Lunch anyone?

Snow Rooster

He was the only one brave enough to come out of the coop during the snowstorm. He's taking advantage of the heated water tank. There is a red disc (with snow on top) that floats in the water. The disc has heated coils attached to keep the water from freezing. Although, the chickens have been known to just eat snow instead. 

Evening feeding

Visiting the herd

On New Year's Eve we went for a hike and visited the herd. We found them at the top of the hill, chewing their cud and scratching their heads on some fallen pine limbs. 

We noticed some blood spots one of the last times a few of them escaped the fence. This bull has a broken horn. Which I'm sure came from some sort of extra-curricular activities probably involving Clyde.

All the rest of them are doing just fine and look healthy. It is always a treat to just enjoy being around them without the responsibility of chores or the frustrations of herding them back to the proper side of the fence. 

Badger's Excellent Adventure

At Christmastime Badger and Coco traveled with us to Illinois. This was Badger's first big trip off the farm. 

He was not as good as Coco in the car, especially on the way out. He calmed down when he could stick his head out the window into the very cold midwest air. 

It took a few days but eventually Snowy and Badger could be in the same room, settle down, and not bark and snarl at each other. 

Badger liked all the snow and cold temperatures in Illinois, but I think his favorite part was the big bed where he could stretch out and snuggle with Farmer John. 

 This is what the entire trip back to the farm looked like. I don't think they make sunglasses for dogs. 

Finally, we were back to the farm, and he was so tired from his big trip that he slept for about two days straight. Thanks Illinois Farmhands for letting Badger come for a visit!

#Farmerselfie

You've probably heard that "Selfie" was the word of the year for 2013. Now farmers are starting to take it a step further. Here's an article about it from Farm and Dairy. See if you recognize anyone.

Plus here are two more #Felfies just for fun. 

Farm Plans For 2014

At the end of 2011 and 2012 Farmer John and I reflected on lessons learned throughout the year. This year we are more excited about moving forward than looking back. We made some personal resolutions, and we also made plans for the farm. We hope you'll keep reading along as we continue our farming adventure!

Watch out farm here comes 2014:

• Finish the high tunnel
• Expand gardens to grow more produce and varieties
• Add another farmers market
• Add more cattle
• Add more hogs
• Raise chickens for meat
• Finish cabin remodel 
• Learn more about marketing our meat and produce
• Fix buildings to make them level 
• Try not to divorce each other during bean season (I'm kidding, mostly)
• Any other ideas or suggestions for us? 

Merry Chirstmas

Merry Christmas from

Mollie, John, Coco, Badger,

and everyone else back at the farm!

2013 Outtakes

As tradition dictates, here are the photos that didn't make the cut for our Christmas card. 

(Outtakes from 2011 here, and 2012 here)

Hours of bean-picking turns us a little stranger than usual. 

Too shy for the camera

Pig butts! 

Fresh pasture makes cattle stick their tongues out.

For several days Porch Rooster kept an eye on all kitchen activity.

One glorious spring afternoon, our hayfield became a softball field. 

Finally, we gathered in Lexington to celebrate the marriage of two sweet friends,
and I wore guinea feathers on my head. 

Christmas Came Early Part II

I thoroughly enjoyed all of the comments about my early Christmas present. Unfortunately, no one guessed the correct answer. Fortunately, they were all entertaining submissions. Yesterday I became the proud owner of the 1953 International Harvester Farmall Cub pictured below.

I purchased this beauty yesterday from an old retired Pennsylvania farmer who was selling it on Craigslist. These tractors were the smallest of the Farmall line of tractors. They were designed to replace the mule on the small farms of the forties and fifties. Today they are coveted by small farmers for their perfect size and set of implements for working in the market garden. This one came with mounted cultivators and a snow plow. I already have a bare root vegetable transplanter that will attach to the back. I am excited to post some videos in the spring of this little powerhouse in action.

Christmas came early

As I type this Farmer John and Uncle John are on their way back to the farm. They are driving their version of Santa's sleigh. Farmer John just called to tell me what they picked up in Pennsylvania, and he sounded more excited than I've heard him in a long time. I'll let him tell you and share photos. But, in the meantime any guesses what he got? 

P.S. - No guessing if I already hinted at this in an email (A+K) or on the phone (Sam). 

The farm on Instagram

Instagram is a social-media site that is a platform for sharing photos. We've been enjoying snapping photos on our phones and posting them through Instagram (and sometimes Twitter). If you follow the farm then you'll be familiar with these shots. If not, you can follow us by clicking on the icons over there on the left.