Michael Perry's Blog, page 60

Michael Perry: Do we play with cats, or do cats play with us? An answer.

Every week the Wisconsin State Journal runs “Roughneck Grace,” a weekly column written by Mike (many of the columns will be adapted from Mike’s Tent Show Radio monologues). This week’s column ‘Michael Perry: Do we play with cats, or do cats play with us? An answer.‘ can be seen online here.

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Tall Pines Conservancy Fundraiser (Serenity Farm)

On February 25, 2021, Tall Pines Conservancy will be presenting “An Evening with Michael Perry” as part of an important fundraiser to support the farmland conservation and water-quality initiatives of Tall Pines Conservancy.

While most of you know what Mike does, we’d like to let you know what Tall Pines Conservancy does in a series of videos leading up to the event day. If you are interested in attending, more event details are here.

Here is the video about Serenity Farm.

Paul and Laura Phelps’ lifelong dream came true in 2001 when they purchased a 126-acre farm in the town of Oconomowoc.  Soon after establishing Serenity Farm, they sought the assistance of Tall Pines Conservancy to protect this unique piece of Wisconsin history – and the connections they have created between art and nature on their farm.  In 2014, a conservation easement was placed on the property to permanently protect it from future development.

Art – and its reflection on nature – is what makes Serenity Farm a truly magical place.  Paul is a highly respected stained-glass artist whose work is showcased in each of the gables of the iconic early 20th century restored barn.  Guests to the farm also encounter sculptures, from a majestic spire to a menagerie of creatures, along the courtyard and among the gardens.  In fact, there are more than 20 geometrical and meticulously designed gardens producing organically grown vegetables, herbs and flowers.  Turkeys, goats, chickens, pigs and honey bees all make their home here.  The gently rolling landscape features lush wetlands and ancient oak savannah, with the meandering Ashippun River running through it.

The Phelps generously share their farm each year during Ride to the Barns.  Held in August, this fundraising bicycle ride through Lake Country and rolling farmland benefits the land conservation work of Tall Pines Conservancy.  Local farms serve as rest stops, where participants enjoy locally produced food and live music while connecting with those who farm the land.

 “We were living in the city of Oconomowoc and had looked for years for a farm. We had a list of priorities and looked at hundreds of properties. When we saw this farm, we made a connection right away. It was meant to be, and we felt it was our destiny. We prayed about it and promised to be good stewards.”  Paul Phelps

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Michael Perry: That time of year when a dripping faucet helps you sleep at night

Every week the Wisconsin State Journal runs “Roughneck Grace,” a weekly column written by Mike (many of the columns will be adapted from Mike’s Tent Show Radio monologues). This week’s column ‘Michael Perry: That time of year when a dripping faucet helps you sleep at night‘ can be seen online here.

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Tall Pines Conservancy Fundraiser (Mayer Farms)

On February 25, 2021, Tall Pines Conservancy will be presenting “An Evening with Michael Perry” as part of an important fundraiser to support the farmland conservation and water-quality initiatives of Tall Pines Conservancy.

While most of you know what Mike does, we’d like to let you know what Tall Pines Conservancy does in a series of videos leading up to the event day. If you are interested in attending, more event details are here.

Here is the video about Mayer Farms.

Mayer Farms is a 7th generation, 151-acre dairy farm lying near the headwaters of the Oconomowoc River watershed in southern Washington Country south of the village of Slinger. The Coney River runs through the property. This prime agricultural land features rolling hills and pasture and is nestled in the hills of the Kettle Moraine within view of the historic Holy Hill church.

The Mayer family preserved their farm and sold their development rights to protect the land from increasing residential and commercial development pressure and to maintain farmland viability that will allow generational transfer of the farm to the Mayer’s three children. Dairy farming is the Mayer’s life’s work. Their passion is their cows and they take pride in raising quality cattle and growing them naturally for dairy and beef. The family is also committed to improving the quality of the river by incorporating buffer strips and other strategies through a partnership with the Oconomowoc Watershed Protection Program.

