Mountain Lane Farm

Wisconsin Rural Summit

2011-12-02T06:42:00.001-08:00

Made the little drive up to Wausau this morning to learn more about Strategic Doing at the Wisconsin Rural Summit. Strategic Doing is a cousin to Appreciative Inquiry and takes conversations to determine what people are doing and how we can work together for real change. Anything that eliminates the lizard brain is well worth the day of attendance. There was a workbook that we completed on the priorities, partnerships and opportunities we saw coming here today to grow Rural Wisconsin. I really envision a fast day with some fruitful conversations in which to establish new partnerships and ideas to be of better service to CESA #3's schools.

While I wear my hat of CESA #3, I am fully invested in just how we use fewer resources, people and time to make real change take place. Its not a shock that there are fewer people in rural Wisconsin. The challenge is not to build up roadblocks but calculate ways to maximize what we have in order that we maintain and potentially grow our areas by maintaining quality of life while still providing big city amenities.

Its days like this when I do not have some expectations that are some of the best professional development for me. I will try to recap the day later on...

Overcoming my lizard brain

2011-12-01T11:48:00.001-08:00

I know it has been months since I published anything. No excuses...I won't offer any and will not provide any here. As Seth Godin so kindly titled it, my 'lizard brain' got the best of me. No more. I want to comment throughout the winter on weather, the next growing year, basically on what I'm thinking with regards to the farm.

As I speak, I am awaiting a brief snow shower to pass through before I head out to check the animals, waterers and anything else before I head off for my next occupation.

As this migrates immediately to facebook, I would appreciate any feedback as you get to peep inside me to understand my thought process.

My cessation from the lizard brain begins now...

Winter wheat is complete

2011-08-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

At approximately 7:30 cst last evening the 45 acres of soft red winter wheat were harvested. While it would have been time to celebrate, I still have 45 acres of straw to harvest and then 45 acres of sorghum sudangrass to drill. Never a dull moment.

If we can get some sun, we believe we can soon be harvesting the hard red spring wheat. We tested some more weedy coverage and found that it tested around 14%. Its close, but could use a couple more days. Our team sat at the truck last night and had a great deal of thought before we deferred to what might happen today.

In the meantime, I'll be heading back out to clip and rake the wheat straw while I also wait for what we should do on the combining situation.

Wheat

2011-08-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

So sorry not to write much again...

The winter wheat is coming out as we speak and from all indicators, things are going very well. The crop is a clean one and is easy for my brother in law and his partner to work on. The logistical portion to this is also been very seamless so far. Only one phone call was yielded yesterday.

My miller and I will be in the process of curing the wheat before it goes to the milling process. We have some very interested customers and its just a matter of contracting with them. While a nervous process, one which is very exciting and could prove to be beneficial to everyone.

I'm leaving for the field now in order to pick up my son to start baling the straw for feed and/or bedding.

The cattle will have to battle one more day. Aside a little bit of pink eye, the cattle have been relatively normal in the mass the stockers are gaining as well as the milk being provided to this year's calves.

All in all, a great way to start off the last month of the "traditional" summer here in Wisconsin.

Rain

2011-07-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

Rain.

Some dread it. Some detest it for cancelling events and some lose faith when flooding takes place. While I can sympathize, rain has always been a nurturing part of the equation that makes us do what we do.

The rain feeds the soil with the necessary moisture to break down the animal pods and urine to feed the microbes in the soil. Earthworms are better able to navigate through the soils creating new castings and routes which along with the pods create the necessary compost to build soil diversity. This in turn helps the grass regrow and completes the growth cycle.

The rain also provides a natural "shower" for our cattle which minimizes fly populations.

The rain today and every day is welcome and appreciated here.

