Field Notes / Farm Life

Gloucestershire Old Spots - Brief History

Gloucestershire Old Spots - Brief History

Considered one of the oldest pedigree pig breeds from England, these droopy-eared white pigs with distinctive black spots are making a comeback. Originating form the Berkeley Valley in England near Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire Old Spots (GOS) were very near extinction as recently as the 1970s. Once the preferred "family" pig for small farms and homesteads in England and in the US, the last centuries wars and industrialization almost wiped out these beauties.
Michael Smith
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The "Be Bitter" 4-Pack

The "Be Bitter" 4-Pack

We wanted to let you know that we released our "Be Bitter" 4-pack of our line of bitters to elevate your cocktails at home.  Sample all four of our award-winning bitters in this convenient 4-pack.
Michael Smith
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What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?

What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a model of food production and distribution that connects consumers directly with local farmers. The CSA model is based on the principle of community members supporting a local farm by buying a share of the farm's production in advance, before the growing season begins. This allows farmers to have a guaranteed market for their products, and consumers to have a direct source of fresh, locally grown produce.
Michael Smith
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Why are Eggs so Expensive Right now?

Why are Eggs so Expensive Right now?

Egg prices have been fluctuating over the past few years, and there are several reasons why eggs may currently be considered expensive. One of the main reasons is a shortage of egg-laying hens due to the avian influenza outbreak in the United States. This outbreak, which began in 2014, led to the culling of millions of hens and caused a significant reduction in the number of hens available to lay eggs. This shortage led to an increase in egg prices as supply could not meet the demand.
Michael Smith
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The Barn Quilt

The Barn Quilt

One of the recent projects we put together was working through a barn quilt maker in the Midwest to turn our little farm logo into a barn quilt. When I pitched it to my wife, she was a smidge skeptical as it isn't all that popular in our area...or so we thought.
Michael Smith
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Project - Meat Processing Room

Project - Meat Processing Room

One of the great projects we tackled this summer was building out a meat processing room.  Having a dedicated space to cool, cure, hang, and process the beef, pork and chicken that we raised and butchered on the farm grew from "great idea" to almost a necessity.
Michael Smith
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Project - Pig Self-Watering System

Project - Pig Self-Watering System

After two sets of pigs, boy have we learned a lot! In the spirit of the old David Letterman Top 10 Lists, here are the top 10 things we have learned about pigs:

  1. Pigs are friendly
  2. Pigs are mean
  3. Pigs will eat just about anything
Michael Smith
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Angus Beef - A Short History

Angus Beef - A Short History

Angus beef can trace their lineage to the mid 1800s from a Scottish breed of cattle, called the Aberdeen Angus. Angus were bred to be robust and sturdy so they could thrive in the cold Scottish winters. 
Michael Smith
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Rendering Pork Back Fat - Silky White Porcine Luxury

Rendering Pork Back Fat - Silky White Porcine Luxury

There are a lot of things we have learned in our short time owning a little farm. Some are dramatic (cows trying to leap fences) while some are so subtle and so simple and yet provide tremendous joy.

One such item is lard

Michael Smith
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Pickling - The Basics

Pickling - The Basics

Pickling can be daunting. Our goal is take the fear out of it, so YOU TOO can pickle!

Following is a comprehensive pickling recipe that is good for cucumbers, carrots, asparagus, beans, peppers and so much more. It is written assuming you will have your family or friends

Michael Smith
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We Bought a Farm

We Bought a Farm

Dreams do come true.

I mean I believe(d) it but if I am being honest, doubted a few times over the years on dreams in general and this one in particular, buying a "farm" or a "home in the country," or homestead, or ranch, whichever you prefer.

Michael Smith
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Guess what? We got pigs!

Guess what? We got pigs!

A little farm life update. We got pigs!

We decided to get them for a couple of reasons. Food, of course (since we rarely follow 100% kosher except our salt). We have adopted the idea of each animal having to serve a purpose. Food is a good one. We also want to make sure we are using our land fully and completely. An attempt at being a little more biodynamic.

Michael Smith
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