Catherine Friend's Blog, page 10
April 7, 2011
Donkey Saves Sheep I don't usually post links, but ...
Donkey Saves Sheep
I don't usually post links, but I might start because there are some fun stories out there. Here's a donkey named Dotty who won an animal bravery award in the UK for coming to aid of her friend, Stanley the sheep.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-12970506
Too bad they don't have these awards in the U.S! We could nominate our llamas.
I don't usually post links, but I might start because there are some fun stories out there. Here's a donkey named Dotty who won an animal bravery award in the UK for coming to aid of her friend, Stanley the sheep.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-12970506
Too bad they don't have these awards in the U.S! We could nominate our llamas.
March 31, 2011
Mmmm... lunch
Sorry. I've tried for years to capture...
Mmmm... lunch
Sorry. I've tried for years to capture this particular steer activity, and the other morning, it happened without me even trying. I love steers. They crack me up.
Sorry. I've tried for years to capture this particular steer activity, and the other morning, it happened without me even trying. I love steers. They crack me up.
Mmmm... lunchSorry. I've tried for years to capture this ...
Mmmm... lunch
Sorry. I've tried for years to capture this particular steer activity, and the other morning, it happened without me even trying. I love steers. They crack me up.
Sorry. I've tried for years to capture this particular steer activity, and the other morning, it happened without me even trying. I love steers. They crack me up.
March 19, 2011
Farming as an Encore Career?
I was interviewed yesterd...
Farming as an Encore Career?
I was interviewed yesterday by a delightful journalist named Betsy Levine. She writes for the AARP Bulletin, the info-packed newspaper sent to its gadzillion members.
She asked lots of great questions, but the one that slowed me down was this: Many people in their 50s are retiring from their primary careers, and are looking for what's being called an 'encore career.' Apparently farming is proving to be a popular encore career. "What advice do you have for these people?" Betsy asks.
Here's the first answer that popped into my head: "Are these people insane?" Luckily I bit my tongue and managed to come up with a decent answer, and we moved on.
But I think it'd be good to start a list of tips for people who're interested in farming as an encore career, since calling them 'insane' isn't all that helpful.
So here's the beginning of the list, and if anyone has anything to add, please do so!
1. Don't put it off. As the saying goes, you're not getting any younger. Find a way to get started sooner rather than later.
2. Start small. Don't bite off so much that you risk losing your savings.
3. Join farming organizations. Research the sorts of things you'd like to do. Visit those types of farms.
4. Ask for help. Melissa's great at this, but I won't ask for help unless death is imminent. Hire people, get friends involved, offer to help neighbors in exchange for a little help on your place.
5. Make sure you have a market for your goods before you actually start. Know where you'll sell and to whom. As yet, there isn't a book called "Marketing your Farm Products for Dummies," so you'll need to piece it together with research and reaching out.
6. Be realistic about money. Nearly all small farmers need off-farm income, so don't expect farming to fund your retirement.
7. Become part of the community. Listen. Don't swoop into a farming community with all the answers. Let people give you advice, even if you know you likely won't take it, because you might find a gem buried in there somewhere.
8. Be kind to animals, but don't turn them into pets unless you're interested in running a retirement home for cattle, sheep, and hogs.
That's all I can think of for now.... feel free to add to my list!
I was interviewed yesterday by a delightful journalist named Betsy Levine. She writes for the AARP Bulletin, the info-packed newspaper sent to its gadzillion members.
She asked lots of great questions, but the one that slowed me down was this: Many people in their 50s are retiring from their primary careers, and are looking for what's being called an 'encore career.' Apparently farming is proving to be a popular encore career. "What advice do you have for these people?" Betsy asks.
Here's the first answer that popped into my head: "Are these people insane?" Luckily I bit my tongue and managed to come up with a decent answer, and we moved on.
But I think it'd be good to start a list of tips for people who're interested in farming as an encore career, since calling them 'insane' isn't all that helpful.
So here's the beginning of the list, and if anyone has anything to add, please do so!
1. Don't put it off. As the saying goes, you're not getting any younger. Find a way to get started sooner rather than later.
2. Start small. Don't bite off so much that you risk losing your savings.
3. Join farming organizations. Research the sorts of things you'd like to do. Visit those types of farms.
4. Ask for help. Melissa's great at this, but I won't ask for help unless death is imminent. Hire people, get friends involved, offer to help neighbors in exchange for a little help on your place.
5. Make sure you have a market for your goods before you actually start. Know where you'll sell and to whom. As yet, there isn't a book called "Marketing your Farm Products for Dummies," so you'll need to piece it together with research and reaching out.
