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.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Rain
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.
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.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Crop Rotation
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.
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.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Family
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Patience
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Rain
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.
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
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
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
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