Progress

Using draft animal power on this farm has been a goal of mine from the very beginning. But as a new farmer with already so many balls in the air I don't have the time needed to devote to learning to use horses to work the land. Someday I know I'll be able to integrate them into my farming system but for now I've got plenty on my plate. So, yesterday, on a beautiful cloudless Saturday, I had my friend Carl Russell of Earthwise Farm and Forest bring his team of draft horses, Kate and Ted, over to the farm to ready my fields for the season.

With the use of a walking plow and a good set of harrows, Carl and his team got my fields loosened up and ready for planting into come Monday morning. Carl is very knowledgeable in the field of draft animal power and helps coordinate Animal Power Field Days in Tunbridge, VT every year. I feel so lucky to have him just over the mountain.

In other news, the piggies all have names now. This little girl is Flossie. She's the sassiest out of all of them and also the friendliest. She already flops over to let me rub her tummy.

The other two in the picture with their little house are George and Gladys. George is the most protective of the three. He will probably take the longest to win over. And Gladys is my big sturdy girl who I think aspires to be a professional rugby player. She certainly knows how to stand up for herself.

Overall the farm is coming along nicely so far this season. Peas are in the ground, lettuce, arugula, and spinach are all growing in the green house. The garlic is growing big and strong thanks to my friend Jan helping me weed and re-mulch it last week.The flower garden is getting a make-over as I reform the beds and mulch all the walkways with mulch hay... things really are taking shape!

Just a little look ahead, May 8th is the Fiddlehead Festival up at VTC. The farm will have a booth in addition to lots of other local farms, businesses, and crafters. It's always a lot of fun with great food and good people. I hope to see you there!

Fresh Air

Spring has sprung here at Sundora. This gorgeous weather has both chicken coups outside. Crow and his ladies (above) are all out free ranging around the farm, while Gus Gus and his girls are tractoring on the front lawn.

I've been moving them twice a day so they get new grass and bugs to keep them busy. I bought those hens at a couple months old from another farmer, and when we got them they were not happy campers having been trapped in a small space with almost no bedding and stressful living conditions. All winter they've continued beating up on each other, so I'm hoping that constant moving onto new land, some fresh air, and new bugs to chase and eat will help distract them from picking on their siblings. So far so good.

The chickens have some new friends on the farm now too... the piglets have arrived! I picked them up from Hogwash Farm in Norwich, VT this afternoon!

Here they are patiently waiting in Dora's dog crate in the back of the car. I've got a boy and two girls just like last year, which I am really happy about. It's amazing how surprisingly small they are after having 200+lb hogs in the fall. I haven't named them yet, but as soon as I do I'll make sure to let you know.

So far they seem to be much more trusting right off than my last batch, which I'm sure can be immediately attributed to the fact that they didn't get out of their pen within the first 15 minutes and have to be chased around the farm and caught by my brother Jake and I like last year!

They sat in their little crate in their new pen for about 3 minutes, and then immediately shot out and ran right into the electric fence! After a little squeal and some jumpy running, they were off exploring their new digs. I took that as my cue to go grab some corn and start our interactions off on a good foot. So with a scoop full of delicious treats I sat down in the middle of their pen and sprinkled some kernels in front of me while I waited for their curiosity to get the best of them...

Sure enough within 2 minutes the boy (who I just might name George since he is the most curious so far) came right over and started eating, keeping one eye on me every moment. We went on like that for 15 minutes, me staying very still, them eating, watching me closely, and every so often getting the courage to lean forward and smell my boot, or my pant leg before suddenly turning back to their food to continue their snack time. I'm going to go in their pen and spend at least a half an hour with them every day like I did last year with Herkimer, Flo Jo, and Crysta. Those three pigs last year were some of the friendliest animals I've ever met, and I have every confidence that this group will be just as lovely. They really are my favorite part of the farm. I'm so happy they're finally here!

Ben and Crow

Today Ben, my farming partner and dear friend, packed up his Kia(a.k.a Kitty) and left on a grand adventure to work on another farm crew about an hour away. But before he took off he said he couldn't say goodbye without getting a final picture with his pride and joy, Crow. He is so proud of that rooster, as he should be having raised him from day one. That is one handsome bird.

While it is incredibly sad to be losing Ben as a part of the farm team and household, I couldn't be more excited for him as he starts this new chapter in his farming career and life. I wish him only the best. He knows that he is always welcome back here anytime he likes.

Beginning the Season

The season has begun on the farm! On a gorgeous sunny day last week I set up a rather makeshift potting table outside the barn next to our new pile of Fort Vee Vermont Compost Company potting mix, and went to town seeding tomatoes, onions, and leeks. I'll do another round of seeding in a month or so when I have more table space and lighting.

For now the trays are inside under the primitive light setup I constructed in the mudroom. The seedlings will remain there until the hoop house is set up with tables instead of the cold frames that are in there now, and warm enough at night to keep those little guys alive.

In other news, the CSA still has a couple open spots for shareholders! So, if you are interested in a share for this summer season, you can still get one! I also have one remaining work share position available. So, if you're interested in a share or work share please send an email right away!

There's still time!

The deadline for 2010 CSA shares has been pushed back to March 19th. We still have a few slots left, so get your order form in soon! If you don't have a brochure, please email Claire at SundoraFarm@gmail.com for a digital copy!

In other news, seeds from High Mowing arrived in the mail the other day... getting very excited for the start of the season...

CSB Creations

Lately there's been a lot of baking going on in Sundora's kitchen! I've been creating new things each week for the CSB shareholders, like basil mozzarella bread and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting... so I thought some mouth watering pictures were in order! Enjoy!

This is the seasonal fruit tart that I've been offering, this time with apples...

Brochures for 2010 Growing Season Now Available!

It's official, Sundora Farm is now taking on shareholders for the 2010 growing season. Below is a small version of our brochure for this year, just to give you an idea of what it looks like. If you'd like a digital copy just shoot me an email and I'll get you one right away! SundoraFarm@gmail.com Spread the word!