RicelandMeadows

This photo was taken at our Suffolk Gathering this year. (photo credit to Jennifer Nidy) I think it catches my whole response to this life in one photo

Growing up a small boy surrounded by animals and nature, I have been smitten for a very long time. I am thankful for so many people who made this life possible and those who enrich it. Family, friends, teachers, leaders in school and church, have all played a part in shaping my life.

We grow our food. We share our experiences and the produce we grow and make with others. It pleases me to to be able to do this work. Currently, we are doubling down to educate people on the value of draft animal power on a small holding.

The Bible teaches that, “Where the oxen are missing the manger is clean, but man benefits greatly from the power of the ox.” To simplify, this means, no milk without manure. In all things there are good and bad, but in this regard, there really is no bad. The stinking goo that is manure, is easily turned into an Earthy smelling compost. This compost will increase the production of the farmers crops and is free for trading a little labor.

The only raw manure that we spread here is actually spread by the growing broilers. We raise them from chick to slaughter date in sturdy, movable pens. They deposit their manure directly onto grass. We move the pens daily, making for a light covering of manure into standing grasses. All the rest of our animal manures are composted.

Manure handled in this manner goes from a waste product, to a raw material. It (the raw manure) is easily stabilized by readily available carbon materials like straw, brown leaves, sawdust, even newspaper. We handle fairly large amounts of manure, so straw and sawdust are a better choice for us, but on a small scale, cardboard, newspaper and autumn leaves work very well. The key to any composting pile is the balance between the “greens” and the “browns”…if you smell it, add more brown.

Loving your place is made easier, when it pays you back. I mean that it gives you things that make you smile. Food, joy, exercise, perhaps great views, a horse to love, or just a great place to live and raise kids and grandkids. I am immersed in animal husbandry, land stewardship and sharing those experiences with others. Perhaps it is the fun of growing flowers, keeping bees and growing a few vegetables that makes you smile, then do it! You will not be sorry…ever!

I am pleased to see my love for nature and animals reflected in my children, grandchildren, close friends and relatives. Every single one of our children embrace this love. Our sons all enjoy hunting and fishing, our daughters love chickens, gardening and flowers. Many of them have gardens and put food away. They enjoy hiking and many things that nature provides and they pass this love down….it is a beautiful, perpetual thing for me to see.

In the words of a great man, Phillip Van Doren Stern, It is a wonderful life!