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Take one was started Sunday evening with lots of activity and random screaming in the background. Needless to say it was a little more scattered than normal and a tick on the boring side. I'll try again and see how I do. However, it will be hard to focus tonight since Kurt and I are eagerly anticipating the next installment of "24." It's about the only show Kurt and I really watch - we've seen all 50 seasons - ok, 7 - and don't know what we'll do when the series ends.
The birthday season is finally over at our house - 3 birthdays in 3 weeks - not the best planning on our part. . . . We've been bowling snd roller skating, had 3 cakes and two sets of cupcakes, plus we celebrated my mom's birthday with lots of cookies there in the middle. No wonder Anna can sing "Happy Birthday" and would quikcly respon to the question "What's tomorrow? with "My birf-day!"
During the last month, we also were able to squeeze in a quick overnight trip to the big city (Wichita). Saint Cynthia and Uncle Big watched al three girls while Kurt and I not only got the chance to finish sentences but entire conversations.
The weather has been extreme the last month with sixty degree differences in high and low temperatures. There for a few weeks it barely got out of the single digits and then it warmed up to the mid 50's. I don't mind winter but I could live without the bitter cold (thanks, Kurt, for cutting all that firewood). We're hoping for some moisture this week. Kurt's pretty sure we haven't had significant moisture since October or November. I bet he could check his little red cattle book and tell us for sure. During that really cold snap, Kurt decided once again that he prefers sitting by the fire in January to babysitting heifers that are about to calve.
Predators have continued to pester our laying hens. Just the other night, Yeller, our yellow lab and the best farm dog ever, was barking his "I'm serious, there's something that needs your attention" bark. I went to ask Kurt what was out in the backyard and before I could find him, I heard the BOOM of the shotgun. Yeller had caught a possum and Kurt "took care of it." I don't think the possum did near as much damage though as the bobcat that was here. About six weeks ago, we found all the hens roosting around the house. We weren't sure what had spooked them but it took three of us to herd them back to the Egg Sled in the dark. I'm not sure how many chickens Allison carried back to the hen house by herself that evening. The next afternoon, I looked out the patio door and all the chickens were running towards the house again. Kurt grabbed his shot gun and headed out to see what was going on . There was a bobcat running out of the Egg Sled towards the pasture. Unfortunately, the bobcat was too far away for Kurt to get a shot off. (Hmmm. . . lots of shotgun stories this month. Do you see a pattern?) It was time to call in the professionals. Kurt got a hold of a friend of his who traps and he set out to get the bobcat. It took over three weeks but finally, we (ok, Kurt and his friend) caught a very large bobcat. Hopefully, this solves our preator problems at least for awhile.
Last week, I got another farm first under my belt. I got to ride along with Kurt when we hauled two beeves to McPherson. I don't think I've ever had this privilege. Drivers on 54 weren't very patient with us though. Anyway, we'll have more brats and hot dogs in time for the Super Bowl. Let us know if you're interested. We're also going to have some beef jerky awailbale as well.
We're starting to make plans for processing later this spring. Let us know if you are intersted in reserving a quarter, half or whole (see our FAQs for information on the cost).
In addition to the new FAQs page, there are some other changes to our website (thanks, Mom!). They're pretty subtle. Check out the site and see if there's anything else we need to add/change. http://www.dalefamilyfarms.com/
Kurt and I have decided to make a few other changes. First of all, after much discussion and research, we have decided to collect sales tax beginning February 1st. Netiher of us is completely thrilled with this (mostly because the paperwork can be a nightmare. If we deliver, we have to charge the sales tax rate of where we delivered to.) We are aware of farmers doing what we're doing and some are collecting sales tax and some aren't. However, we think it is approproiate at this time for our operation. Because of agriculture exemptions, sales tax will NOT be charged on quarters, halves and wholes because we will be selling customers a live animal not retail meat.
One other big change will be effective Februaery 1st. We will begin charging a small fee for delivery. Kurt and I spent a lot of time during one meeting discussing what to do about delivery. We agreed that it wasn't fair for our local customers to pay the same price as customers who are 120+ miles away. However, we didn't want our delivery cost to be prohibitive either. This is what we've come up with to help cover our time and traveing expenses. If we pack up meat and take it somewhere off the farm, there will be a $5 fee. If we deliver the meat to your door (as opposed to a site convenient to us), there will be an addtional $10 fee. Delivery will also be available for quarters, halves and wholes but the fee will vary depending on the distance traveled.
