RicelandMeadows

April 3, 2025

March went out like a lion after some very warm dry days. Our maple syrup season was extremely short. This was due to a very frozen February, followed by a very warm March. The trees thawed out, gave up a little sap, then the trees budded. Many of us only got 4 boils, less than half of a normal season.

Currently we are getting some wet weather. I know, April showers bring May flowers, but it sure is soggy!

Yesterday we had the pleasure of hosting a “farm day” for a 30 person group of some of our county’s upcoming rising stars. The “Leadership Ashtabula” busses rolled in once again having us be part of their “Agriculture Day”. The groups participants spend the day touring the diverse opportunities found in our county’s agriculture. Grain farms, dairy farms, wineries, breweries, maple syrup producers and our draft horse farm were just a few of the things people saw and experienced.

I explained the difference between Commodity Agriculture and Community Agriculture. We direct marketed beef, pork and lamb along with honey maple syrup and pastured chicken for many years. Now, in my retirement, we have switched gears and are committed to raising the rare breed Suffolk horse.

Its deeper to me than just raising a horse. I want to raise the best horse that I can that is fitted to the homesteading way of life. These exceptional good minded working horses are well suited to provide the power requirements needed for a small farm or homestead.

The fact that they are a rare breed needing help to improve their numbers is a bonus for us. They are an endearing bunch for sure. They were all a “hit” yesterday, especially our herd stallion Hank!

This girl is our Riceland Meadows Amazing Grace. She is a 4 year old getting ready to have her first foal. She is a good girl. This photo was taken last week as I moved her into her “working” harness. She has been in training for awhile and has now graduated to become part of our working group. Her sessions are short these days as her maternity leave begins soon.

Mo worries, we still have Magee in training and three more right behind her! There is no shortage of things to do.

We will work horses on the driveways and wait for the warmer, drier days sure to come. In the meantime we will spend time enjoying the blessings of the gifts given. Just like this beautiful sunset ❤