Farming in Winter

It's been a milder winter so far.  Not as many snow falls or ice storms as other years.  This Texan (yep, that's me - Laura) sure isn't complaining!  However, it's still cold and below freezing during the nighttime hours, which looks like frozen water lines that do not allow us to leave our above-ground water system turned on.  This means tractoring water out to every set of pigs around the farm!

You may wonder, do they stay warm enough? And the answer is yes, they sure do!  We never have to worry about our pigs being outdoors (year-round) unless it's cold & wet at the same time.  If the forecast is calling for temps below 35 degrees and rainy, we will tie up tarps using trees as the four corners and we spread out a round bale of hay underneath.  This gives the pigs insulation and they all jump into the huge nest of hay which keeps them nice and snug.  This looks like a happy pile of pigs with hot steam rolling off their backs - which makes us happy too!

The cows are happy and content as well, hiding under the cedar trees for any extra protection as needed, but mostly out in the sunshine getting all the clean, crisp air they want.  We roll out a round bale of hay for food every day! (This is dried grass that was cut and gathered during the summer months)  We also give them an option to lick up a high quality mineral (think about what you might take for vitamins and probiotics every day - that is what the minerals are for them).  You know, it's interesting that when their bodies need it, they'll eat it, but when they don't need it, they won't touch it!  Nature can sure be perfect.

In just a few months baby chicks are coming and spring will be upon us.  We are planning out the year and regrouping ourselves for another great one!  We are super excited to be adding in CSA Summer Produce Boxes and bringing in some local trout - new offerings!  We love getting to see so many of you at our local drop sites and on-farm store.  For those who live too far to pick up in person - we think of you often too, as we pack shipping boxes and send a taste of the farm to your doors!

Thank you for trusting us to help feed your family! It's a privilege and honor!