Cris and Alex worked very hard today cleaning at our new friend Susan's barn. We have access to all the sheep manure we will ever need. Susan runs a farm in Bolivar TN. She has cows, horses, sheep, goats, chickens and a great dog named Bear. Alex and I fell in love with the lambs...some not more than 24 hours old. We plan to return next weekend to pick up more manure and will work out a schedule to make monthly trips to her farm for a manure pick up. We need to naturally fertilize the soil on our land to grow good vegies and pasture grass. Manure and hay make great compost.
Susan also invited us to sheep shearing day on her farm which is in 2 weeks. We are looking forward to learning how to shear sheep. It will also give us a chance to network with other farmers in the area. Susan was excited to hear that we will be growing organic vegies.
We started the organic certification process with the county extension in Hardeman County. If all goes well, the USDA will be able to assist us with grants for fencing, hoop house, cover crop seeds and even have a well dug for the farm. I am really hoping they help with the well because we may have to dig a little deep to get good water flow.
Within the next 2 weeks we plan to spread cover crop over 6 acres and after Easter we will till the vegetable garden plot and plant seedlings.
Yesterday we started clearing trees around the pond. The goal is to clear enough for a nice view of the pond from where the house will be and by doing this, it will also let the sunshine in around the pond and grass will grow. We saw a turtle in the pond but no fish. We will stock the pond eventually. By the time we finish clearing the trees, we will have a good supply of mulch for the compost pile.
It was a busy weekend and we got alot done despite the rain and cold. I am so ready for Spring. So much to do and not enough hours in the day. Having a great time in this new adventure!
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