We have also decided to implement a more regular delivery schedule. We thought this would help our customers plan better if they know when we're coming their way. As of now, we will make our Greensburg, Pratt and Wichita run once a month and plan to "go to town" sometime during the first week of every month. However, I'll only make the trip if my orders total $400. After putting a pencil to it, we decided it's not worth my time and mileage to go for less than that. We'll ask that orders be in by the end of the previous month and I'll let you know by the 2nd if I'm not coming. Depending on what happens in the next few months, we are also looking to add a Garden City run and possibly an Olathe run. They probably won't be monthly but we'll find some kind of scheulde. Questions or clarification, please, let me know.
We appreciate your willingness to grow with us as we learn the beef business. Kurt and I have said many times during the last two years that the meat business is very different than the beef business. I'd add it's more rewarding also. We get to deliver our product to the final consumer and get specific feedback from them. My favorite supporter is a little boy in Lindsborg who has become our biggest fan.
Enough business. Here's a funny for you - at least it is now. About two weeks ago, we bought a self inking stamp to start marking our beef. The intention is that we will be able to better manage our inventory and keeep track of processing dates. Being the forward thinker that I am, I also bought a bottle of refill ink. The moms out there are already seeing many potential disasters - somehow, they eluded me at the time. Not thinking much of it, I put both the stamp and the ink downstairs in our "business" bookcase. Fast forward several days. Allison and Anna were in the basement playing quietly. I ran upstairs to take care of something and then got distracted. I know I hollered down to check on everyone and Alliosn assured me they were good (she was engrossed in a computer game at the time). Next thing I know, Anna appears at the top of the stairs looking like a little Goth rocker. I forgot her fascination with lids. Apparently, Anna got the bottle of ink off the top shelf, unscrewed the lid and started having a good time. She had ink on both hands and a foot, in and on her mouth, on her belly and in the carpet. After the panic subsided, I realized the ink was water-based and non-toxic. Glad I hadn't made the call to poison control yet (we did that 18 months ago when she ate tomato leaves and they might keep records). After an hour in the tub, several glasses of water, and a good squirt of Resolve, life returned to "normal." Oh and I forgot to mention this all occured on Anna's 2nd birthday. This will be a fun year!
Natalie, on the other hand, is becomeing very resposnible and grown us (she's 5 now, you know). Apparently, she's learning to shift gears in the pick-up. For some reason, I question the wisdom here but Kurt assures me it's something farms kids do. He's teaching her to shift when she gets to sit in the middle seat of the pick-up. I guess she still needs to work on where each gear is - watch out if she gets 3rd and reverse confused!
I think we've told you that we plan to have pigs this year but goats are also about to make an appearance. Kurt and Allison are buy plotting and planning. Two goat books have arrived from Amazon.com, therefore the goats' arrival must be imminent. Allison is taking on goats as a 4-H project and Kurt is hoping to use them to control the plum thickets. I'm sure the goats will provide us with lots of stories. Stop by the farm in July and August and you're sure to see quite a menagerie - cattle, pigs, goats, chickens, and turkeys plus a dog and a few cats!
We're gearing up to host another Tips and Tastes party in March courstesy of my brother-in-law. Let me know if you're interested in sharing Dale Family Farms products with your family and friends.
My calendar is about to fill up for the next few months. The forensics season kicks off this weekend and I'm the assistant coach at the high school. Allison is an honorary member of the team and we'll keep you posted during the season. Allison is on another team this winter - she's plaing baseketball for the first time this year. She's enjoying practice (even the running) and is looking forward to her first game.
Although there is always more to share - I remember more the longer I write - I'll close for this month. Take care.
Oh wait, one more thing. After last night's supper, I've decidcd I'm not selling any more sirloin tip steak - also called tri tip steak. Just joking. We found the best and easiest recipe for this cut in The Grassfed Gourmet. It's on page 29, if you have the book. Since I don't have copyright permission for this recipe, I won't post it here but email me if you want the recipe for Flash Roasted Beef. It was easy and got two thumbs up from everyone at the table.