6. Be realistic about money. Nearly all small farmers need off-farm income, so don't expect farming to fund your retirement.
7. Become part of the community. Listen. Don't swoop into a farming community with all the answers. Let people give you advice, even if you know you likely won't take it, because you might find a gem buried in there somewhere.
8. Be kind to animals, but don't turn them into pets unless you're interested in running a retirement home for cattle, sheep, and hogs.
That's all I can think of for now.... feel free to add to my list!
Farming as an Encore Career?I was interviewed yesterday b...
Farming as an Encore Career?
I was interviewed yesterday by a delightful journalist named Betsy Levine. She writes for the AARP Bulletin, the info-packed newspaper sent to its gadzillion members.
She asked lots of great questions, but the one that slowed me down was this: Many people in their 50s are retiring from their primary careers, and are looking for what's being called an 'encore career.' Apparently farming is proving to be a popular encore career. "What advice do you have for these people?" Betsy asks.
Here's the first answer that popped into my head: "Are these people insane?" Luckily I bit my tongue and managed to come up with a decent answer, and we moved on.
But I think it'd be good to start a list of tips for people who're interested in farming as an encore career, since calling them 'insane' isn't all that helpful.
So here's the beginning of the list, and if anyone has anything to add, please do so!
1. Don't put it off. As the saying goes, you're not getting any younger. Find a way to get started sooner rather than later.
2. Start small. Don't bite off so much that you risk losing your savings.
3. Join farming organizations. Research the sorts of things you'd like to do. Visit those types of farms.
4. Ask for help. Melissa's great at this, but I won't ask for help unless death is imminent. Hire people, get friends involved, offer to help neighbors in exchange for a little help on your place.
5. Make sure you have a market for your goods before you actually start. Know where you'll sell and to whom. As yet, there isn't a book called "Marketing your Farm Products for Dummies," so you'll need to piece it together with research and reaching out.
6. Be realistic about money. Nearly all small farmers need off-farm income, so don't expect farming to fund your retirement.
7. Become part of the community. Listen. Don't swoop into a farming community with all the answers. Let people give you advice, even if you know you likely won't take it, because you might find a gem buried in there somewhere.
8. Be kind to animals, but don't turn them into pets unless you're interested in running a retirement home for cattle, sheep, and hogs.
That's all I can think of for now.... feel free to add to my list!
I was interviewed yesterday by a delightful journalist named Betsy Levine. She writes for the AARP Bulletin, the info-packed newspaper sent to its gadzillion members.
She asked lots of great questions, but the one that slowed me down was this: Many people in their 50s are retiring from their primary careers, and are looking for what's being called an 'encore career.' Apparently farming is proving to be a popular encore career. "What advice do you have for these people?" Betsy asks.
Here's the first answer that popped into my head: "Are these people insane?" Luckily I bit my tongue and managed to come up with a decent answer, and we moved on.
But I think it'd be good to start a list of tips for people who're interested in farming as an encore career, since calling them 'insane' isn't all that helpful.
So here's the beginning of the list, and if anyone has anything to add, please do so!
1. Don't put it off. As the saying goes, you're not getting any younger. Find a way to get started sooner rather than later.
2. Start small. Don't bite off so much that you risk losing your savings.
3. Join farming organizations. Research the sorts of things you'd like to do. Visit those types of farms.
4. Ask for help. Melissa's great at this, but I won't ask for help unless death is imminent. Hire people, get friends involved, offer to help neighbors in exchange for a little help on your place.
5. Make sure you have a market for your goods before you actually start. Know where you'll sell and to whom. As yet, there isn't a book called "Marketing your Farm Products for Dummies," so you'll need to piece it together with research and reaching out.
6. Be realistic about money. Nearly all small farmers need off-farm income, so don't expect farming to fund your retirement.
7. Become part of the community. Listen. Don't swoop into a farming community with all the answers. Let people give you advice, even if you know you likely won't take it, because you might find a gem buried in there somewhere.
8. Be kind to animals, but don't turn them into pets unless you're interested in running a retirement home for cattle, sheep, and hogs.
That's all I can think of for now.... feel free to add to my list!
March 16, 2011
Lights, Camera, Action
I decided my faithful Farm Tale...
Lights, Camera, Action
I decided my faithful Farm Tales readers should get first peek at my Sheepish video. My friend Pattie from Zoom 'n Dog Productions brilliantly rose to the challenge of making me look good and sound reasonably okay.
