FARM HAPPENINGS
Our very long dry spell finally ended early this morning. I woke up about 2 AM to the sound of thunder and gentle rain falling, it picked up intensity and came down really hard for about 10-12 minutes. We could have used a long drenching storm but the forecast shows another bigger storm system coming through Sunday, hopefully it will bring us an all day rain which is much needed. Our fields and pastures have been bone dry for the last few weeks.
Our very long dry spell finally ended early this morning. I woke up about 2 AM to the sound of thunder and gentle rain falling, it picked up intensity and came down really hard for about 10-12 minutes. We could have used a long drenching storm but the forecast shows another bigger storm system coming through Sunday, hopefully it will bring us an all day rain which is much needed. Our fields and pastures have been bone dry for the last few weeks.
Most of our farm team prefers to have Sundays off, so Anna and I usually work the Sunday morning shift together. While I get the barn setup for milking, Anna heads out to pastures to bring the cow herd in from their overnight grazing area. Last week she took this picture of the early morning sun rising over the Fox River, with the Mobile Range Coops housing our broiler chickens nestled in the morning mist. Sometimes we have to take a minute to stop working so much and just enjoy the beauty and serenity of farm life.
FARM STORE UPDATE
We processed another two batches of broiler chickens this week, so we do have fresh/unfrozen broilers available in the store through Sunday evening, while supplies last. I say that as we ran out of fresh chickens Sunday morning last week. We only have two more batches of pasture-raised chickens going in for processing this season, the next one is October 16th so almost a month away.
Fresh local and organic produce this week includes green and purple beans, carrot bunches, radishes, carrots, beets, brussels sprouts, apples, pears, black plums, and watermelons. And as we move into the soup season soon (temps should be dropping next week), we had a batch of corn chowder soup made from our own smoked turkey legs - ingredients include our turkey bone broth, organic potatoes, carrots, onions, and local sweet corn. It's rich and delicious with a hint of heat, perfect for a cool fall evening.
Other new items in the store include Halloween tallow soaps/ pumpkin spice scented items from Mallory of Tourmaline Hearth, as well as more handmade tallow/beeswax non-toxic candles.
FALL FEST TICKETS GOING FAST
Since announcing the schedule for our annual Fall Festival on the Farm last week we have sold almost half of the available tickets. It will be held on Saturday, October 12th from 12 PM - 4 PM. We will build the “hay mountain” which was a big hit with all the kids last year. And of course hay wagon tours of the farm to see the cows, chickens, pigs, and turkeys in their pasture settings. Plus a visit to the pumpkin patch where everyone goes home with a pumpkin.
Food again will be provided by the La Adelita Taco Truck. They will be coming out from Chicago to serve up their famous street tacos - Carne Asada, Beef Birria, Chicken Tinga, Al Pastor and Mojo Mushrooms. Made with our own grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork and chicken. Side dishes will include chips and salsa, roasted tomato rice, refried black beans, and guacamole. All you can eat including soft drinks and water will be provided.
Limited tickets available, reserve your space now. $30 for adults, $20 for kids 5 - 12, $15 for little tykes that don't eat much.
Have a great weekend. Hope to see everyone at the farm soon…
Cliff, Anna, and the Farm Team
1 comment
The coops in the photo almost look like haystacks. What a picture. Thanks for sharing