Compost Tea for Combating Disease

I am always looking for ways to combat disease in the garden, especially with my tomatoes. We have such humid weather here in the deep south that we are plagued with disease. While that doesn't always mean that we lose production completely it does mean that production can be reduced. I have seen this with tomatoes especially. I have gotten verticilium wilt and my tomatoes will still produce, but no like they could. I have used compost tea in the past for added nutrients, but have never used it as a method of disease control of plants. This year my scientific experiment will be to use it as a method of controlling disease and see what happens. To control disease compost tea must be made aerobically, which means the tea is kept oxygenated while "brewing". This keeps the microorganisms alive. It also must be applied at least once a month, not just on the occasional basis that I have done in the past. So how do you make compost tea?

First get a 5 gallon bucket and something to aerate the tea. An aquarium pump will work for this. Next you need to put some finished compost (about 3 big handfuls) into a piece of cloth that will allow good flow through it. I like to use old curtain sheers for this. Tie this up and place in the bucket. Now fill with non chlorinated water. you can let your water sit in another bucket for 24 hours if you have city water to release the chlorine. Then in the water mix in 2 teaspoons of molasses and 2 teaspoons of citric acid or lemon juice. These two things will feed the micro-organisms. Turn on the pump and let sit for 24 hours. Use immediately after that as a foliar spray.

To control disease this needs to be done on a once a month basis. Hope we all have success with this. Blessings, Kat

Feeding livestock from the farm

About a year ago we made the decision to feed as many of our animals from the farm as much as we could. If we just had small animals that might be more easily done, but we have the goat herd that is in production (need more calories) and we have the horses(lean mean eating machines). How were we to go about this big change and all the extra work? Well, like everything else we made a plan that was feasible to do and then started working on it slowly. So here is our plan and how we implemented that plan. Warning...some things described are not for the faint of stomach.

We started with the cats. The cats hunt for a good portion of their food and I will have to say we don't have near the problem of mice that we used to have. So giving them cat food was basically just a supplement to their diet of mice and other rodents. It was relatively easy to change that supplement to table scraps with a few extra eggs and some milk thrown in for the proteins that they need. The cats have been eating this way for a year now and they are healthy and happy. They don't get fat and lazy and they keep up their hunting skills. When we butcher they get some of the scraps which also help with their protein and organ meat needs although they get that when they hunt. They eat their kills vs. bringing them to us or bringing them on the porch to "play" with them. By feeding them table scraps they get a wide portion of food and my cats will eat the vegetables that are mixed in with everything else most of the time.

Next we moved to the dogs full time. We were feeding the dogs kibble, I won't say which one but it was a high quality grain free kibble. Feeding the dogs this kibble was costing up approximately 60.00 a month. So we made up our minds that we were going to feed the dogs like the predators that they were with meat, bones and organ meats. When we butcher all the things that we don't use now feed the dogs. We use to have to bury the heads and now we don't. We simply split the skull and give it to the dogs. They clean up everything on it that they can and then the chickens pick the bones clean, literally. All pieces of bone that aren't eaten are gathered up and buried in the garden to enrich the soil. The dogs clean the cowl off of the guts and then we bury what they don't eat or what the chickens don't clean up behind them. The whole purpose of the second rabbit colony is to feed the dogs and give the cats some extras. They also get extra eggs, some milk and any whey from making cheese or cheese mistakes that are made. All of the dogs are happy and healthy. The biggest plus has been that Valentine skin allergies seem to be better, not cured but better. She now has hair where she has not had hair for years because of the itching.

The next move that we are working on now is the rabbits. We have plenty of weeds during the spring and summer along with some garden produce, but we planted more this year for them. We have planted tons of peas so that we have a source of protein and are growing more sunflowers for calories and vitamins. We are also planting a grain patch to grow for them. The grain patch will also be a good source of long stem fiber for them so that we can cut some of their outside hay cost. The hay that we feed them is mainly for the long stem fiber that they need to keep their digestive tract working properly. Spanish moss is also a good source of this and we have plenty of that. The key for the rabbits is being able to have enough variety for them and keeping that variety throughout the whole year. We probably supply close to half of what they need now during the growing season, but we have a ways to go still to be able to completely get away from purchasing their feed.

The chickens we have never purchased food for. They eat the horse and goat leftovers (what they waste). Two of our horses even let the chickens peck out of their feed pans while they eat. The chickens are also instrumental in helping to clean up butchering waste and it is amazing at how well they can clean up a gut pile leaving nothing but the interior contents. They hunt for their own bugs and forage for their own greens. We have much fewer bugs with the chickens roaming the pastures and the house. They are extremely healthy and lay well. I am sure we could push them to lay more in the winter when there isn't that much to forage on, but they need the break. Laying eggs is hard work.

