If you have been wondering why there hasn't been an update since last Christmas its because we've sort of been hibernating. But we can't stand it any longer. The beautiful early Spring has ended our Cabin Fever and pulled us outside to do some early Spring chores to start getting ready for the new season.
I figure this year we're going to have to do spring work at least a month early to take advantage of the moisture while its here. I expect a hot dry Summer but one thing I've learned farming here for the past three decades is that the weather is always unpredictable.
Garden News:
"SO" plans to plant the first hoop house with cool weather veggies next week and after that she'll start on the indoor potted plant starts. The seed catalogs have started to arrive along with the poultry catalogs for baby chicks. Somebody else must be thinking the same as me. "SO" has been enjoying watching her Korean TV programs all Winter.
They have a small farms documentary everyday that is one of her favorites. She's been getting all kinds of ideas to keep me busy helping her in the garden setting up new things. I've watched some of the programs and hoop houses are real hi-tech over there.
The project I like best is a set up to grow strawberries out of holes in vertical tubes set up in the hoop house. Promises to deliver more berries for a longer season. If it works for us I won't have to feel so guilty when I eat the Lion's share of our berries every week.
CSA Information:
We sent out a CSA Newsletter earlier this week to alert folks to sign up early to make sure they have a subscription share available again this season. We already have ten Members signed up. This year we also plan to offer a CSA for a variety of beef, pork, poultry, and misc meat portions. It will offer the advantage of fresh local healthy meat for a price more economical than retail. It'll be delivered in portions weekly so storage space in most refrigerators should be able to handle it. Both programs will offer a half-share for those with small families. If you haven't been a member before just send me an e-mail requesting to go on the Standby List.
Poultry News:
Demand for our eggs has exceeded our supply all Winter. Good thing we started new Layer Pullets last Fall that will be laying soon. Plan to start more chicks for pullets next month and we have actually had some folks drive out here in the muddy conditions to make sure they get some of our eggs.
Because of demand last Fall we plan to raise twice as many Turkey's, more Geese, and some Meat Ducks for the Holidays. Some of the turkeys will be ordered early for those who want really big ones. We still have a small flock of egg laying ducks and we will still grow some Broiler/Fryers for those who pre-order but plan to minimize those we sell at market. Unfortunately we've had to raise the prices to keep up with feed costs.
Beef Happenings:
Had the first Spring calf born three days ago. One of the young heifers we saved last year was the mother and she did a very good job of mothering with no help. The new calf is a nice big girl, got on her feet in minutes and down to business to get that milk. Hope the rest goes as well.
Because of the drought and high hay prices last Fall I had to retire most of my older cows so we kept all the young heifers for Spring calves. We also kept all the steers for Fall sales but have less to sell this year. I noticed in the classifieds that a lot of local growers are trying to sell direct now and also and for rock bottom prices. I can only say, "Buyer Beware!"
I will not be lowering my prices because I want to try to weather this economy and stay in business growing quality and healthy beef for my loyal customers. Besides, the day I have to stop growing cows is when my wanta-be dreams of being a Cowboy will be dashed. If that happens, I'll be kicking off my boots and retiring.
Berkshire Pigs:
They have been eating me out of house and home. Hope sales go well because our budget has been maxed out feeding all the new piglets. Just finished selling and processing 12 hogs last month. Some of the orders we're from the West Coast so my wife got to go visit the Korean Mall at Federal Way where I made the pork deliveries over there.
Also visited two of our boys and grand daughters. Then "SO" made a pig out of herself buying a truck load of Korean ethnic food stuffs. She said I could consider it her Anniversary gift . We just had our 32nd anniversary!
Most of the feeder pigs are sold until June so things seem to be going well. Did two hogs for retail at the market and over half the cuts are already gone. The pork quality has just been fantastic and we have received a lot of great comments. Have enough other feeder pigs to fill orders till Fall. I'm doing my best to keep "Rex" and his buddy away from the sows till I get more orders for the rest of the Summer.
At two years old his back is 44 inches high. Could weigh over 800 Lbs. He still chases after me when he sees me in the pasture. Its a little intimidating! But he just still wants his ears scratched.
Went to the WA State Annual Pig Growers Conference Yesterday. It is sponsored by WSU. I must say it is strongly biased in favor of industrial growing methods . There was a local group of 4-h and FFA kids brought in for a class on raising Project Pigs. The Instructor spent half the class telling the kids how to use a hormone on the pigs to speed up growth. This same hormone has been banned in Europe and many other states. I just go to see what the other side is up to and shake my head in disappointment.
We've had our calamities this Winter dealing with the snow and mud but we've been thankful because of memories of how miserable it was last year. Besides the bright Sun outside the last few days has us looking forward to another season of farming. We thank our customers that make it possible to keep doing it!
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