Before the snow flies

So much has to be done around the farm that has been put off or we haven't found the time for before the snow flies.So Brad took the day off today and we got some much needed work done. The garden has been mowed and plowed, Plastic has been pulled, Potatoes dug, The rest of the Arugula and Swiss chard picked and done! Now all we have to do is spread some manure and everything is finished for the year in the garden.

Mowing was first on the list. Our garden was a grass field. We have had several complaints from conventional farmers telling us we needed to spray. I just say I don't mind picking in the weeds, Plus its is so pretty in the fall LOL  I actually use the grass as centerpieces and its beautiful!           

The plastic needed pulling. I don't like the idea of using so much plastic but there is no way we could do without it! It keeps the plants from being overwhelmed with weeds in the summer and it also keeps the bugs at bay some since the plastic heats up.We have found dead cucumber beetles on it from the summer sun. Awesome!

Plowing was a chore today actually. I think we may need to upgrade to a bigger one. The grass kept getting stuck in it today, requiring Brad to stop every 20 feet or so to be cleaned out.

 To my surprise I found some broccoli left that was hidden in the weeds. I kept the greens for the goats and chomped on the heads while working. I must say this was some of the best broccoli Ive tasted, I'm sure the frost had something to do with that. It was so so sweet! even though it was a little past ripe.

 The best tasting spinach ever! They say it gets sweeter and better after a frost.This spinach tasted like a sweet almond, Exactly! Amazing!

We harvested the rest of the Swiss chard and arugula for ourselves. Surprisingly it grew back pretty fast in this cold weather.This is a lot of Chard. Maybe I will make soup with it.

The arugula Grew back amazingly fast since our last market!

 Brad found this French Breakfast radish that was hidden and grew all summer.

Let there be light

The chicken house is now lit for the winter and its a big relief!

Its been a little pathetic around here when it comes to egg production.For a couple months we have been way below average for 200 hens and haven't been able to keep up with demand for some of our loyal costumers.We finally decided to light up the chicken house. We sort of put it off since It was pretty expensive to light a mobile chicken house in the pasture,450 feet of extension cord isn't cheap!
We used our grow lights with a timer for the lighting. We also went and bought some cattle panel to make a little pen for overwinter. We open it up during the day and close it up at night. So now we wait and see if this extra amount of light helps any, I sure hope so!

Brad getting everything situated in the coop

It looks a little messy but Were making do for now.

Roosting up for the night. Its nice to finally be able to see in the coop at night. Actually it's kinda of fun to go down there at night in the cold, sit in the warm coop with Brad and talk.

All comfy cozy.
We use the deep litter system in the winter months. We layer shavings and use barn lime and   Diatomaceous Earth to keep it dry. This layering of the bedding decomposes and creates heat like a compost pile. Not too much heat but just enough to make it cozy for the girls without having to use too many heat lamps.

                                        

Puppies..Wonderful wonderful puppies♥

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me they are the role model for being alive.  ~Gilda Radner


Puppy update. They are getting big, fluffy, and so darn cute!

All but one of our pups are sold. We have a little girl pup left.
It is going to be a sad day when these little fluff balls of love leave the farm. They bring pure joy. Nothing can make you feel better like sitting with a puppy for a few minutes, and you instantly feel amazingly happy.
If I could, I would be surrounded by puppies all the time hahaha well that would be impossible and irresponsible and would probably classify someone as running a puppy mill.But its still a dream :)
The puppies are starting to wag their cute lil tails when you walk in and are starting to run around and play. Man they grow so fast, I see the change daily.



This is the biggest pup in the litter of 6. He is a watcher and is always checking things out.

My goal: To soak up as much puppy love I can until these little guys go to their new homes.

Eggplant Preserves

Here is a simple and easy recipe for all your extra fall Eggplant

Brad came in from the garden a few days ago with a grocery sack full of eggplant that went unseen. Mostly because they were hidden in the weeds lol. Now I'm not a huge fan of eggplant. It's always been bitter tasting to me. And I hate wasting the veggies so I decided to make a preserve out of it all. This recipe is so yummy. Its very clovey tasting and almost resembles a pie like flavor. This is great for crackers or would also be awesome on Ham,or as a marinade. Another great idea is on a grilled turkey and provolone sandwich when used as a chutney.