Andi
Friday, January 29, 2010
December 2009
I hope this edition of the Cattle Rattle finds you refreshed after the holidays. I think this has been the most relaxed Christmas season ever - OK, that might be a slight misstatement. I didn't have to get all stressed trying to fit Christmas around school work, final exam preparation and the hustle and bustle of the season this year. However, I'm not sure spending time with three very excited little girls could be qualified as down time. We could really "go green" if we found a way to harness their energy this time of the year.
Earlier this month, we had a chance to meet with Keith O'Neal of Satanta. He and his family have been processing chickens on the farm for several years. It's always good to visit with others who are doing the same type of thing we are - makes us feel a little more normal. In addition to being a worthwhile learning experience, Kurt and I got to visit uninterrupted for several hours and on the way home, we enjoyed amazing, authentic Mexican food.
We were able to enjoy Christmas at home again this year which means we avoided most of the snow that much of the state received. We were lucky enough though to get about 8 feet of wind. For those of you who live east of here, you have never truly experienced a windy day until you've been in 40 mph wind with very little wind break here in Southwest Kansas.
One last Christmas reflection and I'll move on. One of my favorite parts of Christmas has been watching my girls (and Kurt) try to be sneaky (Nat's word). Allison tries to play it cool and is very noncommittal in her answers. Natalie, on the other hand, tells you almost everything she can about a gift without saying what it is and then, is offended if you remind her it's supposed to be a secret. Anna just gets excited and tries out her new vocabulary while being shushed repeatedly by her sisters. Kurt, takes an entirely different tack. If I begin to ask too many questions, his reply quickly becomes "if you want, I can just tell you." I am glad that the conversation between Allison and Natalie: "I'll tell you what I got you if you tell me" is over for while. Eleven months of reprieve.
Another change we will be making in the next month or so is a small fee for the deliveries we make. After doing some more "ciphering," we've decided that we've not been allowing enough for fuel and wear and tear on the old suburban. Kurt and I are still working on the details and don't plan to implement anything until the first of February. That said, we will be in the Wichita area on January 9th and 10th and the 16th and 17th and in McPherson January 6th if there's anything you need.
I'm not sure how many times during the last few frigid weeks I've heard Kurt say "I'm so glad I'm not calving in January." Life has been so much easier since we started calving in April and May. Kurt doesn't miss checking on heifers at 10 pm and 2 am - especially on those nights when the temperatures are in the teens or colder.
Currently, we have cows on crop residue and calves on wheat pasture and alfalfa. Kurt is working hard to make sure we best utilize our land resources and has been supplementing less and less.
We preg checked our cows and heifers earlier this month and were pleased with the conception rate. (A quick note of explanation: when the vet preg checks he/she checks to see if a cow has been bred and about how far along she is. To do this, the cattle have to be brought into the pen and run through the chute to be checked one at a time.) Allison got to help this year and thought she was pretty big stuff. There was another third grader there with his dad and together they were in charge of tags and record keeping (with a little supervision from Grandpa). Unfortunately, our layers are not faring quite as well. In June, we started 115 pullets - we are down to less than 50! Predators have been a huge issue and just when we think we've taken care of the problem, a bobcat showed up. Kurt has a friend who traps and is coaching us on what to do to eradicate the problem.
Kurt and I are taking 2 beeves to McPherson in January. I think this is the first time I've ever got to ride along when Kurt has pulled the livestock trailer. Our plan is to have more hot dogs and brats made. If you haven't tried our brats or hot dogs yet, you need to. We've had more people tell us the hot dogs are the best they've ever had.
Now for news on the family front. First, my Mom gets to make an appearance in this month's update. Both Allison and Natalie got to go visit for a few days. They both enjoy the one-on-one time with Grandma and enjoy their sisters' company much more when they return. Other big news - my Mom turned 60 this month. Happy Birthday Mom! We'll celebrate big in a few weeks with an Open House.
Allison had her grade school program at the beginning of the month AND she performed a short Christmas poem from memory, by herself, with voices (I have to brag a little). Then, the next week, she played the piano in church. So much braver than her momma at that age.
Natalie also performed in a couple of programs this month. The first one was for preschool and I was so proud of her - she sang out - just like her teacher asked her to. Ok, sang out is an understatement. Natalie went full volume - great for a little girl who hates to sing in front of a group. Then about three weeks later, she had to sing in the church program. Now granted, she didn't know all the words and there was a huge crowd but Nat refused to sing. I think she chewed her gum and frowned the entire time. Very much her own person!