“Our grandchildren mark the 8th generation at the Mayer Farm. It was the love of working with fine dairy cattle and farming that brought us together. While high development pressure has surrounded our community, it’s reassuring to know that due to the work of Tall Pines, the Oconomowoc Watershed Protection Program and NRCS, we will be able to transition our land, passion and way of life to our children. Farming is more than a career – it’s our love.”
—Shelly Mayer

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Michael Perry: Award-worthy writing requires both inspiration and perspiration

Every week the Wisconsin State Journal runs “Roughneck Grace,” a weekly column written by Mike (many of the columns will be adapted from Mike’s Tent Show Radio monologues). This week’s column ‘Michael Perry: Award-worthy writing requires both inspiration and perspiration‘ can be seen online here.

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Tall Pines Conservancy Fundraiser (Koepke Pleasant View Farm)

On February 25, 2021, Tall Pines Conservancy will be presenting “An Evening with Michael Perry” as part of an important fundraiser to support the farmland conservation and water-quality initiatives of Tall Pines Conservancy.

While most of you know what Mike does, we’d like to let you know what Tall Pines Conservancy does in a series of videos leading up to the event day. If you are interested in attending, more event details are here.

Here is the video about Koepke Pleasant View Farm.

While Waukesha was once known as Cow County USA for its abundance of thriving dairy operations, decades of suburban growth and numerous economic challenges have permanently altered the once bucolic landscape.  

Koepke Pleasant View Farm is a 109-acre farm founded in 1875 and located just north of the city of Oconomowoc.  Its picturesque views of Holy Hill to the north and Lac La Belle to the south made it a prime candidate for a subdivision that could have incorporated 100 homes.  Instead, the Koepke Family chose to permanently protect their 5th generation family farm from future development through a conservation easement with Tall Pines Conservancy.  Today, the land serves as a strategic buffer between rural northern Waukesha county and the city to the south.

In addition to protecting their family legacy, the Koepkes wanted to be an example to other area farmers who might be interested in protecting their farm for future generations.   They are role models in other ways, too.  

In 2011, the Koepke family received the Aldo Leopold Conservation Award for being one of the first farms in the area to adopt a completely no-till system and utilize conservation practices such as contour strip cropping, diversified crop rotation, nutrient management and cover crops.  Today, John Koepke shares his extensive knowledge as a founding member of Farmers For Lake Country, a farmer-led organization that advocates best management practices to improve soil health and help preserve and protect our lakes and streams that are also economically viable.    

According to John, “Tall Pines is the leader in keeping some country in Lake Country. Our family is proud to partner with Tall Pines to protect farmland and open space in Oconomowoc– it keeps us as farmers viable, protects the environment, and keeps the community both beautiful and bountiful.” 

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THAT AIN’T A TRACTOR

Sometimes even as a soft-handed farm boy you just gotta fail the Artificial Intelligence test out of principle. THAT AIN’T A TRACTOR. Also as a farm boy there’s a reason I didn’t call it the A.I. test…

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Michael Perry: The good ol’ days aren’t what they used to be

Every week the Wisconsin State Journal runs “Roughneck Grace,” a weekly column written by Mike (many of the columns will be adapted from Mike’s Tent Show Radio monologues). This week’s column ‘Michael Perry: The good ol’ days aren’t what they used to be‘ can be seen online here.

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DISTRESSED COOPS (Hardcover)

WOW. That was fast. ALL SOLD OUT. Thank you, thank you. The donation to Feed My People will go out this week!!!

Howdy Folks:

The pandemic has resulted in the longest stretch of time Mike has spent at home this century. The result of this homebound time: 3 new books, a fancy new t-shirt and a lot of overdue sifting through gems in the pole barn, aka Mike’s Magnificent Gift/Junk Shop. Also known as The Confluence of All Entropy.

These hardcovers were in the bottom of a box Mike hauled down to the pole barn a few years back (see photos at this link). When recently unboxed, they were found to be rumpled, scrunched, and slightly squashed…yet eminently readable and perhaps perfect for that summer cabin or ice fishing shack. There are only a handful of these coveted collector’s items, each signed by Mike and on sale for $9.99 plus we’ll throw in a Sneezing Cow sticker with each order and then donate $8.00 per book to Feed My People (that’s 16 meals per book). When they’re gone, they’re gone. Yep.

To get yours, click here.

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Michael Perry: The need for speed undulates over time like a country road

Every week the Wisconsin State Journal runs “Roughneck Grace,” a weekly column written by Mike (many of the columns will be adapted from Mike’s Tent Show Radio monologues). This week’s column ‘Michael Perry: The need for speed undulates over time like a country road‘ can be seen online here.

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