Mysteries of Farm Life

It's snowing again in the Northwoods.

You'd think a hog would hunker down in a cozy, straw-filled shelter

out of the cold and blowing snow.

But then, who can know the mind of a pig?

I think I'll head inside and think on it over a nice hot cup of cocoa.

Ten Below Zero

on the farm this morning. That's cold enough for me!

New Faces

Although we've been trying to build our flock of Tunis sheep, high lamb prices have made this rare breed even harder to come by.

To supplement our flock we've added Katahdins, a hair sheep that sheds its wool when the weather turns warm.

We are looking forward to colorful lambs this spring!

Organic Fertilizer

applied solely with animal power

produces lush pastures come spring!

Lunch Line

Always eager for the next meal, though the menu never changes.

Winter Feeding

Every summer we make hay on some of our pastures and store it in the barn to feed out later in the year.

Rich rented the neighbor's big tractor the other day

and spent some time moving bales out of the dry barn

and into a sheltered pasture that could use some extra fertility.

He set the bales out in rows for the steers.

We preset fenceposts too so we can feed the bales out one row at a time.

Wonderful to have a sunny day for the job!

And No Mistletoe in Sight!

It's Official!

The first snow fell on the farm a few weeks ago.

Since then it has been building and receding and building again.

Even after three days of rainy weather and temperatures in the 30s

the snow remains.

It looks like winter is here to stay.

2012 Farm Calendar

I've been busily going through all our pictures from the past year and choosing the best ones for our new calendar. Now you can join us for a year on the farm even if you live far away.

Memories of Summer

Hot Spell

With today's hot weather it's best to move the animals in the early morning or evening hours when things are cooler. We'll be doing both today.

I can't decide

if it's an oversized water bowl,
or an undersized pool!

Summer Grazing

The cattle enjoy this diverse pasture at the back of our farm with its tasty brambles, birdsfoot trefoil, wild mints and shady spruce grove.

Sweet Reward

What a treat to find these in a corner of the pasture this morning!

Visit the Farm!

One of our site hosts recently visited the farm when they were camping in the area. (Check out Megan's fun blog devoted to local foods!) We love the opportunity to visit with members and look at the farm and animals. Let us know if you're in the area. We'd be happy to have you!