Ok, one more Christmas story - Kurt said I should mention the Red Rider BB gun here. For those familiar with the movie "A Christmas Story," you will see the connection in a moment. Ever since we did our shopping for the Angel Tree, Natalie was obsesses with a Cinderella Polly Pocket - Kurt's become quite the expert if you need to know what this is.
Every morning:
"Momma, can we go get the Polly Pocket today?"
"Do you think Cinderella is still at Wal-Mart? (Kurt explained stockrooms.)
"I wonder who will give me Cinderella." (At which point, her worldly sister felt the need to explain that you don't always get everything on your list.)
"Do you think we could go to Wal-Mart tomorrow?" (I had to remind her that we live a long way from Wal-Mart, thank goodness.)
"Do you think this store might have Cinderella?" (Hope springs eternal for an almost-five-year old walking into the hardware store.)
Thankfully, Cinderella was, in fact, under the tree. Rarely have I seen my daughter so single-minded for so long - if only we can focus her.
I'm surprised Anna didn't end up on Santa's naughty list this year. One morning she climbed up on the counter (and taunted me), emptied her sister's backpack and chased Natalie with a soda cracker (that's a story for another day) - all before 8 am! One afternoon, I found her with a flashlight laid out on the table in several pieces. She was working hard at putting it back together. Then, another night AFTER Kurt put her to bed, he found her at the top of the stairs with a bag of Cheetos. Never a dull moment.
I'm getting ready for the Forensics season at the high school. We hosted a kick off party before Christmas and I'm looking froward to spending time with the high school kids again. Kurt has kept himself busy tending to livestock, cutting firewood and hibernating in the evening (he thinks this sounds better than "he's snoring in his recliner.")
May 2010 be full of blessings!
Andi
I've never consider myself a writer. In fact, I used to dread writing assignments in high school - often resorting to drawing cubes on my paper (writer's block - get?) as I struggled to find ideas and organize myself. Over Christmas, I found out some of my in-laws look forward to getting our monthly updates. Ok, now the pressure is on to write something good. Gee thanks, guys.
If you know of someone who would be interested in grass-finished products or stories of life on the farm, feel free to forward The Cattle Rattle or send me their email address and I'll add them to our mailing list. You're also welcome to unsubscribe. Jut reply to this email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. Just be ready to send a small donation so I can seek some counseling to help me deal with my insecurities as a write.
Earlier this month, we had a chance to meet with Keith O'Neal of Satanta. He and his family have been processing chickens on the farm for several years. It's always good to visit with others who are doing the same type of thing we are - makes us feel a little more normal. In addition to being a worthwhile learning experience, Kurt and I got to visit uninterrupted for several hours and on the way home, we enjoyed amazing, authentic Mexican food.
We were able to enjoy Christmas at home again this year which means we avoided most of the snow that much of the state received. We were lucky enough though to get about 8 feet of wind. For those of you who live east of here, you have never truly experienced a windy day until you've been in 40 mph wind with very little wind break here in Southwest Kansas.
One last Christmas reflection and I'll move on. One of my favorite parts of Christmas has been watching my girls (and Kurt) try to be sneaky (Nat's word). Allison tries to play it cool and is very noncommittal in her answers. Natalie, on the other hand, tells you almost everything she can about a gift without saying what it is and then, is offended if you remind her it's supposed to be a secret. Anna just gets excited and tries out her new vocabulary while being shushed repeatedly by her sisters. Kurt, takes an entirely different tack. If I begin to ask too many questions, his reply quickly becomes "if you want, I can just tell you." I am glad that the conversation between Allison and Natalie: "I'll tell you what I got you if you tell me" is over for while. Eleven months of reprieve.
Another change we will be making in the next month or so is a small fee for the deliveries we make. After doing some more "ciphering," we've decided that we've not been allowing enough for fuel and wear and tear on the old suburban. Kurt and I are still working on the details and don't plan to implement anything until the first of February. That said, we will be in the Wichita area on January 9th and 10th and the 16th and 17th and in McPherson January 6th if there's anything you need.
I'm not sure how many times during the last few frigid weeks I've heard Kurt say "I'm so glad I'm not calving in January." Life has been so much easier since we started calving in April and May. Kurt doesn't miss checking on heifers at 10 pm and 2 am - especially on those nights when the temperatures are in the teens or colder.
Currently, we have cows on crop residue and calves on wheat pasture and alfalfa. Kurt is working hard to make sure we best utilize our land resources and has been supplementing less and less.