Crop Rotation

2011-07-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

It won't be long and the winter wheat will be coming out. The plan after the wheat has been harvested is to no-till sorghum sudangrass. This is an inexpensive alternative to silage corn and when successfully harvested, is a tremendous source of caloric intake for the cattle. I've learned that what makes tremendous grass-fed beef are the calories, not protein. While protein is desirable, its comparable to eating dessert every day. While its good, the nutritional value is just not there. Sorghum sudangrass is my feed of choice, although I continue to explore my options.

What I've been kicking around is what to plant in that particular field for the next year? My thought is to go with winter rye and then rotate back to sorghum sudangrass. While this may be July, a farmer's thoughts have already committed to September, March and beyond.

Not much time to think about it today. I need to finish 2nd crop, prepare for a longer day at the Farmer's market tomorrow and then prepare for a week of fencing amidst meetings, work, family and life.

Family

2011-07-07T06:21:00.001-07:00

There's something about the siblings you grew up with. You spent nearly every waking moment with them for 18 years and then you part your separate ways.

In the case of my family, we really went in different directions. Except for yours truly, my siblings went to Europe and each American coast before settling down for the time being.

I was reminded of what made us so close by watching our kids grasp each other when they saw each other for the first time and then cry and hug when they parted ways.

It was so good to hear the laughter, the smores made around the campfire, the stories exchanged and the memories made.

It concluded a great 4th of July holiday and while normalcy is okay, I certainly do miss my family.

Patience

2011-06-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

Just when I needed more meat for the 4th of July weekend, the processor has a two week lag period.

Ugh.

I have to remember that I must be patient, but it can certainly be difficult. I am comforted in that once I sell a majority of my summer sausages, that I will have a full freezer for which to fill. Its a learning process that I am getting used to and with a few new developments, I could be able to have more capacity.

Family will be home soon and with their arrival, summer weather. The winter wheat too is coming on very quickly. So many things going on and little time to get it all done. Have a great day!

Rain

2011-06-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

The impact of the rain recently has forced me to move the cattle much faster than I had planned. Life is a series of planning and re-planning. While I have a vision of how long my growing season will be and how long the cattle will be on each paddock and in each pasture, Mother Nature ultimately dictates exactly when and how often I'll move the cattle.

Aside from some flash rains, I've done a decent job of rotating the cattle before the paddock experienced too much podding. Podding is my connotation of the action the cattle do to the soil with their hooves.

Well back to the national conference I'm at. The author from Harvard, you know, the one in Massachusetts, has been telling a story of why students are succeeding. He's preaching to the choir here, but I hope others, particularly employers will take interest and help.

I know

2011-06-21T07:54:00.001-07:00

I know, promises made, but not kept.

Well, I am here, recommitted to talk about not only the farm, but a myriad of topics that are on mind.

It could be what I've read, what I've seen or heard. The point is that I want to let you get a sense of what my thought process is in order that you have a deeper appreciation of sustainable agriculture.

I will be back in a few moments. I promise

Back into a routine

2011-01-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

Routines can be so difficult to begin. Jack Lalanne reminded me of that. He remained a remarkable example of consistency. Nothing flashy, nothing press worthy, just working to maintain physical integrity right up until the moment of his death. At 96 no less.

That must be my approach here. To reflect, criticize, comment and report on everything relative to the farm, our cattle and philosophy. I must admit that it didn't take much to start here this morning and I suspect it wouldn't take much most of the 330+ days left in this year and in years to come.

So here's to Jack, breaking new ground, but essentially doing what we all can and should do. To all of my readers to be, this is where I begin anew. Here's to farming that holistic, scalable and downright healthy for all involved.

So much for time

2010-11-17T15:24:00.001-08:00

So much for time

As I sit here on a Friday evening with my labtop, I realize now that I have done nothing but a poor job in relaying the experiences of the farm to you. I don’t believe in excuses and so building a house would not normally be a barrier, but as we are putting together the finishing touches, it has been. So much moving, financing, scheduling, did I say moving. It’s a beautiful house that will much like our former house which is within spitting distance, will be a home. We are all slowly making the adjustment. When I could find any file, book, article or correspondence will now have to be identified and categorized. Saturday will be a good day to work on my new office. I wrote a grant which would provide a new labtop and I hope that would cap off an entire area devoted to the little I’ve learned.

