Well, it's happening. We opened escrow on the farm on May 6th with a closing date of July 15th. It's a contingency offer. The farm was shown 14 times. We were there, and/or met all the potential buyers, which is rather unusual, but as our place (still on Zillow if you want to peek inside!) … Continue reading Transitions
Farm Life
Philosophy of a Vegetarian Butcher
I’m a vegetarian. Lacto-ovo. For almost a quarter century. I also harvest (as it’s so appealingly called these days) meat for my omnivore family. In addition I’ve found it gratifying to teach others how to respectfully take the life of a gentle beast and convert its life into sources of life for others. I don’t … Continue reading Philosophy of a Vegetarian Butcher
Once a Day Milking – a Viable Option for Quality of Life
Think about it, 75-80% of the milk for about half the labor, half the chemicals, half the grain, AND evenings (or mornings) with a few extra hours of "free" time. Once a day milking (OAD), as opposed to the more conventional twice a day (TAD), is a popular option in several other countries as a … Continue reading Once a Day Milking – a Viable Option for Quality of Life
Coming to Terms with Animal Cannibalism
It was my task, this last week, to care for our daughters rabbits while she was out of town. Amelia breeds Netherland Dwarf rabbits- cute little two pound balls of fluff with tiny ears and puss-in-boots eyes. Amelia loves to make thorough lists, so she left me with detailed instructions, including nick- names (I guess … Continue reading Coming to Terms with Animal Cannibalism
Living Simple Ain’t Easy
We live a life that many would consider to be blissfully simple. Our electricity is generated by solar panels and a small micro-hydro power turbine run by our seasonal stream, Brown's Gulch. We homeschooled our kids and live in a tiny cabin, augmented by a large, communal type space above our dairy barn. I don't get … Continue reading Living Simple Ain’t Easy
A Farm is Not a Peaceful Place
A Farm is Not a Peaceful Place There are times when our life is peaceful. But they are rare. Everyone wants something, or has something to share. The goats want to go for their walk or a hen has just laid an egg. The guardian dog sees a deer or the wild turkey has heard … Continue reading A Farm is Not a Peaceful Place
I Don’t Wanna Be a Rock Star!
No “Rock Stars”, Please! Gianaclis Caldwell I have an issue with the current reverence that the term “rock star” is supposed to infer. I know, people are just trying to show their admiration, respect, whatever, but really, “rock star”? Our cheese has been called a rock star. We, as cheesemakers, here at Pholia Farm have … Continue reading I Don’t Wanna Be a Rock Star!