Winter is NOT down time on the farm !

Forget the traditional mental picture of a New England farm in the off-season. It doesn't apply here, at least not just below the surface. Sure, the gardens are put to bed, the machinery is tucked away and the grazing critters are back at the home farm eating the summer's bounty of hay. BUT, with sales zooming and inventory depleted, this farmer is wrestling with how to meet the needs of so many concerned people. I'm honored to be able to "show and tell" how we produce clean and safe food. The mental ruminations of this farmer will not let him rest ! In a nutshell; how can we expand without 1- breaking the bank, 2- depleting our farm's natural resources and 3- killing the solo farmer and find the help to get us there.....

Enter plan "1" for expanded broilers in 2008. A homemade bulk feed bin atop a haywagon will replace our bagged feed purchases. Another hoop house on runners and more electric netting for two concurrent lots. Better feeders and waterers to allow me to move the birds more easily. Envision a "pod" system of moving houses, feeders, waterers and feed bin. Make it better, easier, faster. No, not mega-farm infrastructure and machinery- same sunshine, fresh air, green grass, spacious living for our gallian friends. New found help with time savings.
Enter plan"2" for beef. Several new calves have made a sporty, cozy new home made out of wire panels on skids covered by a double layer of tarp. Cheap, effective housing. 10 degrees outside with 30 mph winds two days ago- REALLY cozy inside with napping calves. I'm happy with this.......saved precious money by going extreme practical.
Enter plan"3" for making room for grazing animals. Fencing! We bought this farm 10 years ago with dilapidated buildings and nearly non-existent fencing. Argh.....cattle out grazing the neighbor's petunias. Damn near threw in the towel then....overwhelmed to say the least. A new reinforced paddock "Fort Knox" is up and plans to fence in the back 40 (literally about 40 acres !). This is going to be a challenge for sure ! Money, time and need for help ! I'll be scrounging for salvage materials for corner braces and Bruce Cheney and his entire network will work for food ! Any other takers for good 'ol bartering ? Fun, good work and good people, who could ask for more ?