We preg checked our cows and heifers earlier this month and were pleased with the conception rate. (A quick note of explanation: when the vet preg checks he/she checks to see if a cow has been bred and about how far along she is. To do this, the cattle have to be brought into the pen and run through the chute to be checked one at a time.) Allison got to help this year and thought she was pretty big stuff. There was another third grader there with his dad and together they were in charge of tags and record keeping (with a little supervision from Grandpa). Unfortunately, our layers are not faring quite as well. In June, we started 115 pullets - we are down to less than 50! Predators have been a huge issue and just when we think we've taken care of the problem, a bobcat showed up. Kurt has a friend who traps and is coaching us on what to do to eradicate the problem.
Kurt and I are taking 2 beeves to McPherson in January. I think this is the first time I've ever got to ride along when Kurt has pulled the livestock trailer. Our plan is to have more hot dogs and brats made. If you haven't tried our brats or hot dogs yet, you need to. We've had more people tell us the hot dogs are the best they've ever had.
Now for news on the family front. First, my Mom gets to make an appearance in this month's update. Both Allison and Natalie got to go visit for a few days. They both enjoy the one-on-one time with Grandma and enjoy their sisters' company much more when they return. Other big news - my Mom turned 60 this month. Happy Birthday Mom! We'll celebrate big in a few weeks with an Open House.
Allison had her grade school program at the beginning of the month AND she performed a short Christmas poem from memory, by herself, with voices (I have to brag a little). Then, the next week, she played the piano in church. So much braver than her momma at that age.
Natalie also performed in a couple of programs this month. The first one was for preschool and I was so proud of her - she sang out - just like her teacher asked her to. Ok, sang out is an understatement. Natalie went full volume - great for a little girl who hates to sing in front of a group. Then about three weeks later, she had to sing in the church program. Now granted, she didn't know all the words and there was a huge crowd but Nat refused to sing. I think she chewed her gum and frowned the entire time. Very much her own person!
Ok, one more Christmas story - Kurt said I should mention the Red Rider BB gun here. For those familiar with the movie "A Christmas Story," you will see the connection in a moment. Ever since we did our shopping for the Angel Tree, Natalie was obsesses with a Cinderella Polly Pocket - Kurt's become quite the expert if you need to know what this is.
Every morning:
"Momma, can we go get the Polly Pocket today?"
"Do you think Cinderella is still at Wal-Mart? (Kurt explained stockrooms.)
"I wonder who will give me Cinderella." (At which point, her worldly sister felt the need to explain that you don't always get everything on your list.)
"Do you think we could go to Wal-Mart tomorrow?" (I had to remind her that we live a long way from Wal-Mart, thank goodness.)
"Do you think this store might have Cinderella?" (Hope springs eternal for an almost-five-year old walking into the hardware store.)
Thankfully, Cinderella was, in fact, under the tree. Rarely have I seen my daughter so single-minded for so long - if only we can focus her.
I'm surprised Anna didn't end up on Santa's naughty list this year. One morning she climbed up on the counter (and taunted me), emptied her sister's backpack and chased Natalie with a soda cracker (that's a story for another day) - all before 8 am! One afternoon, I found her with a flashlight laid out on the table in several pieces. She was working hard at putting it back together. Then, another night AFTER Kurt put her to bed, he found her at the top of the stairs with a bag of Cheetos. Never a dull moment.
I'm getting ready for the Forensics season at the high school. We hosted a kick off party before Christmas and I'm looking froward to spending time with the high school kids again. Kurt has kept himself busy tending to livestock, cutting firewood and hibernating in the evening (he thinks this sounds better than "he's snoring in his recliner.")
May 2010 be full of blessings!
Andi
I've never consider myself a writer. In fact, I used to dread writing assignments in high school - often resorting to drawing cubes on my paper (writer's block - get?) as I struggled to find ideas and organize myself. Over Christmas, I found out some of my in-laws look forward to getting our monthly updates. Ok, now the pressure is on to write something good. Gee thanks, guys.
If you know of someone who would be interested in grass-finished products or stories of life on the farm, feel free to forward The Cattle Rattle or send me their email address and I'll add them to our mailing list. You're also welcome to unsubscribe. Jut reply to this email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. Just be ready to send a small donation so I can seek some counseling to help me deal with my insecurities as a write.
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