Eggplant Preserves

Ingredients:
2 lbs eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2'' cubes
3 cups white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tbs finely ground clove
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cups lemon juice
5 cups water




Instructions:

1. combine eggplant with 3 cups of water and 1 cup lemon juice in a pot and bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until eggplant is tender, stirring occasionally. Drain.

2. Add remaining 2 cups of water, white and brown sugar, spices and 1/4 cups of lemon juice. Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer for approx. 25-30 minutes as the syrup thickens, mixing frequently.
( I added pectin to this recipe to make it thicker)

3.Cool and transfer preserves to sterilized jars. Store in refrigerator for up to one week.

What can we eat?

Here is a link I wanted to share of some new reports saying that some chicken meat may contain small amounts of arsenic
FDA: Some chicken may have small amount of arsenic

And another great Link!

http://scienceline.org/2006/09/env-wenner-arsenic/

The thing that gets me is they claim that although the meat may contain arsenic, that the amount in the meat is so small that it poses no threat to human health...Seriously!! come on. I really don't want any amount in the food I eat. This is very disturbing! How did the arsenic even get there to begin with? Arsenic causes cancer even at the low levels currently found in our enviroment. Arsenic also causes, Heart disease,and diabetes!

The commercial broiler chicken industry has a decade old practice of intentionally putting arsenic into the chicken feed as a microbe inhibitor, But why...I want to know WHY!! What is the reason for this? Is there really anything we can  safely eat anymore?
Which brings me to the reason and importance of being more self sufficient.
When Brad and I had our Broiler chickens processed I had been very hesitant to eating one yet.These chickens became like pets to me, and would greet me every morning. But after reading this, I now have one finally thawing in my kitchen LOL. This is what it took I suppose to make me finally eat one of our Birds. I know that next year we will be doing more free ranged birds to fill up our freezer!
Self sufficient and off the grid....Our goals!

An exciting day of new life on the farm

The puppies are here, the puppies are here! Yes it is an exciting day here on the farm. Bella is a new mommy to 6 healthy chubby pups. 2 males and 4 females. All with beautiful badger markings.

(Bella in labor and looking very uncomfortable)

Bella went into labor yesterday morning. She began nesting and looked irritated. She had her first puppy at 9:00pm, and had a puppy ever hour until the last one was born at 2:00am. All went well with no problems.

Here is a little video






  

Cute Fuzzy adorable Pyrenees puppies

For as long as I can remember Ive always wanted to raise and breed Great Pyrenees dogs. This breed isn't for everyone, but they are an amazing breed! Our main reason for choosing this breed is for protection of our livestock, along with the Pyrenees sweet gentle nature with their flock,small animals and people.

On Valentines day 2007 Brad bought me my dream and the most adorable puppy! My Sammy Bear.
This is Sam at just 9 weeks, He was BIG boy!!

Building my dream slowly a few years later Bella joined the family. 
A year and a half later, and an OK from our vet, (Since you usually wait a full 2 years) We planned a romantic date for the two. Puppies on their way!! We can't wait! If all went well She will be due November 1st 2011

Our reason for wanting to breed the Pyrenees is this breed is kind of hard to find in our area, I feel there is a need for this breed in our area. For livestock farmers, or just people who want a amazing, sweet, gentle giant of a dog that is also able to keep predators away. The Pyrenees have also been used to watch over children instead of livestock!
Even though the Pyrenees is super gentle and sweet, these dogs can be very aggressive when they need to be. They usually sleep a lot during the day and are up at night barking and keeping critters away.

 Sam came from Buddy Bottoms Boer goat farm in Iowa. He came from show and working lines. There is a big difference in straight working and straight show lines in this breed.
Sam for example is a lot bigger and has a Immensely super thick fluffy long coat, which is common in show lines. Burrs and sticks have to be worked or cut out.

Bella is on the smaller side, and has a shorter close to the body coat type,

 Its still thick compared to most other breeds, But it's much thinner than Sammy's coat and burrs and sticks don't get stuck in her hair as easily. This is  typical of straight working lines. Mainly because the working lines of Pyrenees needed a thick yet short coat so no debris would get stuck to their hair while working sheep and goats in the Pyrenees  mountains.

