"It is a farewell day – to Courtney, who is off to Keeseville, and to Chad, who has been here full time with us for the busy season, but will now focus on his own projects. We send them both with lots of thanks, best wishes, and a few tears. One of the hardest parts of having … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Farewells
The Dirty Life
Essex Farm: Keep Our Fingers Crossed
"Fickle weather! Most of the rain passed us by this week, falling just to our north and south. We did get about half an inch – more of a sip than the deep cool drink the plants are craving. We expect slow growth, late or limited second cut hay, and limited pasture this summer, … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Keep Our Fingers Crossed
Essex Farm: Toils & Troubles
"It’s been a stressful week around here. Mark is still wrestling with his injury, trying to find a balance between the rest that his body needs and the work that needs to get done. All the plants want rain, and there is nothing we can do about that. Cash flow is tight – the … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Toils & Troubles
Essex Farm: Beware the Swarm
Draft horses are stoic beasts. They can work through heat, dust, discomfort and fatigue. But, like Gulliver, they are tormented beyond their limits by hordes of little things. The face flies that mass around their eyes and nose, the green-headed flies that bite the belly, neck … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Beware the Swarm
Essex Farm: Wet Hay Is Not Okay
"It is solstice time now, with long days and strong sun. Last week, the forecast promised exactly what we were hoping for: a three-day window of no rain in which to get a huge load of hay mowed, tedded, raked, and baled. Courtney, Asa, and Chad each took a team of horses and a … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Wet Hay Is Not Okay