Last weekend we didn't spend much time at the farm. We were here on Saturday:
This year we are proud owners of WVU season tickets! It's been so much fun to head over to Morgantown for some tailgating with friends and cheering for the Mountaineers.
Farmer John is a huge fan of WVU and all college football. He would want me to stress to you what a big game they had last Satuday. WVU played LSU (who was ranked #3, but is now ranked #1 after playing WVU) and ESPN chose this game to highlight on their College GameDay Show. It upped the ante quite a bit. WVU did not win - but we still had a great time. In fact we were both a little hoarse the next day from all the cheering!
On Sunday we headed over to Seven Springs Resort in Pennsylvania where the Mother Earth News Fair was taking place. We attended the fair last year and learned a lot.
One of the first stops was to check out this portable saw mill. I'm terrified of these things, but Farmer John drools over them. Maybe someday we will have one at the farm - although I can guarantee it won't be this top-of-the-line model.
Next came the highlight of the day. We met a Rock Star Farmer!
If you've read "Omnivore's Dilemma" or seen "Food, Inc." then you probably know about Joel Salatin, the owner and operator of Polyface Farm. Joel is a pioneer in the bio-dynamic/sustainable farm movement. He raises livestock on pasture and makes big profits at the same time.
Farmer John and I were able to talk with him for a few minutes during his book signing. He was helpful with a question about our cattle, then gave me a hard time about being a "lefty"(my hand preference not my political views).
He gave a two-hour talk about the ideas and methods that are in place at Polyface Farm. We've only read his books, so it was fun to hear him in person. We don't agree with everything Salatin speaks and writes about, but his farming ideas are just fantastic. He is encouraging and inspirational. We left the fair with lots of ideas and goals for our farm. Salatin has us motivated to quit our real jobs and make the farm our full-time job....someday. The fun part will be figuring out how reach that goal.
What a wonderful description of your weekend off the land. Great picture of the Glam Farmers. Some good friends of ours have a portable saw mill and love it. Only problem is the bears like the diesel tank and have already destroyed 2! Our cabin is getting new stairs this fall and they have been milled by our friends and are drying nicely. Hope to have them finished before the snow comes.
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