Let's catch up on Winter 2026
As you know, this past winter was long, cold and snowy. Life on the farm slowed down but kept moving at a steady pace.
The worms have survived!! 3 heat cables that did not freeze so we will have plenty to sell mid-May. As always please order ahead and give me a week to sort them.
The cows are eager for spring grazing but they'll have to wait usually until mid-May when the ground dries up and the grass is lush. The calves were separated from their dames in January with not a lot of fussing from either group. I think that 2 of the heifers are bred, Sassy and Honey Child. Darling was bred a few weeks later so still unsure about her. I'm expecting between 6 and 8 calves in June. Our first calf born on the farm is Clover in March 2015. Our second calf born is Pippi in June of 2016. It's very hard to say but they both have gotten old and have medical issues. We will be sending them later this spring. These 2, especially Clover, will be the toughest ones to send yet. Their dame, Betty, is doing fine at 13 years. Here's an iconic picture of Clover. Her memory will live on for sure.
The Rhode Island Red chickens live in the hayloft in the winter and do just fine. But we definitely noticed a decrease in egg production from last winter. They'll be going out into their mobile chicken coop when the weather stays above 40 or so at night. Speaking of the chickens, Mike built 2 more mobile chicken coops this winter. We'll be getting 25 Barred Rock the beginning of May. The beginning of June 40 Freedom Ranger meat chickens will be arriving which is why we needed more coops. The tractor moves the coops every day so they get fresh grass, can eat the bugs and fertilize the soil. They are pretty safe inside of the coop but never completely safe!
Dexter, the puppy dog, is almost 10 months old and getting big. He's smart, learns good and bad things quickly, is very sweet and very energetic. His energy is one of the reasons that I won't be selling at the markets this year. He has an appointment to be neutered April 8th. It's time!!
CCE of Madison County offered a marketing series this past winter. The presenter was Katie Becker of Katie Becker Photography and HMA Marketing. She stressed the importance of adding to a blog regularly. I've noticed that my newsletters become too long and bulky so...the newsletters will have a cleaner look but you can still get all the nitty gritty at the blog. Please let me know what you think.
Also, please let me know if you're happy about the 20% off discount only offered to subscribers. I think it's a good idea. Thank you for reading.