With the goats we are not anywhere near being able to feed them year round without store bought grains. We do well to be able to cut back on things during the summer when so much of their food intake comes from foraging. Our plan this year is to overseed the pastures with cool season grasses and such that will provide them with more forage during the late fall and winter so that they don't require as much hay. However, when they are in production they simply need the concentrated calories that they get from grain. They also need the alfalfa for calcium and protein. We are hoping that we can supplement some of the protein with peas and some of the calcium with more clover so that we don't have to purchase as much. However, we are a long way away from being able to completely feed them from the farm. If we only had two or three goats it might be feasible, but not with 9. We are growing more root crops this year to help supplement their calorie needs this winter. That might decrease their outside grain needs, but it won't eliminate it.

The horses are pretty much like the goats. I am not sure that we could completely eliminate their outside feed needs. We have a very old stallion that simply needs the high calorie content of a senior feed. Our pastures are still in need of work and frankly I don't think we have enough land to be able to pasture them year round with no additional needs. They would be a goal that is a long way down the road.

So as you can see it is a slow work in progress. We start with one group and work from there. If we tried to take care of everyone all at once it would be too overwhelming to even imagine. Blessings from the farm, Kat

2013 Goals Update

Well we are well into 2013 and so far I have to say we have done pretty well working toward the goals that we wanted to achieve this year. So far we have rebuilt the woodshed and are in the process of filling it to the brim. When it is full it will probably be enough wood for two years, so we are happy with that. Then this past week we finished the second rabbit colony and they seem to be enjoying it well. They are beginning to calm down a bit when I come in and realize that I am the feed lady. Next on the list is the outdoor summer shower and we have all the materials to build that. We will probably get that done this week. It will be nice to have a shower after working in the garden or the barns without having to track all that dirt in the house and into the tub. Yes, I get pretty dirty when I am in the garden. After the outdoor shower then we will build a smokehouse so that we can smoke our hams next season here at home and not have to impose on our neighbor to use her smoker. I might even be able to smoke some cheeses and such. Oh, the possibilities of having our own smokehouse. So much work to do and so little time before the blistering temperatures of summer hit us. I don't work well in the heat and so that limits how much outside work can be done around here. The garden is finally doing pretty well. Things are growing and so canning season will be here before we know it. That will keep me pretty busy. The big project for the year will be refencing the perimeter. That project will probably take all summer to complete. We have to clear the fences first. Right now we are letting the goats out to work on that part. Might as well kill two birds with one stone...feed the goats and clear the fences. I found another litter in c0lony 1 yesterday so I am happy to say that those rabbits are breeding like...rabbits! I am still waiting for the chicks to hatch from my broody hen. I check on her everyday since she didn't pick the best spot to sit on eggs...the top of the grow out cages in the goat barn. Since we have had loads of rain the weeds are growing like crazy all around the place so the bunnies are getting plenty of fresh green food which is great because then I can cut back on their grain. Colony 1 has so many rabbits in it though that I am keeping their grain ration the same. I know they will start slowing down in another month or so because of heat sterility. It will be good for them to have a little break even though they rotate who is pregnant and nursing and who is not. My chinchilla do though doesn't seem to like a break and I have to say she has been my best doe as far as production. Colony 2 is made up mostly of her daughters so that I continue that trait in my herd. Things seem to be moving right along and going well this year. I hope this keeps up and now to get the tractor fixed and up and running. Hopefully, your year is going well also. Blessings from the farm. Kat

New Rabbit Colony

We have had loads of success with our rabbit colony and so we have decided to start a new one, dubbed colony 2. We used the old chicken coop which was recently vacated by the pigs. We had to do some work to make it bunny proof, but I think it will work out just fine. We want to add an extra half door on the inside that opens inward which will give us more security when entering and leaving the colony. So far though we don't really have to worry about the buns escaping while we are entering and leaving. As soon as I start to open the door they all run to the back corner to hide. This colony will enable us to feed more rabbit to the dogs thus increasing our pet food production. Today I am going to try and gather up some more "toys" for the buns to have in there like tunnels for them to hide in and places for them to nest. They have one nesting spot now, but with 5 does they will need more. Hopefully, they will settle down and settle into routine over the next week. Fortunately, they all seem to be getting along and no one seems to be fighting. I will try to get pictures posted sometime today or tomorrow. Meanwhile, tonight is my sewing night and I am looking forward to it. It will be good to have some time to spend sewing. I have several dress patterns to cut out for my little one. We realized that she has a good amount of play dresses for the summer but not many town dresses for the summer. I also have a couple of work dresses that I am hemming simply to make them more practical to work in around the farm. I absolutely love wearing dresses in the summer especially. Well, it is about time to get to work before the rain moves in today. Blessings, Kat

