We're back on the hay wagons again. Since there isn't any second cut hay in sight we've returned to first cut, making squares out of some overly mature grasses that will keep the horses well fed this winter. Long ago seem the days that we dreamed of getting three cuttings off of … [Read more...] about Full and By Farm: Late Blight Update
Agriculture In and Around Essex, NY
Essex Farm: Finds a Way to Humble Me
"This is our ninth season and whenever I am feeling a little smug about our progress, the farm finds a way to humble me. We went out for dinner on Wednesday, and got home past our usual bedtime, looking forward to sleep. But as we pulled into the driveway, two lambs greeted us, … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Finds a Way to Humble Me
Full and By Farm: Help from Mother Nature & Texans
The fields thirstily drank up three quartersinch of rain yesterday. I had just begun to irrigate very modestly again, taking just a little water for short spurts of time, and only for the most critical new plantings. I am most grateful for the help from mother nature, a … [Read more...] about Full and By Farm: Help from Mother Nature & Texans
Essex Farm: Farewells
"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
Full and By Farm: Water Issues
On Friday our spring ran dry. We cobbled together a makeshift water system for ourselves and the animals—siphoning out of the pond and trucking tanks of water down from the neighbors—interjecting short-term disaster control with long-term planning. Tuesday and Wednesday we buried … [Read more...] about Full and By Farm: Water Issues