Putting an introvert in front of a camera is always risky.
Here we go.... (and if you want the book, you can pre-order at any bookstore, online or brick and mortar. My publisher will be astonished!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfWdYtMfeZY
I decided my faithful Farm Tales readers should get first peek at my Sheepish video. My friend Pattie from Zoom 'n Dog Productions brilliantly rose to the challenge of making me look good and sound reasonably okay.
Putting an introvert in front of a camera is always risky.
Here we go.... (and if you want the book, you can pre-order at any bookstore, online or brick and mortar. My publisher will be astonished!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfWdYtMfeZY
Lights, Camera, ActionI decided my faithful Farm Tales re...
Lights, Camera, Action
I decided my faithful Farm Tales readers should get first peek at my Sheepish video. My friend Pattie from Zoom 'n Dog Productions brilliantly rose to the challenge of making me look good and sound reasonably okay.
Putting an introvert in front of a camera is always risky.
Here we go.... (and if you want the book, you can pre-order at any bookstore, online or brick and mortar. My publisher will be astonished!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfWdYtMfeZY
I decided my faithful Farm Tales readers should get first peek at my Sheepish video. My friend Pattie from Zoom 'n Dog Productions brilliantly rose to the challenge of making me look good and sound reasonably okay.
Putting an introvert in front of a camera is always risky.
Here we go.... (and if you want the book, you can pre-order at any bookstore, online or brick and mortar. My publisher will be astonished!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfWdYtMfeZY
Lights, Camera, ActionI decided my faithful, untiring Far...
Lights, Camera, Action
I decided my faithful, untiring Farm Tales readers should get first peek at my Sheepish video. My friend Pattie from Zoom 'n Dog Productions brilliantly rose to the challenge of making me look good and sound reasonably okay.
Putting an introvert in front of a camera is always risky.
Here we go....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfWdYtMfeZY
I decided my faithful, untiring Farm Tales readers should get first peek at my Sheepish video. My friend Pattie from Zoom 'n Dog Productions brilliantly rose to the challenge of making me look good and sound reasonably okay.
Putting an introvert in front of a camera is always risky.
Here we go....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfWdYtMfeZY
March 8, 2011
Helping out a Chicken
Our hens are aging. Many of them...
Helping out a Chicken
Our hens are aging. Many of them no longer even lay eggs. When we find the time, we're going to have to turn them into stewing hens and order new chicks. But until then, we take care of them...
When Melissa was recovering from surgery, there was a sickly hen who could no longer hoist herself up onto the 'bleachers' to roost at night. I assumed she'd be fine on the floor, but then I found her dead a few days later. Melissa said the hen would have died anyway, but being on the cold floor probably hastened its death. Damn.
So late in my 'job' as fulltime farmer, a dark gold hen began the same behavior. She didn't seem sick, but she no longer had the strength to get herself up two feet onto the first rung, and then work her way to the top, where all the hens like to roost. I began putting her in a nest box. She was off the floor and warmer. We got into a routine. She'd pretend to run away, but then would stop so I could catch her and place her in the straw-lined box.
It turns out that's not really where she wanted to be. I know this because one evening, as she was waiting for me to pick her up she ran over to the bottom rung of the bleachers and stretched as high as she could go. The body language was clear: Up! Up! So I put her up on the bleachers, and she happily hopped the rest of the way up to the top. Soon I began placing her directly on the top rung, which is over my head.
The first time I did this, I neglected to make sure she was balanced. Thud! Flutter! Crash! It's a good thing chickens bounce. Another time, a black hen began pecking both me and the hen. I put my hand on the black hen and gave her a gentle nudge. "Oops. So sorry." She flew to the ground, cursing my name.
I'm now much better at this. I place the gold hen up there, then cup my hands around her bottom until she's got her balance.
The hens will likely all be butchered sometime in March...that's just how it must be. Yet I'll continue to pamper this gold hen until then. It seems the least I can do for all the eggs she's given us.
Our hens are aging. Many of them no longer even lay eggs. When we find the time, we're going to have to turn them into stewing hens and order new chicks. But until then, we take care of them...
When Melissa was recovering from surgery, there was a sickly hen who could no longer hoist herself up onto the 'bleachers' to roost at night. I assumed she'd be fine on the floor, but then I found her dead a few days later. Melissa said the hen would have died anyway, but being on the cold floor probably hastened its death. Damn.
