What's been going on at the farm?
At the farm, there's never a dull moment as new activities unfold continuously. From repairing fence lines to embarking on innovative projects, our to-do list seems endless. Over the past year, we have dedicated ourselves to various initiatives aimed at enhancing the farm's overall productivity and sustainability. We've tackled significant improvements, embracing both traditional methods and modern techniques. These efforts not only reflect our commitment to the land but also foster a sense of community and teamwork among everyone involved. The work is demanding, yet each achievement brings us closer to our vision of a thriving, efficient farm capable of adapting to the ever-changing agricultural landscape.
Raised Garden Beds -
One of our most ambitious summer projects was the creation of 14 new raised beds, where we planted a diverse assortment of fruits and vegetables. To support our climbing plants, we constructed trellises specifically for cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe, and pumpkins. These new beds are conveniently located beside our fruit trees, which include apple, plum, and pear varieties, creating a harmonious garden landscape. To enhance our harvest, we also introduced blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, complementing the vegetables and enriching our garden's biodiversity. This initiative not only aims to boost our food production but also to create a more vibrant and sustainable growing environment.
This year marked a significant milestone for us as we finally harvested a bountiful crop of peppers and tomatoes. The abundance of fresh produce allowed us to create several batches of our homemade salsa and rich spaghetti sauce, filling our kitchen with enticing aromas and a sense of accomplishment. Each jar of salsa and sauce is a testament to our hard work and dedication throughout the growing season. As we savor the flavors of our labor, we can't help but feel excited and hopeful for the upcoming growing season. We look forward to even more success in our garden, anticipating new recipes and creative culinary adventures that our future harvests will inspire. The journey of gardening continues to bring us joy and a deep appreciation for the fruits of our labor.
Pond -
Our latest project involved digging a pond in our south pasture. After removing some trees, we created a pond designed to capture rain runoff and provide a water source for our goats and cows. During those scorching 100-degree summer days, the cows especially relished standing in the cool water, finding relief from the heat. Although we've made significant progress, there’s still some work to ensure the pond retains water more effectively. We’re optimistic that by next summer, we’ll be ready to introduce a variety of fish into the pond, enhancing its ecosystem and making it an even more valuable resource for our animals.
Goat Barn -
Our largest project to date has been transforming a chicken coop into a goat barn, which has significantly improved our farm's functionality. We poured 8 yards of concrete over the dirt floor, ensuring a cleaner environment for our goats. The barn is divided into a milking room and a kidding area, where we built three stalls for kidding and an additional stall for the young kids. To enhance the comfort of our goats, we also constructed a covered area just outside the kidding section, providing a sheltered sleeping space. While the milking room still requires some finishing touches, it has already made our lives easier during this hectic kidding season and has streamlined the milking process. This renovation has not only improved our infrastructure but has also contributed to the well-being of our goats.