As I’ve settled down and the days are getting shorter, the prospects of a more reliable tweet and post are much more probable. Look for more thoughts on what we doing, we’re preparing for and reflection.

Winter Wheat

2010-09-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished my winter wheat crop for now (my dad recommended that perhaps I plant more, but I think I'll wait). While I planted just a little hot, I was pleased by the process. It took much longer than I anticipated and that was because the ground was so rough from the constant bombardment of erosion that has existed for the past couple of years.

I hope that the suggested hard rains later this week will not create new ditches in the field. Since this is my first wheat crop, I will have a lot to learn. With that said, I look forward to the green coming up prior to the kill frost in October.

How time flies

2010-08-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

Since I lasted posted, we were in another pasture, the County Fair was two weeks away and we were just starting another steamy stretch of sultry weather here in the Driftless Region. Well I'm here to say that I think we're out of that weather pattern, the County Fair has concluded for another year and the cattle are in another pasture.

The rain this summer has been record breaking. If we didn't break the record for rain during the summer, we soon will. The Kickapoo never dropped down this summer, so the boys and I never made an excuse to get away from work to fish. The mosquitoes has been ferocious, so even though I'll continue fencing this evening, I will go equipped with spray, long sleeve shirt and longer hat in tow.

Going back to the paddocks, we experienced another gully washer of a rain in the West pasture. However, unlike the South pasture, which has water descend on it from a myriad of directions, the water here came from the corn field and went down the ditch. Very little damage.

The real damage has been where the cattle stand during the hot summer sun, the ground is so saturated that within hours, we go from pasture to mud hole. I may have to look at reseeding, but when I went back down to the South pasture, most paddocks are coming back nicely. I may well let the South rest through the fall, but its all dependent on how fast the Sorghum Sudangrass grows. I frankly have not been very impressed with its stocking rate. Perhaps some nitrogen would have boosted the growth, but I'm not a big fan of inputs and besides, I still have five weeks for the field to grow in order for the stockers to fill up on that (except for the two week window around the kill frost). I will most likely fence around what will be a will be barren corn silage field so that the cows and this year's calves can eat. There again isn't much feed in the field, but toward the end, I will start to process some forage in order that the cows can fill it up with manure for next spring's wheat crop.

Today, I hope to finish some more fencing on the other side of the farm so as cattle arrive there, they won't be uninvited guests in the neighbor's beans. Here's to a post sooner.

Planning for the fall

2010-07-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

Its hard to mention and in fact, I could lose my loyal readers, but the sad fact is that fall is coming.

While we applauded the coming of spring at its beginning (remember March - wasn't that terrific), signs are all around us that the seasons are in transition.

I know, I heard today's forecast and believe me, after fencing the past week, I know all about the heat, mosquitoes and other forest hazards.

Call it a hunch, a farmer's intuition or perhaps I'm just a little loony. I just feel that Mother Nature will have quite hot and then BOOM!, it will really cool down.

This will be of great relief to the cows. They can tolerate the heat, but only for so long. Moving them into a new paddock is critical for the fact that shade needs to exist. Sometimes I can get lucky and shade is in the paddock and sometimes they need to stay together.

The flies have been an issue. One of my purchases for next year will be humane fly traps that I hope will alleviate some of the discomfort for the cattle. I would pursue this now, but funding is being devoted to the house.

One of the plans for the fall will be the planting of winter wheat on top of ground that's been eroded due to the constant planting of corn (3+ years in a row). We'll speak more to that later.

For now, its off to chores, phone calls and oh yeah, fencing.

What is means to be a good steward

2010-07-25T02:42:00.000-07:00

Such a heavy topic for 4:45 in the morning, but here it goes.

