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When Life Give You Lemons …

Another week, another snow / ice storm.  While I love how it hides the mud we’ve created over the past month or so, the irony sets in that it’s only going to bring more mud.  Snow, freezing temperatures, mud, and short days take a lot out of the fun of farming for sure.  It also makes for creative solutions for challenges we face on the farm.  Let me explain.

This time of year, the grass is pretty much eaten up by the cattle and chickens. We’ve been feeding hay now for about two months.  We scored some really quality hay this year so the cows have been very happy.  The downside of hay is you need a tractor or ATV to get the Hay where you need it which equates to more mud.  

Many of you have told us how much you love our eggs and we appreciate the feedback!  The majority of that quality comes from moving the chickens to fresh areas on a regular basis.  They tend to follow areas where the cattle have been, so this time of year they get hay as well, in addition to leftover grass and non-gmo feed.  Again, to move their structures requires a tractor which equals?   You guessed it, more mud!  I think you’re probably seeing a theme here.

Just like life, farming throws many obstacles in your way.  We love to sit down and plan out the year including which animals will be where, how we’re going to rotate, and so on.  Truth is, it never really goes to plan. Whether it’s snow and mud during the winter, or storms and flooding in the summer, processing dates get canceled, or life events happen, you just never know what to expect.  And you know what, that’s OK!

We’ve learned that whatever is thrown our way, usually the solution lies within the problem. That’s an adage used by many that practice Permaculture (really sustainable farming).  As for the mud, we throw down pasture seed so that the cattle will press it into the ground providing better pastures the following spring.  Pasture seed is also thrown down prior to snow events as the ground will heave and actually take the seed into the ground as it thaws, a practice known as frost seeding.  When we get floods, we move the animals and relish in the fact that those flooded areas just got bombarded with nutrients and minerals that will benefit the pasture once it recedes.  

All this is to say that while 2020 has tested our resolve, it’s also taught me to look for the good within the bad, find opportunity in adversity, and to find solutions within problems.  2020 was a crazy year for everyone, but we’ve found turning lemons to lemonade (or margaritas) makes things a whole heck of a lot better.  Alright, out into the mud and snow we go.  Thanks for reading and stay safe out there! 

Wake Up With Us!

Not much gets done here on the farm without a good cup-of-joe.  Thanks to quarantine, the ability to brew a great cup coffee at home has become more important than ever. From the moment that first sip touches your soul and whispers “You can do this”, our coffees are here to get you through your day.  That’s why we’re excited to be offering three varieties of custom roasted coffees to get you up and crowing!

Thanks for following us and allowing us to serve you.  If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts, give us a shout!  Stay warm, healthy, and safe!

With Our Appreciation,

Jason, Lexi, and Family

Charlottesville City Market To-Go