Still here!

My farm reports dropped off in the early winter due to a couple good showings of nature’s glory.  First the flooding in November, then some crazy snow (up to four feet!) that isn’t typical.  Then more flooding in January hitting record levels.  Between the natural disasters, holidays and guests, and the fact that everything is just quiet this time of year there’s been little to really report on.  I’ve also been doing a bit of belt tightening so that’s scaled down the projects I might otherwise be undertaking.  I’ve kind of given up on getting a farm report out until things pick up for the spring which really isn’t too far off.

The only news of late has been sad/bad news.  After losing a couple young chickens this summer I hadn’t seen any loses, but the winter storms have taken their toll on the predators around here and in the last month I’ve lost four more chickens (7 lost, 6 alive for those keeping score).  My layers are dwindling down at this point and the rooster is wearing on my nerves.  He may not live many more weeks at this point.  Not only is he slacking as prime protector but he’s gotten aggressive towards me specifically which I’m not amused with in the least.  I just placed my order for this spring with 12 meat birds and 13 layers.  Since odds have it that at least a couple will be roosters I think I am going to “try again” with the rooster.  I struggle with the decision to off Bucket, the rooster, because it’s much more subjective than objective.  Raising meat birds knowing that they’ll end up on the dinner plate is very different than deciding I don’t like Bucket’s attitude and therefore he needs to go.  I don’t know of another solution to the situation though, and it’s the reality of farm life.  So, I guess I’ll get my first taste of on-farm slaughter in the coming weeks.  Not something I can say I’m *thrilled* about, but, again, it’s the reality and I’ll either work through it or become a vegetarian.

I’m working on a post about my garden plans this year.  I’ve already placed my minimal seed order for the year, but there’s more to it than that.  I’ll try to work on it and get it posted in the next few days.

In the meantime I am still here and my thoughts are certainly turning to spring!