If interested in a Pyrenees pup please contact us on Facebook. Puppies will not be registered. Sam Is AKC but Bella is not.I don't feel the need breed registered dogs, I would rather breed for working ability.

Washed in golden beautiful-ness

It's the first day of fall and everything is washed in golden beautiful-ness!
Fall is my favorite season and gives me a warm cozy feeling. I think that's just my bodies way of setting into a hibernation mode lol.
I love the lighting this time of year, Its more muted and warm toned. I could sit outside for hours just soaking it all in as the birds gather and the geese fly overhead. The corn and soybean fields are just beautiful, as the warm fall sun gleams a honey toned cast over it all. Even things as simple as the grass are a sight to be seen. The golden seed head swaying back and forth like stalks of wheat.As everything and Everyone gets ready for the arrival of winter.Fall also means breeding season here on the farm, and getting everything situated in the barn and winterized. And Projects finished before the cold weather hits. And an exciting time as well, as we will be expecting a litter of Great Pyrenees pups on November 1st and goat babies in February and March! As Life dies back in fall we welocome new life in the middle of it all. Exciting times here on the farm.
Its also means my clothesline drying days are dwindling down as things just aren't drying as fast as they were.A very sad reality in my world!
But as we say goodbye to summer and the growing seasons, The cold weather crops are in for Octobers harvest. We will have radishes,lettuce,arugula,spinach,and Swiss Chard. Maybe that will give us a taste of spring again before we put the garden to rest for the year.

 

 

One of the goats out in the beautiful fall grass

Brad out checking the fall seedling up in the garden

All life is precious

So yesterday we had a load of hay come in from our hay guy.  I saw a big cat that wasn't ours jump out as the wagon was coming down our drive. I thought "Oh great another wild cat on the farm" As this usually happens every year when hay comes lol.
As it was being unloaded, my brother stumbled upon a new litter of 4 kittens that must have been born in the bales a week ago I'm guessing as their eyes aren't open yet.
Now We could have called up our hay guy and have him come and get them, But I couldn't do that.
Ive heard to many horror stories of what these "Old time farmer mentality" guys do to a litter of farm kittens. Too many cats on the farm, So they will dispose of them. Not taking into consideration of how all life is precious and everything has a purpose. I left the kitties on the hay wagon overnight thinking momma cat might come back and get them, But she didn't. So first thing this morning I brought them into the house, Fed them eyedroppers of goat milk and made them a cozy place to sleep. Their bellies are full and hopefully I will be able to find them good homes when the time comes.

My 15 year old Chihuaua, "Baby" is taking to them well, And is almost acting like they are puppies. I'm hoping she lays with them and keeps them warm. Baby has great maternal instincts. She took to a baby pot belly pig we had once.

Got Milk?

   

We are now in Milk!  

 

                                    
We have welcomed yet another goat to the family. This is our new Nubian doe "Hope" I call her Milly since that's what she looks like to me lol. I think I will make that a permanent name for her now. She is such a sweetie and is still getting used to her new family of goats and dogs. She is taking awhile to warm up to Sam and Bella, But she is doing great. She has a nice big udder, and her teats are nice and big, which makes milking her a breeze and a lot of fun! She is a big girl at 170#, good thing she is super gentle and easy going with the other girls.

We are getting 2 quarts of milk from her a day. Her milk is super sweet and creamy, and were all enjoying having fresh milk in the house!

Having to milk a goat twice a day has actually been good for me. Surprisingly for a farm girl I'm not a morning person, And I like my sleep.Sleeping in is a wonderful thing LOL. Ive been getting up earlier and on time now, Milly has to be milked every 12 hours. It's very enjoyable and relaxing milking her. The feel of her soft warm udders and the sound of the milk as it hits the pail, Listening to her breath and chew her grain as I milk. Its very relaxing and therapeutic I highly suggest it!

                         This mornings milk

  Milly doesn't quite know what to think of Bella.Bella however loves Milly and tries giving her kisses

Morning Chores

I just realized I had not blogged in a really long time. So I decided to take a video of  the morning chores. 

