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Wow! What a month! I can't believe it's only been 4 weeks since the last edition of the Cattle Rattle.
Probably the biggest change at our house is my career change. People have kept asking me if I've retired from teaching - I'm not old enough for that yet! Instead, I've taken a new position at Dale Family Farms - C.M.M. For those of you unfamiliar with the lingo, that's Chief Mom and Marketer. I am now officially a stay-at-home mom and employee of Dale Family Farms and I'm loving it. However, I've yet to have my first bon-bon on the couch while watching the soaps.
Actually, I haven't had much chance to put my feet up lately,. I've been to Greensburg the last 4 weeks to attend the farmers' market. We've had a great response for as early as it is in the season and plan to be there the rest of the summer. I've had at least one helper with me every Satruday and Allison plans to bake muffins to take next week.
We also had the privlelege of hosting a second Tips and Tastes party at Kurt's sister, Cynthia's house. We had a great time, met good people and got to share dinner and our story with others. We may have a couple more parties scheduled in the fall. If you are interested in hosting, let me know.
Kurt has also been busy - often wishing for another 10 hours in a day. However, he's not sure if he would have used those hours to sleep or work. Our first cutting of hay is officially out of the field. The rains we've had helped make it a good cutting but Kurt was ready to be done baling at 2 in the morning. Calves are also worked and we were blessed to have good neighbors around to help. Another first for me - I got to feed the men that helped. I thought I had everything timed perfectly until Kurt called and siad they were running behind - by an hour! Allison even got to help this year. She was the official record keeper and got to tag a few calves all by herself.
And, we've processed our first two sets of chickens - AND the chicken plucker works! We keep getting faster and were thankful to have help both times.
Currently, we have 165 chicks in the brooder - about one third meat birds and the rest are laying -hens-to-be. We were surprised last week when the post office called and said we had chicks there. We had to do some shuffling and Allison and Natalie were great help. Allison and I moved chicks around - I am a city girl no more - and Natalie "babysat" Anna while she took a nap. After all the chicks were cozy and happy, I checked my calendar and we were supposed to get chicks - I just wrote it down the wrong day. God's still teaching me to be flexible and roll with the punches.
We will have beef quarters, halves and wholes available again in the early fall. Start thinking now if you want to place an order and need to make room in the freezer. If you enjoy cuts other than hamburger (i.e. steaks, roasts, cube steak, etc), this is a more economical route. Chickens are still available on August 7, August 22 and October 3 but they selling fast. Remember, state law requires chickens to be picked up on the farm.
I'm so glad we've started more layers even though they won't start laying until September. Our egg demand is starting to surpass our supply.
On a more personal note, the girls have had a good start to the summer even thought they assure me that we haven't been to the pool enough - the weather hasn't cooperated much but Kurt tells us the rain we've got will make the grass grow. Allison has been playing designated pitch for the first time this summer. She enjoys it and is starting to gain some confidence as a batter. Natalie thoroughly enjoyed banastics (translation: gymnastics). She loves to move and really loved the six sessions the rec commisiion sponsored. She can't wait to do more. Anna is talking up a storm - if you pay attention and know the context, her words make perfect sense. She also thinks that she needs to do everything her older sisiters are doing.
Until next month -
Monday, June 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The end of the school year is always a busy time and this year it seems even busier – probably because I have been gone the last three weekends and the laundry fairy hasn’t made an appearance. The last few weeks have also been filled with packing. As of May 22, I will be trading textbooks and students for children and chickens. I have enjoyed teaching the last 14 years but am excited about this new adventure as a full time mom and farm hand.
With endings, also come new beginnings. On May 9th, we had our first Tips and Tastes party. Jim and Jennifer Tillberg were very gracious hosts and we shared farm fare and fellowship with several other couples. If you’re interested in hosting a Tips and Tastes party in the fall, please let me know. It’s a great time to find out more about how your food is raised and meet your farmers.
This seems to be a time for firsts. Beginning May 23rd, Dale Family Farms will be attending the Greensburg Farmers Market. After two years of looking for a farmers market that would fit with our production model and distance, we finally found a place to go. We are very thankful that they are allowing us to come and are sure that it will be a learning experience.
I think last month I wrote that we had received a huge amount of snow at the end of March. The moisture has continued and we’ve received 6-7 more inches of rain during the last month. Everything is green and growing. My husband, the optimist, assures me however that we are always two weeks away from being dry again – the hazards of living in the desert. I’ll enjoy it for now.
We still have chickens available at this time and they will be available around May 30, June 13, June 27, August 22, and October 3. If you’re interested,
please email me and reserve them. Remember because of state statues, home processed poultry must be sold ON the farm. Several people have asked if we sell cut up chickens. Not yet – I’m still learning how to cut them up and my parts don’t look very pretty yet. Possibly next season if enough people seem interested. For now, check out the YouTube video on our website showing how to cut up a chicken – it’s really not that hard.