Mediterranean Style Beef Salad

Ok, I used venison in this salad but I do realize that most don't have venison. Beef can be used. Ingredients: Mandarin oranges dried cranberries beef slice thin(skirt or flank steak would work well for this) salad greens cashews feta cheese sweet onion finely chopped balsamic vinegar olive oil sugar Season steak strips with garlic powder and a little salt, then sauté in olive oil until rare to med. rare in consistency. In a bowl combine the oranges, cranberries, onion, and steak. For the vinegraitte combine equal amounts of balsamic vinegar and olive oil and then mix in a little sugar to taste. My family likes this a little on the sweeter side as my husband doesn't like a vinegary taste. Use as much as you need or as little for your family. A little of this dressing goes a long way so you don't need to make much. 3/4 of a cup was plenty for our very large bowl of salad and I think I dumped a little afterwards. Serve this salad liberally topped with the cashews and feta along with the dressing. I served rice crackers on the side. It was delicious and filling.

Chicken and Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

So my first summertime recipe is here. It was delicious if I do say so myself and thoroughly satisfying, especially since I didn't have much cooking to do at all. Ingredients: Cooked pasta (use what you like and the amount that you usually need for your family) 1/2 lb. cubed and sautéed chicken 8 strips of bacon cooked and crumbled 3/4 cup ranch dressing 3 carrots, cut small and blanched 6 small sweet peppers, diced small 1 stalk celery sliced thin 1/4 lb. mozzarella cheese diced small 1 cup blanched collards, sliced thin cut up all the veggies to the above specifications and then mix with the meat, cheese and pasta. Add the ranch dressing and mix well. I served this topped with the bacon crumbles and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It was a wonderful filling meal that wasn't too heavy and didn't heat up the kitchen. Considering we were in the mid 80s yesterday that was nice. this served our family of 4 with some leftovers for lunch today which will be served with deviled eggs. Blessings, Kat

Summer's Change in the Kitchen

So it is that time of year when the weather is warming up and it is time to put away the pots and the pans used to cook those big hearty winter meals. We eat light in the heat because frankly it is too hot to cook large meals and no one feels like eating them. When the heat of summer gets here all we want is light and refreshing. So, this year instead of spending time searching through my recipes I have decided to do something different. I am putting together a summer recipe folder. I will do the same at the end of summer with my winter recipes but for right now I will concentrate on summer recipes. Since today is going to be a miserable rainy day....yes I said rain...again, then I think it will be a good day to put this notebook together. Oh, I am so looking forward to the change of pace as I have gotten so tired of cooking big meals and trying to be creative. I am sure my family is a little tired because to tell the truth creative went out the window a while ago and we have been doing the same oh same oh for quite some time. I love summer when it is simply chop cut and throw together and the flavors are amazing. My goal today was to finish cleaning the goat barn out but since it is pouring and they can't/won't go out (goats melt you know) then that will have to wait. Now I have a good project to work on that will make meal planning simple easy and ever so delicious. I will try to post some of these wonderfully light and easy meal ideas through the coming weeks so that everyone can enjoy them. So are you changing things up in the kitchen for summer? Blessings, Kat

The year of the ......Snake?!!

What is this the year of the snake for us? We have had snakes on occasion, but they have been rare occasions considering how long we have been here. Most of our sightings and encounters happened when we first moved here since there were so many piles of junk around the place and buildings that were not used. However, this seems like it is going to be the year of the snake for us. We have already seen one in the garden, one moving across the road (away from our farm)and now there is a black rat snake in the feed room. I really don't mind snakes as long as they keep their distance, but in my feed room is not keeping their distance. I know what that snake is after. I have a hen sitting on eggs in there. He better not get my bitties. So watch out folks, just because we don't see them doesn't mean that they aren't around. No telling how long that black rat snake has been in that feed room and just been hidden whenever I am in there. I am hoping that this will be the end of my snake encounters for a little while. I really don't like coming across them. I don't mind them around but I just don't want to know it. On a good note we have made plans for the new rabbit colony, our second one. I will get started on building it this week so that we can get rabbits in there as soon as possible. I have some that are close to maturity in the grow out cages so they should start producing relatively soon. We have gotten a little behind on processing rabbits. Have a blessed day. Kat

