Yep, just like I thought. Kurt was all talk last month when he said he'd start penning the Cattle Rattle. We're in the car on our way to a track meet and I even offered to take dictation but he decided he was too busy this month. Guess you're stuck with me. That's ok - I'd rather do this than hot (or cold, depending on the day), messy farm chores.
Where to start? Where to start? Spring is a hoppin' time on the farm. Not that we sit on our haunches (what are haunches, anyway?) all winter but the growing season has begun and we've got new life all over the place - although most of it is just as confused as I am by the wild swings in the weather!
There are all kind of babies roaming around right now. Our heifers and cows started calving a few weeks ago. We've had two shipments of chicks (200 meat birds and 125 layers). There was a litter of kittens but we think they've disappeared and that one of the cold snaps was just too much for them. And . . . (drum roll, please). . . . 1 baby goat! There's a sad side to this story but we're going to focus on the good things today. Allison's remaining doe had twins on April 24th - do you know how adorable baby goats are?! (Update - he's following his momma everywhere) His name is Survivor, if that tells you anything. Oh, and 5 other new additions - Red Wattle Hogs - 2 bred gilts (girls that haven't had piglets), 2 open gilts and a boar, Mr. Boar. Check out this
link to learn more about the breed and see how funny they look. They are supposed to be aggressive grazers - so far they have been! The two bred gilts are due sometime next month (both of their pregnancies were oops which is how we came to own them) - more babies!!
Broilers are out on pasture now. Kurt has worked hard to keep them comfortable in the brooder and on pasture - not an easy job when the temperatures have varied by 70 degrees! Kurt has also modified our chicken pens this year and we hope to let these guys free range just a bit during the day. This all happened by accident. Last year, we had a broiler chick get mixed in with the layers. He was pretty vigorous too and would wander several yards from the hen house and scratch for bugs. Last year, we used a different hatchery and believe these Cornish Crosses are a little hardier than we've had in the past. Other improvements in Poultry-land, include the addition of the "water wagon." Right now, adding water lines wherever we have poultry is cost prohibitive but hauling 5 gallon buckets of water 4 times/day gets tiresome. True to form, Kurt set out to find a better plan. He traded out for an axle/trailer thingy from a neighbor, bought a 55-gallon drum and got busy building the water wagon that can be pulled behind the 4-wheeler and used by his wife and daughters.
This first batch of chickens will be ready May 30 and 31. Holler if you'd like to reserve some. I've read and researched and we ARE eligible for a state/federal exemption and MAY deliver chickens. To celebrate, we're going on a chicken tour! We'll load the suburban down and head east - delivering them as we go. If you'd like to be a stop on our tour, email me how many you'd like and we'll put you on the list.
Also, Kurt will be hauling beeves to Krehbiels the first week of June. Please reserve yours soon so we can plan better. it will vary some by weight but quarters average around $500.
Now that the forensics season is coming to an end, I'll be gearing up soap production. Several of you have been patient while I've been trying to find time to restock. (oooh and I figured out how to shrink wrap my soaps that will make them look a little more professional)
Kurt and Anna both seem to be fully recovered from their accident Kurt still gets a little stuff but his neck is much better.
We'll be in Dodge on May 7th; Greensburg and Pratt on the 9th; and through Greensburg, Pratt and Wichita on the 10th If you'd like to place an order, email me.
Family updates:
Kurt - With more daylight, he's working longer days and is often up before 5 to do his thinking and planning for the day. He's also been a rock star by attending all 3 of Allison's track meets - rain or shine, warm or cold. Oh, and he's also started putting in the garden!
Allison - Miss A has been competing in track this spring - well kind of. The weather has really thrown a wrench in the whole season. Two meets have been cancelled and one has been postponed. It's really hard to practice for a month without a meet!
Natalie - Nat is desperate for warmer weather and flip flops. "When is it going to be spring for real?" If I knew that Natalie, I'd be rich. Counting down the days until school's out.
Anna - Only 2 more weeks of preschool - I can't hardly believe it. She is turning in to such a big girl and wants to be a helper whenever she can - and even when she's too little.
Maybe next month, I can tell you how "normal" the weather has been!
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