I have been wondering about away to start this blog off. A way to give everyone an idea about where we are at. So I thought I would give a sort of State of the Farm address.
The last year has involved several projects on our way to a sustainable homestead. The year started with preparations to add our first livestock. A mobile coop was build for a flock of layers. In the spring a straight run of 10 Black Australorps and 5 Buff Orpingtons were placed in the brooder. Right as the chickens were removed from the brooder, they were replaced with 9 Khaki Campbell ducks.
After culling the cockerels the flock ended up with 5 Black Australorps and 3 Buff Orpingtons. Those 8 layers kept us and our family supplied with eggs for most of the late summer and fall. Now in the heart of winters the production has slowed. After losing two hen ducks to predators we have 3 hen ducks and 4 drakes, 3 of which are over due to be culled.
In the spring we also attempted to add to our orchard with a several fruit trees. Unfortunately we had little luck with the trees, but we will try again and will have a better plan on the plantings.
The annual garden produced well. We had good crops of onions, potatoes, and dry beans especially. We tried using soil blocks and a small low tunnel greenhouse for starting seeds. We learned a lot about using this method and will be using it again. Also in the garden perennials for asparagus, rhubarb and strawberries we also added. We are looking forward to crops from those plants for years to come.
As spring approaches we are making plans for the next growing season and adding more to fledgling homestead.
