Heartfelt Thoughts...

From "Farm to Table CSA" at Doe Run Farm, we take a moment to wish all of our farm supporters and their families, our best wishes for a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

John and Judy

Hawks and other predators..

This last week we lost our first hen to a huge hawk that swooped down inside the electric poultry fence and decapitated one of my "girls"...and a good layer she was, too! This was made worse by the fact that I saw the whole event as I was coming out the back door on the way to feed the chickens. What a horrific site! John went with me and with a shovel in hand, buried the little hen. I had heard other farmers talk about how predators had attacked their flocks, but up to now, we had not had a problem. We do what we can to protect them as best we can but somethings just can't be prevented. Such is life on a farm, things are always changing, nothing is ever routine! If you like routine, farming is not for you!

The weather has not been great for harvesting this week. Really wet, and muddy. Things still are not growing fast enough to suit us either. We visited with another farm family this week and they too are somewhat frustrated with how long it's taking to reach harvest stage for some of their crops. Patience is another thing you learn when you are farming. Things are ready when they're ready and not before! Thankfully our CSA members are understanding about nature and they know that when we harvest the bounty is theirs.

John and I would like to take this moment to wish each of you a wonderful holiday season filled with good health and good friends. Please keep our troops that are serving our country in your thoughts this season as well.

Merry Christmas,Happy Hanukkah and Best Wishes of the season to folks of all faiths and beliefs.
Doe Run Farm

Wintry Mix

The drenching rain has given way to a wintry mix in the last few minutes. The surrounding hills are shrouded in clouds, and our lake that normally doesn't hold water is filled to overflowing! The ground is waterlogged, and our county is under a flood watch as are many other counties nearby. Winter has set in on our farm, for sure.

This would be a perfect day to sit in front of the fire with a good book, and hopefully the week of Christmas, that is exactly what we will be doing. Though I am sure, the books may take a back seat to all the Spring Seed Catalogs. They do claim "priority" this time of year.

Soon we will have the greenhouse filled again with seeds sown for spring/early summer. Chores are never ending on a farm, but we love what we do, and are grateful that we are blessed with good health to continue. Thank you Lord for this and every day.

Be happy, healthy and safe!
Peace, Judy and John

Wind in the Willows

Update from the farm:

Things are coming along, but with the short day lengths and overcast skies, everything is growing slowly. What's a farmer to do? Be patient, things will come around and the wait will be worth it!



Today we have "batten down the hatches", as it is really windy here, and it has just begun to rain. The hens and roosters were fed early today in preparation for the rain to come, and they were a happy lot! A few pumpkins and squash for special treats today-those yolks will be rich! They have been having their share of greens too which always makes them happy! Share boxes are packed and ready for today's deliveries and we look forward to seeing smiling faces this afternoon!



*Just a reminder, no deliveries the week of Christmas!

Peace,

Judy and John