January 13th, 2019 — Ice Age

Ice Age I’m writing a day early, while we still have power.  Tomorrow, my usual day may be too late. Or maybe not, the American and European models couldn’t agree on the storm’s path so I still don’t know if we’ll be just Biblical amounts of rain, enough ice to down any power line or…

December 30th, 2019– After Christmas

After Christmas The gift wrapping bags are all folded and stored for next year, the stockings have been emptied and I’ve packed all the food goodies away in a basket where I can’t see them so I can make them last and the pounds not gather on my hips. This morning I cleaned the chicken…

December 9th, 2019– Diversity

Diversity There was a story from ABC news this morning on my news feed about the alarming loss of genetic diversity in farm animals.  Australia is particularly hard hit. Their inability to import new pig genetics for example means they have to keep their existing breeds viable because once they lose something it’s gone for…

November 4th, 2019 — The Orchard

The Orchard I think we can now call the collection of fruit trees we’ve added to the backyard an orchard.  Saturday we doubled its size when we added two apple trees, two peaches and a pear (again, partridge not included).  We already had two cherry trees, two peaches and a pear, so this adds five…

October 21st, 2019 — How We Farm and Why It’s Important

Here at Willow Farm our mission is: To grow good food that nourishes you and your family while simultaneously working to heal the earth. In order for us to achieve our mission we practice Regenerative Agriculture. Regeneration International defines regenerative agriculture as: a holistic land management practice that leverages the power of photosynthesis in plants…

October 14th, 2019- Why are you a Farmer?

What is my why? Why do I work long hours at two different jobs to make ends meet? I know it would be easier to have a 9-5 job with steady pay and benefits. To not have to work out in all weather, putting the needs of the animals in your care before your own…

September 23rd, 2019 — Gearing Up

Gearing Up Fall Fest is only two weeks away and we have a lot to do.  The pigs will be moving out of the barn, Tom got out the Bobcat yesterday and Cerin the dog’s metal hut was moved into their pasture.  Metal was the hut of choice because I don’t trust them not to…

September 16th, 2019 — Bad Hair Day

Bad Hair Day I don’t know the name of this weed, it’s kind of a pretty weed as weeds go.  Nicely shaped, light green leaves. The problem with it lays under the leaves, the burrs.  They’re not soft burrs like burrdock has where you can get one stuck somewhere and pick it out at your…

September 9th, 2019 — Another Birthday

Another Birthday Tom’s birthday was this week and his turned out much better than mine.  He got to sleep in his own bed, there was no fire alarm and as far as I know, no snoring to keep him awake. (Read about Candy's Birthday here.) Last night we sorted out the big cows and kept…

August 19th, 2019 — Summer Update, August Edition

Summer Update August Edition We are done calving!  Ginger had a fine baby girl on Sunday while we were gone.  Not that she needed our help, baby had nursed and was dried off when we got home.  She, her mum and the other calves were curled up in the shade napping. Tom watched my back,…