't anymore. A buggy gets the job done fast and when the cattle don't get worked with horses daily they can actually get more worked up or on edge with something new. So we usually stick to the wheels or walking. Principle 4 (of five) of healthy soil. -Living Roots
The fourth Principle is to keep living roots in the soil. Living roots are the source of feeding the microbes, feeding the life of the soil, making the soil work. Principle 3 (of five) of healthy soil. -Build Diversity
The third Principle is to promote diversity in as many ways as you can. When you look out into nature, you don’t see mono-cultures (only one species planted) for acres and acres as we do in today’s modern Ag system. Diversity helps all the plants, animals, and insects thrive, making the circle of life easier to complete (cue the Lion King theme song).
Author: Megan Wilcox
All posts
Know Your Farmer!
Shipping is LIVE! + Winter Pics
Surprise Baby
You + Us = Real Change
Balage King and Beef
Shipping Update
Pigs and Apples & Bale Grazing Cattle
Wild Things! and Piglets
What is Regenerative Ag anyways? Soil Health Principle 5
September Farm Update
What is Regenerative Ag anyways? Soil Health Principle 4
What is Regenerative Ag Anyways? Soil Health Principle 3