We always have eggs available. Our hens are very faithful layers. Allison was very puzzled one evening – we collected 41 eggs from 40 hens! They’re also prone to field trips. They hitch a ride on the back of Kurt’s pick-up and once he finds them, they get to ride home in the caker.
We are still taking orders for quarters, halves and whole sides of beefs. We plan to have cuts and hamburger available for the summer as well. Check out the website for available cuts and pricing. If there’s something not listed, let us know and maybe we can add it to our list. Kurt’s also working on a beef bratwurst that we hope to have available this summer.
Now since several family members are on our mailing list, I’m going to take a minute to brag on the girls.
Allison can ride a bike! Woohoo! This has been an accomplishment several years in the making.
Natalie is no longer afraid of any farm animals. She and the dogs have made nice and are now friends. She throws grass to the chickens to “feed” them instead of running away and has even helped her dad collect eggs.
Anna’s vocabulary is expanding by the day – she’s adding words like “down,” “Grandpa,” and everybody’s favorite, “yeehaw.”
Until next month. . . .
With endings, also come new beginnings. On May 9th, we had our first Tips and Tastes party. Jim and Jennifer Tillberg were very gracious hosts and we shared farm fare and fellowship with several other couples. If you’re interested in hosting a Tips and Tastes party in the fall, please let me know. It’s a great time to find out more about how your food is raised and meet your farmers.
This seems to be a time for firsts. Beginning May 23rd, Dale Family Farms will be attending the Greensburg Farmers Market. After two years of looking for a farmers market that would fit with our production model and distance, we finally found a place to go. We are very thankful that they are allowing us to come and are sure that it will be a learning experience.
I think last month I wrote that we had received a huge amount of snow at the end of March. The moisture has continued and we’ve received 6-7 more inches of rain during the last month. Everything is green and growing. My husband, the optimist, assures me however that we are always two weeks away from being dry again – the hazards of living in the desert. I’ll enjoy it for now.
We still have chickens available at this time and they will be available around May 30, June 13, June 27, August 22, and October 3. If you’re interested,
please email me and reserve them. Remember because of state statues, home processed poultry must be sold ON the farm. Several people have asked if we sell cut up chickens. Not yet – I’m still learning how to cut them up and my parts don’t look very pretty yet. Possibly next season if enough people seem interested. For now, check out the YouTube video on our website showing how to cut up a chicken – it’s really not that hard.
We always have eggs available. Our hens are very faithful layers. Allison was very puzzled one evening – we collected 41 eggs from 40 hens! They’re also prone to field trips. They hitch a ride on the back of Kurt’s pick-up and once he finds them, they get to ride home in the caker.
We are still taking orders for quarters, halves and whole sides of beefs. We plan to have cuts and hamburger available for the summer as well. Check out the website for available cuts and pricing. If there’s something not listed, let us know and maybe we can add it to our list. Kurt’s also working on a beef bratwurst that we hope to have available this summer.
Now since several family members are on our mailing list, I’m going to take a minute to brag on the girls.
Allison can ride a bike! Woohoo! This has been an accomplishment several years in the making.
Natalie is no longer afraid of any farm animals. She and the dogs have made nice and are now friends. She throws grass to the chickens to “feed” them instead of running away and has even helped her dad collect eggs.
Anna’s vocabulary is expanding by the day – she’s adding words like “down,” “Grandpa,” and everybody’s favorite, “yeehaw.”
Until next month. . . .
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April 2009
Greetings!
As you may have noticed our update has a real name this month. A huge thank you to everyone who sent us ideas. I was amazed by the response and you had great ideas - we have very clever customers! Congratulations to Malori Clark of Phoenix, AZ. Kurt and I are very pleased with "The Cattle Rattle" but it was hard to pick. We'll be archiving our newsletters on the website thanks to my mom, the webmaster.
Moisture. Be careful what you pray for or you might end up with 30 inches of snow. Many of you know that we had a blizzard in Kansas during the last weekend in March. We had drifts almost 10 feet high in places and were homebound for about three days. I've attached a couple of pictures. Thankfully, all of our cattle survived and we only lost one laying hen to frostbite. The snow and subsequent rains have provided much needed moisture and pastures are really greening up.
New life. Sping is popping out all over. About half of our calves are on the ground and we've had very few problems - calving in April is much easier than January. The first baby was born the day AFTER the blizzard. Chicks arrived last week and are growing quickly. Two chicks even survived show and tell in the 2nd grade AND day care.
Web site. If you have a chance, check out http://www.dalefamilyfarms.com/ We've posted a few new recipes - some Dale Family favorites.
Party. We are excited to host our first Tips and Tastes party (thanks Clarisa for the name!). Good friends in Lindsborg have agreed to be our hosts in May. We're taking a Pampered Chef/Tupperware approach. We'll be sharing samples our beef and poulty and answering questions about how we're raising food on the farm. Please let us know if you're interested in finding out more about hosting your own party.
