Check out this week's Essex Farm news from Kristin Kimball's blog: Every few years the rat population takes a bounce around here, we have one too many sightings of our sleek gray friends in the barn, and we must clamp down. I am on rat patrol this week. Spring traps are set … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Rat Patrol
Pest control
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
Adirondack Bats: Defending Bats
Bats are very misunderstood animals. Usually when someone is asked to name creepy creatures, bats are somewhere near the top of their list. That creepy reputation makes many people ignore or not realize the importance that bats play in the world. Though if you don't care about … [Read more...] about Adirondack Bats: Defending Bats
Essex Farm Note, Week 26, 2011
The farm is in its post-solstice slump. Every farmer I know gets tired and stressed out by the end of June, and we are no exception. I’ve been thinking this week about how tightly our egos are tied to the well-being of the farm. Maybe everyone feels this about their work, but I … [Read more...] about Essex Farm Note, Week 26, 2011