August 2009

August is almost over and school is well under way and even though I’m not in the classroom this school year, life still seems to be full and just a little busy. I keep thinking to myself “how on earth did we keep all those balls in the air last year and not go crazy?” My oldest daughter will assure you that her mom is a little less crazy this year and if she can tell a difference, we must be doing something right. (As a side note, I’ve been rereading Breathe by Keri Wyatt Kent. Consider it if you’ve been looking to slow down a little.)

Even though I’m staying home, several Dales are actively involved in school this year. Allison started 3rd grade and would be much more excited about school if it didn’t involve getting up before 8 – so like her Grandma Billie! Natalie has started her 2nd year of pre-school and thoroughly enjoys it. She always has lots to share on the ride home. And finally, Kurt has started football practice at the high school. We eat a little later but he’s enjoying the time with some boys, getting a good dose of testosterone and is looking forward to the first game.

I think in my last post, I mentioned that we were about to go camping. A word to the wise: two nights of camping with an adventurous 18-month old is about one and a half nights too many. We had a great time but the adults came home ready for a vacation.

We had 15 turkeys arrive the week we went camping. They lived in the safety of the brooder for about 3 weeks and then moved to a new home Kurt dubbed the “Turkey Trap.” However, they weren’t nearly as appreciative of Kurt’s hard work as they should have been. We left the turkeys shut in their new abode for a couple of days so they would know where home was – we’ve read in multiple places that birds have amazing homing abilities. One day last week, Kurt decided it was time for them to start foraging. Kurt let them out of the Turkey Trap and WE LOST THEM!! Thankfully, it was only temporary. However, it was quite a site to watch Kurt try multiple times to herd the turkeys that night. Apparently, they prefer sleeping under the stars. They are in and out of the Turkey Trap for food, water and shade but won’t sleep there – trust me, we’ve tried! So far, the turkeys have slept UNDER the Turkey Trap, in the dog’s spot in the yard, and on the porch. Obviously, we have lots to learn.

Turkeys are not the only poultry providing excitement (and entertainment) on the farm. Occasionally, a chicken will hop on the back of Kurt’s pickup (although this weekend, I had two hop in the front of the suburban). When he finds them, Kurt is gracious enough to let them ride home in the caker. Last Thursday, a hen hopped a ride to town when Kurt went in for football practice. He parked at the grade school and got a ride to the high school. After he left, the hen came out of hiding just after the grade school students got out for the day – those of you in education can probably see where this is heading. Several kids played chicken rodeo before our bus driver stepped in on the chicken’s behalf. Eventually, the hen made her way back to the pickup and waited for Kurt’s return. I’m pretty sure she didn’t lay for several days!

We have been blessed with some late summer rains. While it’s always dry here in August, at least it’s not brown and there’s grass for the cattle to eat.

Our last bunch of chicks arrived last week and I unloaded them all by myself. Turning into quite a hand if I do say so myself. Kurt was busy when the post office called to say the chicks were in and Allison was at school so, that left me. The chicks wiggle a little too much for me when I pick them up but I got them out of the box, their first drinks and thankfully all of them survived my handling.

Of the 150 chickens we will process in October, we only have 60 that are not spoken for. If you’re interested, please let me know. We have been amazed at the response this summer and plan to raise more broilers next summer.

Our laying hens are still doing well – just barely keeping up with demand. We have about 100 pullets that will be coming into lay in the next month. We have added a few Araucanas to our flock this year. If you’re one of our egg customers, be on the lookout for a surprise every now and then (hmm. . . .how many of you will Google Araucana to see what’s special about their eggs?)

Kurt and I spent two days in Oklahoma City last week. We attended a grazing conference – who knew there were whole conferences on grazing? This is the second year we went and it’s much more laid back then the education conferences I’m used to. We learned a lot, were encouraged even more and enjoyed the time (without kids) to plan for the future of our farm.

We’re about to finish up our first season at the farmers’ market. I’ve learned so much this summer and am already starting to think about next summer. Probably the most encouraging part of the market is the number of repeat customers we’ve had and those who have asked “what are we going to do this fall for beef when the market’s closed?”

Currently, we have cuts and ground beef available and will have quarters, halves and wholes in early October. Start cleaning out your freezer and reserve yours today.

Many of you have discovered that our grass-finished beef just tastes better than anything you can buy in the grocery store. It’s also better for you. Check out www.eatwild.com for more information on the health benefits of grass-finished beef.

Until next month,

Andi