November editon

I hope you have had a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

On Monday, we processed 12 turkeys and learned much during the day - another chapter in our book titled "What not to do on the farm." The turkeys were just a little bigger than we expected - ok, lots bigger than we expected - and the day became a comedy of errors as we tried to work with 25-30 pound turkeys instead of the expected 15-30 pounders. For example, we had intended on leaving all 12 birds in the chill tank for several hours. That is, until we discovered that the tank would hold at most 3 turkeys. Eventually, all the turkeys were cleaned and chilling. Several of our customers were surprised by the size as well - none so much though as Kurt's sister. She told us she wanted on of the big ones - I don't think she was expecting 29 pounds! We got a report from her later and she barely got the turkey in her oven. Next year, we'll start the turkeys a little later so they're not quite so big. Thankfully, everyone we've talked to has been very pleased with their turkeys. We're planning on doing more turkeys next year (maybe 40-50??) and we'll definitely tweak our system so that they don't all roost on the porch and I'll do some strength training before we process.

I think last month, I mentioned that we were picking up bratwurst and hot dogs. Wow! We've been very pleased with the product, quality and the response. In less than a month, we've sold out of the bratwurst and sold a bunch of hot dogs - my favorite. Because of their popularity, Kurt has scheduled another date in January to have more made. He's also considering having some beef jerky made - let us know what you thinks.

During the last month or so, our egg production hit rock bottom - maybe 6 eggs a day - from 30 hens and 60 pullets! I decided to do some research (you can find anything on-line!) and found a 1930-s publication that said mixing older layers and pullets would cause production to go down. The older hens get fat and quit laying and the younger pullets get bullied and don't get enough protein to lay. Amazing what wisdom you can find in the older literature! Next year, we'll be more careful about mixing our replacement pullets with our current layers. To solve our problem, we culled the old hens - we had several customers interested in stewing hens - they make great chicken and noodles! Anyway, within 2 weeks our egg production has gone from 6 to 20 eggs. We hope to be getting 3-4 dozen eggs a day pretty soon. We've also started getting an occasional green egg from our Araucanas. If you are an egg customer, watch for a green egg or two. We're also getting a few double yolks right now - they're more common with young hens whose reproductive systems are not fully mature.

Recently, a young friend of ours gave a report on processing chickens to his 3rd grade class. He'd helped us last summer and wanted to share what he'd learned with his classmates. Surprisingly, very few of his classmates knew where their food came from. One young man argued that his turkey for Thanksgiving didn't come from a farm - it cam from the store. Adam has become quite an ambassador for our farm and knowing where your food comes from. We hope to post his power point presentation on our web site soon.

If you're still looking for that perfect consumable, green, one size fits almost anyone gift for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list (or even your easy-to-buy-for person), consider a Dale Family Farm sampler or a smaller cut. We offer a Grilling Sampler with sirloin, hamburger, and hot dogs and a Country Comfort Sampler with a roast, soup bone, stew meat and hamburger. Both retail for $40. We're also working on a Steak Sampler.

Kurt wanted me to share that we interseeded turnips with some of our wheat this year (ok, Kurt did the interseeding. I didn't really help with this one.) Apparently, it's a good winter forage and the cattle like the turnips when they show up. We'll keep you posted.

I will be in Wichita (Pratt and Greensburg, as well) on December 6 and December 22. If you are interested in anything, please let me know. I'd be happy to bring it with me.

Allison will be making her piano debut this month in church. Piano has been good for her - it makes her think!

Natalie lost her first tooth. She hit her mouth on the couch two weeks ago - probably doing something we'd warned the girls against. The next week she just grabbed hold and yanked. She looks like such a big kid with the gap.

Anna got a big girl haircut. She wouldn't let me comb it or put it up so we went with a pixie cut. Her sister thinks she looks like a boy - I think she's sweet.

It's been nice to have Kurt home early in the evenings. Between football season being over and the time change - we have a lot of time together in the evenings.

I've enjoyed being busy with the girls and the farm - I think my official title lately has been chauffeur.

As you look forward this month to Christmas, take some to be quiet and prepare your heart for the season.

Blessings!