I'm reading Beth's BET THE FARM enjoyably as I walk on my treadmill on days it's too cold or icy outside. She's a terrific writer—no surprise given her credentials.
Keep up your hard work and keep sharing as this is encouraging hopefully to more younger folks. I would hope that your writing finds its ways to FFA chapters of many a high schools in Iowa for challenging discussions. Your farms struggles are not unique and I challenge all "older and open minded experienced" farm folk to join in addressing the changes necessary to feed a hungry world in the 21st century. It begins with natural soil- and water quality management. There are no magic "bullets" and "band-aids" are only for the short term. The goal has to be in this day and age: "The (magic) Microbe is not the answer, the MILIEU in the soil is everything!"
I'm reading Beth's BET THE FARM enjoyably as I walk on my treadmill on days it's too cold or icy outside. She's a terrific writer—no surprise given her credentials.
Thanks Marianne!
Keep up your hard work and keep sharing as this is encouraging hopefully to more younger folks. I would hope that your writing finds its ways to FFA chapters of many a high schools in Iowa for challenging discussions. Your farms struggles are not unique and I challenge all "older and open minded experienced" farm folk to join in addressing the changes necessary to feed a hungry world in the 21st century. It begins with natural soil- and water quality management. There are no magic "bullets" and "band-aids" are only for the short term. The goal has to be in this day and age: "The (magic) Microbe is not the answer, the MILIEU in the soil is everything!"
“It’s a veritable ungulate winter idyll around here,” the farmer writes. Makes me wonder if he and the animals are chewing that ditch weed!
What a delightful post John! I literally walked around Whippoorwill Farm with you as the guide. Loved it! Have a restful winter.
I stop in Charles City at the tractor museum just to admire the 1755. Best tractor ever built.
Thanks for a great read on a cold blustery winter night. Thanks for posting a few photo's as well.
It brings back memories of my days growing up on the farm -- many years ago (hummm decades ago -- LOL).
Thanks for the virtual farm tour! Glad to hear the beef sales have been robust. Best wishes for 2025.