Being a good steward means being true to your surroundings. After our recent 6+ inches of rain, one would think that mass erosion and other land removal would certainly have taken place. Quite the contrary.

Our method of farming (mob grazing) allows for the cattle to be in one area of the pasture at one time. So while water descended from the neighbors farm and rushed through the pasture yesterday, minimal damage was experienced. Had we done things the way we used to do it, it might be a different picture.

Being a good steward is a recognition that we are only here for a brief time. Frankly ours in but a vapor and to think that we can do whatever we want, wherever we want is irresponsible. To build the soil, raise a variety of grasses, to raise cattle on a low input, sustainable system is not just a noble goal, but should be mandated.

How and why farmers plant where they do here in the Driftless Region is beyond me. I've paid for ditches to be filled in year after year and beginning next year, all that will end. Soil doesn't "grow" but is created over time. As I get older, the soil in my hands and in how I treat it will be my legacy.

I could expound on these points, but this is my stance on stewardship. It may waver with different dialogue, but for the most part, its how I feel.

Have a great Sunday. A day of rest before I tackle some hay on Monday and yet another busy week at Mountain Lane.

Rain

2010-07-23T04:10:00.000-07:00

Rain.

It is welcomed at nearly every juncture of the growing season. We have been blessed to have such copious amounts, but as I get ready to head to the paddocks, we're pushing the envelope. Since yesterday, we've seen over 3 inches of rain. Now, I'm not complaining. Its just that it presents some challenges. The paddocks are muddy. It gets hard to put in paddocks, take them out as well as work on weeds.

We also had tremendous amounts two weeks ago and one paddock in particular was relegated to muddy highway 101. Since then grasses, alfalfa and some clover have appeared back in that paddock. In fact, in another week, you won't even know the cattle were there. The mob grazing has been good for the cattle, although having a scale will give me a better idea how the stockers are performing on a daily gain basis. I'm looking to apply for a grant to cover the cost.

The sorghum sudangrass is ready to go, but the rain pushes harvest back a bit. I anticipate a great deal of forage for the winter from this crop.

After paddock work, it looks like indoor work will be the call for the day. Fencing, hay and other things will need to wait until we see three days of dry weather.

All in the life of the farm. Perhaps I migrate to La Farge for the Kickapoo Valley Fair as well. TGIF!

Plans for the week

2010-07-19T03:38:00.000-07:00

As the clock turns toward 6 AM, my main objective this week is fencing. Its not a job that I fancy or look forward to, but in order to maintain the cattle and to appease the neighbors, this must be done.

My first project is the largest. It accompanies replacing a line that was built close to fifty years ago. Once I've finished that then I will try to get to three other lines as well.

Off to work!

Its all about the network

2010-07-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

I'm very fortunate to be amidst people who are as passionate and in many cases more so about local food.

Take for example Rich. Rich is a life-long farmer who I have had the fortune of working for and with in the new Wisconsin Grass-Fed Beef Cooperative. Rich has been gracious enough to offer some timely advice to me. He's never asked for anything in return, just good cattle when he calls.

I was fortunate to have visited with Rich on Sunday because he calls me yesterday and within four hours needed cattle. Had we not had our conversation on Sunday, the coop, Rich and I would have lost out on a golden opportunity.

I'm coming to learn each day that when you surround yourself with good people, good things are bound to happen.

How much will that paddock take?

2010-07-06T04:34:00.000-07:00

This is an easy question to address since I have my cattle next to road for all the world to see. With the amount of rain (no rain gauge up due to construction) we've received on Sunday and Monday, the paddock I planned to release the cows from this morning was looking pretty muddy by last night.

I released the cows early, but to tell you the truth the ground looked stable. The only place that gets a little worn is right along the paddock line. There must be some cattle whose only job is to create a worn path right along a fence line.