What's available? We're getting ready to butcher beef the first part of May. Please let us know if you are interested in ordering sides or quarters. We will also have chickens ready on or around May 31, June 13, June 27, July 22 and September 3. We'd be happy to reserve some for you.
We continue to be encouraged by your positive feedback about the good food we're producing.
Blessings!
As you may have noticed our update has a real name this month. A huge thank you to everyone who sent us ideas. I was amazed by the response and you had great ideas - we have very clever customers! Congratulations to Malori Clark of Phoenix, AZ. Kurt and I are very pleased with "The Cattle Rattle" but it was hard to pick. We'll be archiving our newsletters on the website thanks to my mom, the webmaster.
Moisture. Be careful what you pray for or you might end up with 30 inches of snow. Many of you know that we had a blizzard in Kansas during the last weekend in March. We had drifts almost 10 feet high in places and were homebound for about three days. I've attached a couple of pictures. Thankfully, all of our cattle survived and we only lost one laying hen to frostbite. The snow and subsequent rains have provided much needed moisture and pastures are really greening up.
New life. Sping is popping out all over. About half of our calves are on the ground and we've had very few problems - calving in April is much easier than January. The first baby was born the day AFTER the blizzard. Chicks arrived last week and are growing quickly. Two chicks even survived show and tell in the 2nd grade AND day care.
Web site. If you have a chance, check out http://www.dalefamilyfarms.com/ We've posted a few new recipes - some Dale Family favorites.
Party. We are excited to host our first Tips and Tastes party (thanks Clarisa for the name!). Good friends in Lindsborg have agreed to be our hosts in May. We're taking a Pampered Chef/Tupperware approach. We'll be sharing samples our beef and poulty and answering questions about how we're raising food on the farm. Please let us know if you're interested in finding out more about hosting your own party.
What's available? We're getting ready to butcher beef the first part of May. Please let us know if you are interested in ordering sides or quarters. We will also have chickens ready on or around May 31, June 13, June 27, July 22 and September 3. We'd be happy to reserve some for you.
We continue to be encouraged by your positive feedback about the good food we're producing.
Blessings!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
March 2009
I'm going to try my hand at a monthly newsletter - keep you up to date on what we're doing and what's coming up. If you'd prefer not to receive it, please let me know.
Spring is here! Even though we haven't had significant moisture in several months, things are trying to green up and grow. Rain soon is necessary. We have a good chance of snow this weekend and it would be welcomed.
A real farmer is created. I (Andi) am about to become a "real" farmer and home economist in May. After 14 years of teaching, I'm going to take an extended leave of absence to stay home and raise children and chickens. I'm excited about the opportunity and have even bought my first pair of REAL work boots to help Kurt outside.
Beef. We are starting to take orders for sides and quarters of beef. Meat should be ready around the first of June. Please let us know if you are interested. Currently, we have single cuts of meat available on the farm. Check out our prices per pound at http://www.dalefamilyfarms.com/
Eggs. Our layers are in full production. They are enjoying the fresh pasture and have started to leave the dogs' food alone in favor of green grass.
Poultry. We will have whole broilers available this summer and are excited about this new adventrue. If you are interested in purchasing chickens, please let us know and we will reserve some for you. Chickens must be purchased on the farm and will be available on or around May 30, June 13, June 27, July 22, September 3.
Blessings!
Andi Dale
Dale Family Farms
526 AVenue K
Protection, KS 67127
620.622.4473
thedales@unitedwireless.com
I'm going to try my hand at a monthly newsletter - keep you up to date on what we're doing and what's coming up. If you'd prefer not to receive it, please let me know.
Spring is here! Even though we haven't had significant moisture in several months, things are trying to green up and grow. Rain soon is necessary. We have a good chance of snow this weekend and it would be welcomed.
A real farmer is created. I (Andi) am about to become a "real" farmer and home economist in May. After 14 years of teaching, I'm going to take an extended leave of absence to stay home and raise children and chickens. I'm excited about the opportunity and have even bought my first pair of REAL work boots to help Kurt outside.
Beef. We are starting to take orders for sides and quarters of beef. Meat should be ready around the first of June. Please let us know if you are interested. Currently, we have single cuts of meat available on the farm. Check out our prices per pound at http://www.dalefamilyfarms.com/
Eggs. Our layers are in full production. They are enjoying the fresh pasture and have started to leave the dogs' food alone in favor of green grass.
Poultry. We will have whole broilers available this summer and are excited about this new adventrue. If you are interested in purchasing chickens, please let us know and we will reserve some for you. Chickens must be purchased on the farm and will be available on or around May 30, June 13, June 27, July 22, September 3.
Blessings!
Andi Dale
Dale Family Farms
526 AVenue K
Protection, KS 67127
620.622.4473
thedales@unitedwireless.com
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