Things are growing and expanding here on the farm! We’ve added quail and crawfish to our offerings. Stay tuned for more info and how to order.
Changes
Category: Farm Life
Essential Oils Product Launch
I am so excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new line of custom blended essential oils. Let me take the guess work of what and how to use each oil by blending them for you. MommieKate Home Brews are a dynamic blend of essential oils that promote health and well being. After years of research, I have perfected my kitchen remedies and am ready to share the benefits with you. Each blend is carefully and lovingly prepared to specifically combat the seasonal threats that can interfere with your daily enjoyment of good health. We will begin by offering an Allergy Blend, a Cold/Flu Blend, a Yucky Tummy Blend, an Immune Booster Blend, and a Sleep Sound Blend. We will also offer private consultations and custom blends. Stay tuned for the official product launch and web site store in January!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and thus not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Leash Training an Adult Dog
Living on a rural farm means having livestock guardian dogs (LGDs). Large dogs. Big, big, BIG dogs. Big dogs can have BIG behavior problems if not trained correctly.
Felix came to us by way of rescue. He was a year old and totally untrained when we adopted him. He had killed a few chickens and gotten a bad rap. Chicken killer. Not good for a guardian.
This is a plight facing LGDs everywhere. People assume that since these magnificent creatures are bred for the job they require no training. WRONG. They hit the naughty adolescent stage, problems occur, they’re seen as failures, and then they’re looking for a new home… Most issues happen from over excited play and lack of boundaries rather than true aggression.
Leash training is my favorite! It is by far the most rewarding task. Once a dog can walk on a leash, the tool is handy and the pattern is set for EVERY other training task. You nail it and the rest just falls together.
Here’s a short video that I made for an LGD education group. It demonstrates my technique for leash training an already grown dog. I’ll provide an affiliate link to my favorite harness. Once Felix was leash trained & chicken trustworthy, I no longer needed the harness on a daily basis. It was handy “insurance” for handling off-farm trips/vet visits.
Fresh Eggs !
We’ve spent all winter preparing the land for farming. In such a short amount of time, we have accomplished building the road, putting in underground telephone & electric power, and installed a water pump on our spring-fed creek.
Despite the extremely harsh winter we even acquired two livestock guardian dogs, four hens, a rooster, and a chicken tractor! Not a bad start if I do say so myself. AND…drumroll, please… We’ve already sold two dozen fresh eggs.
We are currently working on an expanded chicken pen and run. When we are through they will have a new coop and a 20′ x 25′ covered pen area. When they are not free ranging the pasture, they will have a large area to scratch in and do whatever it is that chickens do – mostly scratch.
Moonlight Over the Mountain
I wish this photo could do justice to the majesty of the moment. The full moon rising over the mountain just took my breath away tonight.
We sat wrapped in blankets for awhile just watching in awe.
Then we danced. Laughed. Gave thanks.
We breathed deep- savoring the clean mountain air. We’ve worked so hard to get here! Tonight we rest and admire the view.