The year of the horse

My poor horses have really had to make do over the past couple of years as we have been busy with other infrastructure for goats, chickens, pigs and garden. We have always had a drainage issue with the barn because when it was built (not by us) site location was not a big consideration. When it rains the rain runs downhill and right through the barn, creating at the least a cleaning pain or at most an unusable nightmare. In the past we had brought in some crushed limestone for the floor of the barn which helped, but like I said the last couple of years we haven't done much of anything and this past winter we got a lot of rain. The barn is a mess and currently isn't really useable as we can't get the water out of the barn. We have stripped the stalls which lowered them even more and we are still getting loads of rain each week. So, this has to be the year of the horse. We are going to strip out the inside of the barn, bring in dirt and get those stalls back to the shape they need to be in. We also need to re-do the French drain around the outside of the barn to keep water from coming through it. Then there is roofing work to be done and some of the siding is loose. Essentially the horse infrastructure around here is a mess and this has got to be the year that it is taken care of. So, it looks like I will be on the phone today to get the best price on a dump truck load of crushed limestone and we will be trenching around the barn within the next couple of weeks. Since this is the year of the horse the fences need doing too. I have been saying over the last year that we were going to get to those fences and this is the year. Loads of money and time, but it has to be done. My poor ponies have had to make do long enough and now is the time to give them a better environment. Everyone else is happy and settled so now it is their turn. We also need to get them separated at feeding time because we are having issues with out mare being a bully and the boys are getting run off from their food. Poor old Thunder doesn't need that hassle as he has a hard enough time keeping on weight. Well, we do the best we can and keep moving forward to do better. This year the horses get "better" and everyone else can make do. Blessings from the farm, Kat

Happenings around the farm

Well, now that the rain and cold seems to have settled down some I might actually get the garden planted and growing. We have run out of time for spring (cool weather) crops to come up from seed so I bought some plants the other day. Maybe I will get a small crop of these things before the heat of summer gets here. I am planting twice what I normally plant because I just have a feeling that this year will not be a good garden year. This spring has been crazy weather and already put me way behind and I have had to replant several times already. Ok, some of the replanting is due to the chickens, but the drenching rains we have had have had a role too. I planted strawberries this year, 36 plants all total and I am thinking of buying a few more. I will try to get some more things in the ground today and tomorrow. I am hoping to be done with planting for the most part within the next week. We still have no goat babies and all of the pigs are heading to the freezer. These little pigs are just too much trouble. I will stick with feeder pigs each year for awhile. Keeping pigs year round is rough on fences and on the feed bill, especially when neither of the females gave us viable babies. At least we will have pork and I will start looking for a couple of feeders soon. The chickens are back to laying like crazy and we now have egg customers again so they will be earning their keep. The dogs and cats will be sad that their egg supply will be going elsewhere though. They have been enjoying the extra eggs. Titan is doing well with his obedience lessons and starting to come into his adult temperament. He notices when things are different and takes serious offense to that. The other night my husband laid down on the big couch and Titan noticed something was different and let out two big growls. Then yesterday the studio door was open because I was in there doing some cleaning up. Titan noticed it and barked and growled until I stepped to the door to tell him it was just me. Both are good signs that he will make a good property guard. Dakota killed a possum the other night in the big barn. She is such a good dog. I don't know what we would do without her. And Valentine is being her usual old lady grumpy self. I guess we need an old lady dog to keep the others in line. The rabbits were doing really well and having babies like gangbusters, but they seem to have gone on vacation these days. I haven't had a litter in over 6 weeks. I keep telling them that summer is coming and they need to get busy as I need to get some serious rabbit meat in the freezer. They aren't listening. I guess they will ramp up here soon. maybe the crazy weather has them thrown off. I can't milk rabbits though and so I really wish my goat girls would get on the ball with some baby action. My neighbor down the road has already had her babies and I am having serious baby goat withdrawals! However, the good news is that the little buckling she had is coming to live with us when he is ready to leave his mama. We have already named him Moonshine and he is beautiful. He has some excellent bloodlines (Kastdemur) and his mama has a beautiful udder. I am excited to see what he does with improving my herd. Not that Buck is not a good boy, but it will be nice to have some different and lets face it better blood in the herd. We have lots of spring projects that have been on hold because of the rain and so now is the time to get busy before the heat of summer gets here. Two things that I really want to get done are the outdoor solar shower and a second rabbit colony. The second colony will help in meat production so that we don't feel like we are short when we feed rabbit to the dogs. Now that we are feeding raw we really need the extra production. The outdoor shower is great especially for those times that the little one gets muddy from head to toe and when I get filthy and dirty from being in the garden. I loved having one before in the summer and it sure does help on the power bill. I will post instructions when we get started on it. Petunia is turning 15 this weekend and she is studying for her learner's permit. It really makes me feel old. I found it hard to believe that she had become a teenager and now she is a teenager that drives (or will soon). Look out world here she comes! She is also learning how to cook and has already fixed a couple of simple suppers for the family. I have to admit having a teen in the house is nice. She may not want to do outside chores, but I hate inside chores and she is more than happy to fold laundry, vacuum and clean the kitchen. We make a good team. Little britches on the other hand is good at making messes and really is having a difficult time understanding the cleaning up and chore part of the deal. She would much rather be outside all the time in any kind of weather doing what country kids do....getting dirty....really dirty. Well, other than just normal everyday things that is about all that is happening here. Busy with the garden, busy trying to get time to work on other projects, busy with spring in general. Hope your days are happy and busy as well. Blessings, Kat