As the cooler days of fall begin to take over, the farm begins to take on a different look. Although at first glance everything may seem to be slowing down around here with the chickens out of the field until next spring, and the garden looking pretty tired, it is really a very active and busy time of year. Our feed supplier is already checking in with the latest news on product availability for next spring, the buildings need attention after housing so many young animals over the course of the summer, and an assessment is being made in regards to how to make improvements for next year’s growing season.

Looking around the farm at this time of year is sort of nostalgic. We’ve enjoyed many days of hard work. During the summer we’ve made new friends at farmer’s market as well as through our milk co-ops. Improvements to the farm were made and taken for granted so quickly. Animals have come and gone. So many animals have grown up so much. Our calf, Splenda, has become difficult to pick out when the girls are all out in the field.

Sometimes farming seems like it should be a seasonal occupation. Actually many who purchase from us at the market think of it as just that. But we will be farming all fall and winter too! The milking of the cows is a twice a day job, 365 days out of the year. That was a bit of an adjustment for our girls the first year we had cows at Christmas time! The hens will continue to lay and the collection of eggs actually steps up as the eggs need to be collected before they can freeze so some days that means collecting more than once. We will begin ordering broiler chicks in Feb with them arriving in March. Feed for the chicks will be ordered about that same time. The broiler pens will need repaired this winter. And we will continue to make trips to Omaha to deliver our scrumptious products.

We hope to be able to deliver to the Village Pointe area in west Omaha once a month. We will send a list of what is currently available to anyone who asks for it. Orders will be collected and so long as the orders are large enough to justify the gas we will make delivery on the first Sat of Nov and Dec, then the second Sat in Jan then back to the first Saturdays for Feb, March and April. Send us an e-mail if you would like added to our e-mail reminder list.

This fall we would also be happy to have help with any of our many projects. If you have a little extra time (or a lot) and would like to come experience an hour (or a day) working on the farm give us a call and let us know when you are coming. We have projects like fence repair, weeding, building projects, mucking out barns, splitting wood, and general clean up.

Another item we have to offer this fall/winter season lectures for your organization, office, or family gathering. We can come to talk about our milk co-op, why we farm the way we do, or other related subjects of interest to you. Give us a call to discuss your ideas, pricing, and days available.

Here are our fall suggestions:

• Take walks in the cool air.
• Enjoy the leaves as they change.
• Get out recipe books to look for some new warm dishes.
• Choose one area in your diet to make improvements to.
• Make some butter and freeze. Pats of butter with pretty decorations on top will look great on your holiday table.
• Cook two chickens at once; use one for roasted chicken dinner and the meat from the other for potpie, chicken soup, chicken tacos or a casserole dish.
• Take stock of what is in your freezer. Determine to use up those odd cuts of meat you got when you ordered a side of beef.
• Listen to the quiet.
• Hear the Creator as He talks to you.

May you have a blessed holiday season,

Mark and Molly