Gettin' things Done!

This week saw the completion of some projects that have been on my list for a long time and getting to cross them off felt great!

The baby ducks got to move into their permanent home in the yellow hut with a brand new run. It was there first time enjoying grass and dirt and bugs. They took to it like ducks to bugs (and water).

I completed some efficiency projects that make my job farming a whole lot easier and your veggies store better and last longer with my new bubbler (for washing) and spinner (for drying). They can clean and dry 10Xs more greens in the same time as I did before so harvest and processing days go a lot smoother!

With the return of the cloudless nights, there is also the return of the near nightly threat of frosts. The crops get their blankets pulled over them every night and pulled back every day and any frost-sensitive crops will be planted under plastic-covered row tunnels that will stay up all summer. I wonder how many other farmers provide daily turn-down service to their plants? 

Ducklings on the green! I finished their run just in time for them to enjoy some evening sun and grass nibbles before bedtime. A few luxuries like a ramp to make getting in their hut easier and a water park are in the works!

Ah, the bubbler. A little jacuzzi bath for the veg, literally as that is a jacuzzi motor. It is ice cold, no bubble bath, and I don't supply them with a glass of champagne but they get really clean so they can't complain. And neither do I since it washes those greens (and radishes and head lettuce and almost anything that will fit in it and not be too delicate to go on a little white water adventure) really well and is fun to watch them roll around in it!

My spinner! I'm calling it the dizzy wobbler cause watching it works makes ya kinda dizzy! It was a little nerve-wracking to cut into and rip apart a brand new washing machine (especially one that is nicer than my own) but it works so amazingly and is a huge improvement on my household salad spinner for drying greens!

Not only do the chickens (& ducks & guineas) get moved around to fresh grass every few days, I also let them wander on calm evenings.

Most enjoy nibbling on any bugs they find but also on the grass seed as it ripens.

Hella and Leo share a moment enjoying the grass and sunshine. Taking a break from busy farm crew work is both fun and healthy!

Leo, the dandy lion, rolls in the dandelions!

What's available this weekend?

• Eggs! Both chicken and guinea eggs. The grass is springing up and the coops are beginning to roam, gobbling up the fresh greens and worms!!!
  • dozen pasture-raised, rainbow chicken eggs $4
  • half dozen pasture-raised guinea eggs $4
    • they are small but they are mighty, each egg is ~90% yolk and that's no joke!
• Flowers!
  • with the dwindling of tulips there are less flowers this week, but there are a few late bloomers and the perennials and wildflowers are just beginning
• Veggies!
  • Lettuce: Romaine, Red Leaf, & Butter
  • Baby Greens Salad Mix
  • Stir Fry Mix (kales, mustards, boc choys, etc)
  • Arugula & Mizuna Mix: (I call it my hot and cool blend, hot arugula and cool mizuna)
  • French Breakfast Radishes
  • Baby Spinach
  • Rhubarb

Where to find it all?
I'll be at the Farmers Market at Libby, this Thursday, May 30th from 3-7pm

I'll be at the Kalispell Farmers Market, this Saturday, June 1st from 900am to 1230pm!