So late in my 'job' as fulltime farmer, a dark gold hen began the same behavior. She didn't seem sick, but she no longer had the strength to get herself up two feet onto the first rung, and then work her way to the top, where all the hens like to roost. I began putting her in a nest box. She was off the floor and warmer. We got into a routine. She'd pretend to run away, but then would stop so I could catch her and place her in the straw-lined box.
It turns out that's not really where she wanted to be. I know this because one evening, as she was waiting for me to pick her up she ran over to the bottom rung of the bleachers and stretched as high as she could go. The body language was clear: Up! Up! So I put her up on the bleachers, and she happily hopped the rest of the way up to the top. Soon I began placing her directly on the top rung, which is over my head.
The first time I did this, I neglected to make sure she was balanced. Thud! Flutter! Crash! It's a good thing chickens bounce. Another time, a black hen began pecking both me and the hen. I put my hand on the black hen and gave her a gentle nudge. "Oops. So sorry." She flew to the ground, cursing my name.
I'm now much better at this. I place the gold hen up there, then cup my hands around her bottom until she's got her balance.
The hens will likely all be butchered sometime in March...that's just how it must be. Yet I'll continue to pamper this gold hen until then. It seems the least I can do for all the eggs she's given us.
Helping out a ChickenOur hens are aging. Many of them no ...
Helping out a Chicken
Our hens are aging. Many of them no longer even lay eggs. When we find the time, we're going to have to turn them into stewing hens and order new chicks. But until then, we take care of them...
When Melissa was recovering from surgery, there was a sickly hen who could no longer hoist herself up onto the 'bleachers' to roost at night. I assumed she'd be fine on the floor, but then I found her dead a few days later. Melissa said the hen would have died anyway, but being on the cold floor probably hastened its death. Damn.
So late in my 'job' as fulltime farmer, a dark gold hen began the same behavior. She didn't seem sick, but she no longer had the strength to get herself up two feet onto the first rung, and then work her way to the top, where all the hens like to roost. I began putting her in a nest box. She was off the floor and warmer. We got into a routine. She'd pretend to run away, but then would stop so I could catch her and place her in the straw-lined box.
It turns out that's not really where she wanted to be. I know this because one evening, as she was waiting for me to pick her up she ran over to the bottom rung of the bleachers and stretched as high as she could go. The body language was clear: Up! Up! So I put her up on the bleachers, and she happily hopped the rest of the way up to the top. Soon I began placing her directly on the top rung, which is over my head.
The first time I did this, I neglected to make sure she was balanced. Thud! Flutter! Crash! It's a good thing chickens bounce. Another time, a black hen began pecking both me and the hen. I put my hand on the black hen and gave her a gentle nudge. "Oops. So sorry." She flew to the ground, cursing my name.
I'm now much better at this. I place the gold hen up there, then cup my hands around her bottom until she's got her balance.
The hens will likely all be butchered sometime in March...that's just how it must be. Yet I'll continue to pamper this gold hen until then. It seems the least I can do for all the eggs she's given us.
Our hens are aging. Many of them no longer even lay eggs. When we find the time, we're going to have to turn them into stewing hens and order new chicks. But until then, we take care of them...
When Melissa was recovering from surgery, there was a sickly hen who could no longer hoist herself up onto the 'bleachers' to roost at night. I assumed she'd be fine on the floor, but then I found her dead a few days later. Melissa said the hen would have died anyway, but being on the cold floor probably hastened its death. Damn.
So late in my 'job' as fulltime farmer, a dark gold hen began the same behavior. She didn't seem sick, but she no longer had the strength to get herself up two feet onto the first rung, and then work her way to the top, where all the hens like to roost. I began putting her in a nest box. She was off the floor and warmer. We got into a routine. She'd pretend to run away, but then would stop so I could catch her and place her in the straw-lined box.
It turns out that's not really where she wanted to be. I know this because one evening, as she was waiting for me to pick her up she ran over to the bottom rung of the bleachers and stretched as high as she could go. The body language was clear: Up! Up! So I put her up on the bleachers, and she happily hopped the rest of the way up to the top. Soon I began placing her directly on the top rung, which is over my head.
The first time I did this, I neglected to make sure she was balanced. Thud! Flutter! Crash! It's a good thing chickens bounce. Another time, a black hen began pecking both me and the hen. I put my hand on the black hen and gave her a gentle nudge. "Oops. So sorry." She flew to the ground, cursing my name.
I'm now much better at this. I place the gold hen up there, then cup my hands around her bottom until she's got her balance.
The hens will likely all be butchered sometime in March...that's just how it must be. Yet I'll continue to pamper this gold hen until then. It seems the least I can do for all the eggs she's given us.
