Farm Notes

I was recently invited to speak at a Career Exploration Day event at West Canada Valley Junior High School. Seventh and eighth graders were able to meet an engineer, a … Career Day

On Sunday, January 6, at about 2:45 in the afternoon, I got a disturbing text from a friend. “We just saw something about a fire in your barn. Please let … Barn Fire!

We recently said goodbye to not one, but two of our farm dogs. First, Woody, our faithful Australian Shepherd, passed away peacefully of old age. And barely two short weeks … Love and Heartbreak

I don’t know about you, but I rarely follow through on my New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s a promise to lose weight or to call my parents on a more … Ice Cream College

The word “community” can mean so many things. It can be a town, a feeling of kinship, or just the public at large. When I think of my community, there … An Evening with Cheesemakers and a Chef

There’s so much going on at the farm right now that I don’t know where to start! Our chicken processing and farmer’s markets are winding down, just as we ramp … My Thanksgiving Resolution

Maybe I’m worn out from what seemed to be the longest, hottest summer on record (or maybe I’m peri-menopausal?!?), but I’m really looking forward to fall temperatures this year. Who … The Joys of a Woodstove

We have one of the best views in the entire Mohawk Valley from our farm. It’s the biggest reason we bought our farm in the first place. “Everything else can … Oh, What a View!

Today is a sad day for me. It’s sad because I have to make some hard decisions…decisions I don’t want to make. I have to decide which of our goats … The Hard Decisions

As is my habit, I’m late for my deadline once again. I’ve had an idea for my article rolling around my brain for several weeks now, but just haven’t had … Goat Duty

It happens every once in a blue moon. One of our farm animals develops a quirky personality so unique, so strange that all this farmer can do is scratch her … A Lamb Named Kitten that Thinks He’s a Dog

A few weeks ago, some very good friends of ours told me they had heard a “rumor” about our youngest daughter, Margaret. Their daughter and our Margaret are fast friends, … A Parental “Challenge”

March was pretty rough on the farm. Maybe it was the two Nor’easters (they didn’t help!) or maybe it was the unwelcome cold and snow after a very warm and … New Life

A few weeks before Christmas, my husband was chatting in the yard with our neighbor when a flash of fur went streaking across the driveway and up a tree. Our … It’s Raining Cats…and Cats!

Thank goodness for the changing of the seasons. Every phase of the calendar gives me something to look forward to—a variation in pace, a “changing of the gears” that forces … So Very, Very, VERY Pregnant!

This is going to sound completely crazy, but we don’t have an indoor bathroom. We have an outhouse…in winter…in Central New York. To be clear, we usually have a bathroom—one … An Outhouse in Winter

What are you most thankful for? Is it a good job, your health, your family? Is it the kindness of strangers, the ability to help others, or life’s opportunities that … Thankful

I love goats. God help me, I just adore everything about them! Our first goats were all “meat” breeds. Much like the Angus breed of cow that is popular for … Windy Hill Goat Dairy

I think people generally understand that there are lots of dangers on the farm. And it’s true. From large equipment, to half-buried rusty metal trash, to unpredictable animals, there’s really … Toxic Plants

I was driving through town with my 15-year-old daughter the other day when she pointed out a bumper sticker that read, “Hauling Ass & Sucking Gas.” If you’ve never had … Nostalgia is a Funny Thing

For the May issue of Mohawk Valley Living, I wrote about the many support businesses that farmers rely upon in their day-to-day operations. There are so many things farmers need…be … NEPPA Hatchery

Have you ever picked rocks in a freshly tilled field? If you were lucky, it was a nice, warm day—but not too hot. There was a cool breeze to whisk … Picking Rocks

Farming, like most specialized industries, has a host of support businesses that make day-to-day operations possible. Restaurants, for example, have restaurant-supply stores for their silverware, dishes, ovens, and whisks; laundry … A Farmer’s Best Friend

There is no feeling in the world quite like it—that flurry of excitement and affection for all things small. If you are an animal person like me, you just have … Puppy Love

When we bought our farm almost 14 years ago, both my husband and I had “real” jobs. By “real,” I mean the jobs produced actual paychecks, with W-2s and all … Financing the Farm

I pause to shake my hands and get the blood flowing again. My palms are sweaty and my legs feel a little rubbery. On top of that, my heart is … What’s in a Silo?

It is again “that time” of the year! Newborn lambs and goats are once more filling up our barn. Little ones are arriving every few hours or so; sometimes several … Babies!

Are you familiar with this saying? I guess it originally was “the proof of the pudding is in the eating,” meaning you wouldn’t know whether food was cooked properly until … The Proof is in the Pudding

Whatever your politics are, I’m guessing you’ll be glad when this election season is over. Even on the farm, we are not immune from the daily news reports. To be … Immigrants and Farmers

The two most common questions customers ask me are, “Are your animals happy?” and “Do you love your animals?” These two questions are so popular I get them almost on … Do Farmers Love Their Animals?