So back to the neighbors, many may think that the paddock is for all intensive purposes is now a wasteland. On the outside that may be true, but in the reality all of the hoof podding is tremendous for the ground. The animal waste combined with rain water forces nutrients directly into the ground. I could never apply man made fertilizer as well as the cattle do for me.

In fact, by this time next week, you wouldn't be able to tell that the cattle were there. In 2 months, when we make our final rotation for the year, you wouldn't even know that the cattle were ever there during the entire grazing season. Let the cattle work for you and you would be amazed and what they can do.

Chances of rain today which means more under the roof jobs which is alright since I've found an old list that has plenty for me to do today.

Much Needed Rain

2010-07-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, rain is a good thing.

As I awoke from rainy 4th, I was greeted to a strong but brief shower. There's nothing that makes me feel better than a soaking rain. The paddocks recuperate quicker, the cattle are cooler and the third crop will come back even sooner. It won't be long before third crop will be upon us.

My dad was inducted into the Eastman Softball Hall of Fame. It was a great moment for him and our family. He gave much to the game before he married my mother and then devoted his attention to our farm and family.

Today will be a day to catch up on a great day of paperwork. More tomorrow after I catch up on some overdue reading.

Freedom never comes for free...

2010-07-04T03:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday America!

Today as you look from Nome, Alaska to the Everglades, your beautiful land has once again been challenged.

Challenged by an economy that experts build on speculation and not reality.

Tested by environmental disasters that are so incomprehensible, that to see billions and perhaps trillions of gallons of oil on your southern shores must make you weary.

There are men and women too, some active and some that served to protect you. We know how you feel about them, but what about us, your sons and daughters? Yesterday at the market I met a Vietnam Vet and thank him for his service and in protecting my liberties.

He said that he very seldom if ever is thanked and that when he did come home we greeted with spit.

I suspect that's how we are treating you too America!

Today let's make a new resolution to put Old Glory up on our homes, to thank Almighty God for all of the liberties we have and that barring any major disaster, we will have another full calendar year full of many more.

In closing, I take my dusty old hat to those who gave everything for me. They, like the Lord, are with him and will be with us today.

Happy Birthday America!

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2010-07-01T04:59:00.000-07:00

Conformity.

It's a term that defines terms which we usually are prescribed to.

But why?

I'm all for cooperation, good will and for teamwork, but realistically, I can only go so far. Today I would have conformed to standards that were far below my expectations. My wife said that I burned a bridge, but in reality what I did was expose what on the outside looks innovative, when in reality it is the same conforming construct.

I refuse to be placed entirely in line, in a box or other situation. Many farmers work too hard and receive very little. I believe that with education, transparency and passion, farmers can once again be in control of their situation. The page then, the story of thousands of men and women who raise animals or crops need not be relegated to a number, but instead, a story.

I plan not to leave my page intentionally blank. What's your story.

New Beginning and a time to reflect

2010-06-30T04:23:00.000-07:00

Well here it is.

The first blog post for Mountain Lane Farm, Wauzeka, WI.

Where's the fanfare? The IPO type celebration? There's not so much as a piece of gum for such an occasion.

That's okay. There wasn't much hoopla when the farm began to change hands from my parents to my wife and I over a decade ago. For nearly ten years, we have made gradual improvements with one income, grants and two years of loans.

This blog, as it has been for millions will be a journal of what is happening on the farm, what plans are coming and what I'm reading or thinking about.

I suspect that there will be times when you read postings and will disagree. I hope we can in my limited time share a healthy dialogue that educates all who follow about the topic at hand.

I would like to thank the staff at Webwise Design in Fennimore, WI. Folks, if you want to create a viral presence on the internet, take time and spend some hard earned dollars with them. I was fortunate to receive a grant for this, but the results as you will see in a couple of days are extraordinary. Margaret, Aimee, Mike and John are fantastic. I would recommend them to anyone.

That's a good start. We'll post some more tomorrow.