The ebb and flow of the seasons on the farm command a variety of chores and activities.
In addition to the weekly demands of livestock, edibles and creative earthwork projects, there are surprises from week to week that keep everyone on their toes. The farm life is exciting, demanding and unpredictable, full of lessons to be learned and life to be lived. We would’t have it any other way.
Notes from an Apprentice Farmer: Lessons in Stillness
For two days last week I managed the morning and evening animal chores alone. I spent my two days singing to the animals. I spent my two days watching the animals and trying to understand [...]
Healthy Farms and Feathered Friends
https://youtu.be/P_IYZGiqsKk The local Kestrel glides across the farm landscape weekly with a field mouse in its talons. I am always amazed with witnessing such an experience. At ABC acres we have designed and installed a [...]
Notes from an Apprentice Farmer: On the Nature of Work
One year ago I chaired an English Department and taught writing courses at a small college. When not dealing with administrative red tape--which was all too common--I worked at revitalizing a curriculum, rekindling a departmental [...]
Bale Grazing: A Practice Promising the Promotion of Productive Pastures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON10IlwmISw At ABC acres, we are always looking for ways to improve the health and production of our soils. It honestly has moved from a mental preoccupation to a slightly obsessive pursuit. So, when we [...]
Time To Reconsider Your Definition of Farmer
As I hold up the razor sharp knife to the bird presently inverted in the ‘kill cone’, I pause for but a moment, second-guessing my recently acquired skill-set as an on-farm butcherer. Too aggressive of [...]