You may need to turn off the blog music below.

Swiss Chard, Potato & Garlic Soup

Swiss Chard is a hard Veggie to sell. A lot of people run over to our booth thinking it's Rhubarb. They always ask me what can they do with it. Swiss Chard is a super food in my opinion, It's so full of nutrients!
So I thought I would try this soup out and share it since its So good! And super easy to make. It's not really soup weather outside but I had a bunch of leftover Swiss Chard from Market and I had to find something to make out of it.

1 bunch Swiss chard
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced ( I added more to taste Since I love garlic)
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 pound red potatoes, peeled and diced in 1/2 inch pieces
Salt and freshly milled black pepper to taste
1/4 - 1/2 cup Emmenthaler cheese, grated (Optional)

  





Clean Swiss chard. Remove leaves from heavy stems, keeping stems on side. Chop stems into 1/2 inch thick slices. Chop leaves into julienne. Keep separate. Set aside

Put oil butter and garlic in large soup pot. Let cook 5 minutes over low heat. Do not burn. This step is to allow garlic to release its juices.

Pour in broth and thyme. Put in potatoes and thick stems of the chard, raising heat to medium high. Bring to a boil. When boiling, lower heat to medium and cook until potatoes are beginning to soften, about 1 minutes. Stir in Swiss chard leaves and cook another 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add pepper and salt to taste.

Serve with grated cheese on the side

 

               This is what's for dinner tonight..Yummy!

It's a growing

We finally had a variety of things to sell this Saturday at market. Turnips, Swiss Chard,Kohlrabi,Lettuces,And beets.

We were happy the beets were finally ready to harvest. This year we grew three different kinds of Beets,Golden,traditional red, and a pink striped variety.I don't remember the specific names of them at the moment.We like the color it adds to the table and the different flavors.
This is the first time we are able to sell beets. Last years crop got overrun with weeds and they didn't grow much. We made sure to keep the beets as weed free as we could this time, and we've had a great turn out! We ended up selling mostly everything except for some Swiss Chard and some turnips. The Swiss chard will be processed today for the freezer.

I just love beets! They have such pretty rich coloring

Turnips and Swiss Chard

The cost of free ranging

I love having our chickens being completely free ranged. We have them on a 2 acre pasture surrounded by woods. They love to scratch around underneath the tree's for bugs and worms. I even seen them catch mice (Gross) They are truly very happy chickens.

Lately we have been noticing a major decline in our egg production. We went from gathering around 40 eggs a day and within a month drop down to around 20! What was going on we wondered! Maybe it was the feed. So we switched to a higher protein feed and started feeding them black oil sunflower seeds. Still nothing.

No signs of anything wrong, No dead chickens...nothing.
Finally brad noticed one morning when going to open the coop up for the day, A bird hanging out of the crack in the coop door, Something tried dragging out one of the hens. It was dead and stuck. We looked around the coop and found scratch marks going up the sides of the coop! Something had climbed up into the rafters and had been getting our hens.
We figured it must have been a coon? And had been killing at least a hen a night. We were so shocked! We had no signs of anything being killed at all!

So brad spent an hour putting wire along the rafters of the coop in the front and back. It was another learning experience,They will find a way in!!

The bad thing about this pasture is our dogs cannot roam in it because the fencing is this pasture needs completely redone. However we did get one pasture finished and the dogs are finally out roaming the property. Hopefully their distant barks will keep critters away!

Alex

This is our new little handsome guy "Alex". He came with the name Seamus pronounced (sheymus) We bought him from a breeder in Alexis Illinois so I thought the name Alex would fit him nicely.
Alex is a Mini Nubian, which is a cross between a Nigerian dwarf buck and a standard sized Nubian doe. Producing the look of a Nubian in a smaller size. Great for smaller farms or someone looking for a dairy goat with a high butterfat content in a smaller easier to handle size.

Alex and the girls are still getting used to each other and everyone seems to be getting along great! I cannot wait for cute lil floppy eared babies! Alex is only 3 months old so It might be a a month or 2 before he takes interest in them, Or we shall see when the girls come back into heat again.

Josie says thanks for the new friend! Elle never seems to want to be in my pictures lol she is camera shy I guess :0)