Sourwood Hill

Mingling

This past summer, Cochise had to go to a new home. Having a brand new baby, I knew he was going to be well past breaking age by the time I could get to him. I get updates on “Comanche” now and he is doing fantastic. His new owner reports he is going on trail rides and loving life. Rumor has it he may have a palomino girlfriend too.

Initially, I was worried how Arod would cope being an only horse again. However, the kitty has been a great companion, and I’ve noticed he is closer to the cows than before.

But I think maybe they are taking this mingling thing to a strange new level…

DR Power needs a Doctor

I’m not saying I married my husband because he’s a mechanic, I’m just saying it’s come in handy. A lot. The DR power mower that we bought used many years ago has lived a hard, rough-and-tumble life on the farm. Its not that I break things intentionally, it just happens. Do I remember oil changes? No. But do I always remember to spray the chain with grease? Also no. But the amount of things that simply break… surely can’t be my fault.

Gone to Market

Peak adulting is being excited about a new stock pot. Peak farming may be getting excited about rain and a cancellation at the meat processor.

One of these things…

Is not like the other.

Summer harvest is of course getting into full swing, and we’re just days away from the paste tomato apocalypse. We use Roma and San Marzano tomatoes, which are determinates and will ripen in a short period of time. Exactly what you want for canning things.

Watching the grass grow

Summer is a time for watching grass grow, making sure everyone has water, and worrying about when hay will be cut.

I have no idea when hay will be ready, water tanks are in sufficient shape, and Toby checks the grass situation for me. So I guess my work here is done!

Building a Hay Crib

One of the perks of having a zillion projects going on, is there is always spare lumber lying about. Given the current cost of materials at an arm and half a leg, it’s pretty handy if we can complete a project without making a trip to the hardware store.

While we have much better facilities now for weaning, when it was time to wean the first calf we had born here at Sourwood Hill, our only option was the round pen. Now, the reason that was the only option, was because this so happened to be our convict calf that escaped FREQUENTLY prior to some fencing modifications (https://sourwoodhill.com/2019/09/18/8-days-post-outbreak/). So into the round pen young SirLoin went with a tub of water and a bunch of hay.

Let’s take the pigs to market!

(or is that kids?) one of them you’re supposed to take home from market, I’m sure of it… But I digress. First and foremost, happy spring! This is the time of year of fluffy chicks, baby bunnies, fresh growth, and the start of Farmer’s Market season!

While we have hatched out a few batches of chicks, and have more in the incubator, our plants are still in triage and wont be ready for the garden for some time yet. However, there are those industrious hard working folks who have had their seeds in the ground for months and are preparing to sell them to you and me at farmer’s markets near us soon! Along with homemade baked goods, fresh spun yarn, honey, etc.

Barn First Aid Kit – Top 25 Items

What is a farm without animals? Its not. And don’t speak to anyone that says otherwise, you don’t need that negativity in your life. What you do need is horses, cows, chickens, goats, at least one barn cat, and a clever dog. I’m slowly working my husband up to this mentality, he’s conceded to an extra horse, the barn cat, and chickens. And the dog has been around for a while. Since I can remember, I have always wanted a horse, and for anyone with a daughter, when she says she wants a pony, get her one. Can’t afford drugs when you have vet bills. Speaking of vet bills, we just had the third anniversary of our youngest horse’s most spectacular injury to date, though he constantly tries to outdo himself.

Just at six months old. Its a good thing baby animals are so cute!

New Baby Moo!

We have been eagerly waiting for our next calf for a week or so, ever since she turned and dropped off her momma’s hips. So very pleased to announce that we are four for four now of having calves due and they show up with no assistance from us!

Farm Traits

When the job description for a farmer comes to mind, you probably start thinking of green tractors, rows and rows of corn and beans, juicy red tomatoes, adorable baby animals, and the like. Depending on the type of farmer, all that is probably a part of their daily life. But let’s be clear here, it is a minuscule part of the day.