As we go into the 4th of
July weekend, we are reminded that 2020 is half over. Sometimes I
think it has flown by and other times I think that it will never be
over. 2020 has seen an impeachment trial, a global pandemic, a
country wide lockdown, the death of George Floyd, and global
protests. With all the devastating events, I like to think of all the
positive things going on around our farm.
1. Our local hatcher offered us baby
chicks back in March. We hadn't ordered them and weren't ready for
them, but we said yes anyway. That was dumb luck because our hatcher
wasn't able to get us any more chicks until June.
2. We let Mother Nature do its thing
for our broody hen. We gave her some fertilized eggs and she hatched
out a chick. That is the first time we have taken a completely hands
off approach and let the hen do all the work.
3. Our pig developed a prolapse, which
had us making plans to butcher him. Instead, we named him Kermit and
put him in a pen by himself. Within a week the prolapse healed and we
took the chance of putting him back with the other pigs. Currently,
he is happily enjoying life with his brothers and sisters.
4. We built a greenhouse completely out
of recycled parts. My husband had a vision and used pieces that he
had salvaged over the years. I'm proud to say that all the plants on
our farm were started from seed.
5. The pigs are in tractors, which
means they are moved to new grass every couple of days. Planting
gardens behind them is new this year. Our boys each have their own
garden that they planted behind the pigs. They planned it and picked
out the seeds from our collection.
6. When our garden showed initial signs
of pests, we put the laying hens in their run surrounding the garden.
A couple of days eating bugs made a huge difference. Their natural
pest control saved our plants.
7. With our kids homeschooling, they
had time to help with the animals. They have successfully tamed the
pigs. They named them and even give them belly rubs. This makes it
much easier for us to work with them.
8. We created a worm farm that is the
ultimate recycling center. We dug up red wigglers from last years pig
pen and gave them a new home with kitchen scraps. They eat through
compost very quickly and in return give us castings.
9. We are lucky to be part of the
Cartwright Farmer's Market. It's a great agriculture resource and a
great community of hard working people.
10. Our customers are showing up at the
farmers market despite the risk. We are grateful to have loyal
customers year after year.
It's hard to think of the positive
things when there is so much negative. It hasn't always been roses
and chocolates around our farm, but the good far out shadows the bad.
That is what keeps us going.
Stay safe and healthy.
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