Category: March 2016
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For Better or Wurst
March 30, 2016 Monday was a cold wet day. I decided it would be a good time to make a few batches of sausage and smoked items. Today is Thursday and I am finally finishing those tasks. I over extended myself a little! I think it is worth it. The…
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3 Cheers For Spring
March 29, 2016 Carmella, one of our ewes had her lambs last night. She had triplets. So far mom and babies are doing great. Momma gets her name from her coloring, caramel and vanilla. I’m original like that…we have had three different black ewes named midnight! It’s lambing time for…
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The Little Ones
March 27, 2016 As I continue to farm, I include the little ones. It is good to expose them to the animals, the work and the joy that comes on farm. They are the ones who will ensure this way of life continues. They might not choose it for themselves,…
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It’s The Simple Things
March 25, 2016 In life, it is the simple things that matter. We all get too busy, caught up in the world and all the drama that goes with it. We need to slow down, take a minute to rest our brains, and let our hearts and souls talk to…
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Movie Stars
March 24, 2016 Yesterday, the folks from Rural Heritage magazine were here to make a movie about my farm and draft horses. We spent the entire day filming. The horses pulled my sled, hauled the manure spreader with the power cart and skidded logs with our log cart. They performed…
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Dam Beavers
March 22, 2016 We manage our woodlands in a three pronged approach. Our first consideration is for for maple syrup production. We open up the canopy for growing sugar maples using a method called “crop tree release”. Other undesirable trees are taken out to provide sunlight and nutrients for the…
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Mentoring
March 21, 2016 Despite my muddy jacket, baggy pants and barn boots, I made a good teacher last week. I mentor to the local Vocational School. I teach woodlot management, environmental stewardship, and give a short maple presentation. I also give talks about small sustainable farming and the difference between…
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Looking Ahead
March 20, 2016 The 2016 maple season has come to an end. Friday, I boiled the last sap we had and chased it with fresh water. We made a few more gallons of syrup as the steam headed heavenward. My cousin stopped in to visit, smell the steam and check…
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Nice Day
March 13, 2016 After a nice freeze, the sap ran again! The season continues and that for me, is a happy thing. I spent much of yesterday cleaning and making ready for what is left of the season. The pans are sparkling. I am amazed at just how much work…
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Yum times Six
March 11, 2016 We completed our sixth boil of the maple season yesterday evening. It has been a great year for us so far. The sap is not very sweet, so it takes a lot of it to make a gallon of syrup. This year’s syrup has been light and…
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