The Beginning Farmer

Winter Pig Area …

by Ethan on December 10, 2010

Technically it is not winter until December, 21st. Which means I still have plenty of time to get my “winter” pig area done! The only problem of course is that technical winter and the realities of winter don’t always meet up on the same day. The forecast that has lows at -2ºF this coming week means that winter is probably already here no matter what the calendar says. But, I’m sticking with the 21st and hoping to have everything squared away by then … at least that is the plan for now.

There is good news though. The good news is that I think I finally have a plan for my winter pig area. In fact it is a plan for now and a plan for growth in the future. One thing that I have learned over the past two winters on the farm with pigs is that they aren’t particularly interested in roaming around a lot in the winter. Basically they like to huddle up somewhere warm, eat, and drink. With that knowledge in hand I realized that the winter area did not need to be an extravagantly large area, but rather a nice place for them to stay warm and dry.

So, what I’ve come up with is a location on the north side of my shed. I have moved in my 8’x16′ portable hut for the grower pigs and I’m starting to get the fence up on the outside (subscribe to my Twitter account if you want a glimpse into my farming life). I chose this location because it is a high point and will stay drain well in the freeze and thaw of a southern Iowa winter and because it fits in with a larger idea that I had today.

There is a part of me that would like to experiment with a yearly paddock rotation with some of the breeding stock instead of having them in the woods. Basically I’d like to include a crop rotation into the paddock rotation. It’s something to try at least, and with that in mind I decided that this was a good area to build some smaller winter pig lots where I can eventually put an automatic waterer. I’ll have two separate winter pens with the water in the fence line. Then in the summer I can open a gate to the larger pasture area and the pigs will have access to those same waterers I use in the winter.

That’s my idea at least … right now I’m just focusing on putting in fence posts and making a secure area for the pigs. Remember … I only need to have it done by December, 21st in order to beat winter 😉

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Fighting (For?) the Farm …

by Ethan on December 9, 2010

I came to a realization today as I was driving around in my little NAPA minivan delivering parts to fix the broken cars of the world. That realization was that sometimes I get frustrated and most often it is the farm that frustrates me. When I get back to the farm after 6:15 PM on most nights (and much later each Sunday, Wednesday, and some Tuesdays) I often feel overwhelmed by the chores that need to be done … let alone the things that I would like or need to do in order to keep the farm running somewhat smoothly (things like fixing fence, adding water systems, finding a place for the pigs to live this winter). Please understand that I don’t say this to complain because I realize my plate is no more full than the next person and I have so much more to be thankful for, but I do often wonder if I’m “Fighting the Farm” or “Fighting For the Farm” if you get what I mean.

There are many times when I look around the farm (lately it’s pretty dark when that happens) and the thought pops into my mind, “I could sell the pigs, sell the cattle, sell the sheep, sell most of the equipment, and just keep a few chickens to laugh at (and a pig to kick … name that movie). Then when I came home from town I could walk into the house and “relax”. It all seems very easy actually … just liquidate it all and chalk it up to one of my grand adventures and passing fancies. Then I would no longer have to be “Fighting the Farm”. And I wonder, should I even be “Fighting the Farm”? Is it worth it? Is it the right course for me? Is it even worth doing?

On the other hand there are times when I realize that I am “Fighting For the Farm”. Most of these times don’t happen while I’m outside in my cold weather clothes and a headlamp fixing an electric fence that the sheep decided wasn’t good enough and feeding the pigs in the dark. My “Fighting For the Farm” moments usually happen when I’m making a delivery to customers in Des Moines, taking a couple hogs to the processor, or thinking about the future of the farm.

The difficulty and the goal is to have more “Fighting For” moments than “Fighting” moments. I’ve decided this can happen in a couple of different ways. The most obvious way is to focus on what is possible and what I can accomplish …

**I started writing this post a couple weeks ago and never finished it. As I was working on a post for today I came across this one and as I read over it I thought it would be a good idea to just post it as is … I’m not sure that I really completed my thoughts on it or that I can draw them to a close right now, but it is a fairly accurate snapshot of my mind … at least on that particular night. So … I’ll post it … it’s kind of like my full disclosure post … to show that I get frustrated with the farm, and still press on 😉

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Frozen …

by Ethan on December 8, 2010

Last night was one of the coldest on the farm this season. I’m not sure exactly how cold it was, but I know it was in the single digits … And, I know it was cold because the hose was frozen tonight when I went to water the animals! I thought I had done a good enough job draining the hose last night, but I guess that I either had a pocket of water in the second hose (because the first in the chain of hoses was flowing fine) or I was a little too slow in draining it and it froze up around the end before I got that far. I guess it doesn’t really matter why it froze … because it was froze and I had to work around that issue!

Since the hose was frozen I had to go with the back-up plan which included a couple of 5 gallon buckets and a walking back and forth me! Even by brining the hose into the house it wouldn’t thaw out in time and I needed to get water to the animals so buckets it was. The thing about using buckets is that roughly ten gallons at a time isn’t enough for the cows. They can have that all gone by the time I get back so for the first 10 or 20 trips (I made a lot of trips) it was just getting enough there for them to drink. It is nice to see that they have a nice system worked out for getting water though. Basically it goes from biggest to smallest with the sheep all hanging out together until it is just the littlest calves at the water tank.

The good news on the frozen hose front is that it is supposed to warm up the next couple of days, so I’ll get that all taken care of and be back in business! I just need to make sure I’m staying on top of things and getting it all drained out. In completely and totally unrelated news I think I am finally ready to make the jump into the world of trucks!

In the past I have written about wanting or thinking about getting a truck many times, and each time there is usually someone who is surprised that I’ve been farming without a truck for this long. Well, I’m not sure if I want to farm without one any longer and I’m ready to get rid of the Expedition and step into a truck … a cheap truck … an inexpensive truck … a reasonably priced truck … You know … one closer to $3,000 than $5,000!

I do have a couple requirements though. It needs to be a 3/4 ton truck and it needs to be four wheel drive. Other than that I’m pretty open. Ideally it would be a long bed and an extended cab, but I don’t think that is going to happen in my price range. So, what are your thoughts on a truck that will be for the farm and for my daily driver. If you could only have one (long bed or extended cab) what would you choose? I would love your input … and if you have one for sale let me know 😉

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The Best Case vs. The Reality

by Ethan on December 4, 2010

It’s interesting … last night when I was watering the cows they were just going nuts jostling each other and trying to get at the water. Tonight … I called them over … they looked at the water and then walked away! Oh well, I filled them up and it’s not super cold so hopefully I just have to break a skim of ice in the morning and then they’ll get their fill for the day. The pigs on the other hand are being a bit more difficult … they like to tip over anything that isn’t attached to the ground or a post and then they’ll try to tip those things over too!

The comments in yesterdays post had me thinking today. They had me thinking about the best case scenario versus the reality of the farm. The suggestions in the comments are the best case scenario. It would be the absolute best to install an energy frost free waterer. In fact I have even been researching it and have picked out a Cobett waterer. In order to install that waterer I would need to trench in a line and tie it in to the main water line from the road. Of course to do that I would need to dig a deep hole for the waterer and a bigger hole where the connection to the main line would be. I would also need to have some gravel delivered or pick some up to put around the waterer … and I’d need to get a plumber out here to help me because I have a lot to learn along those lines!

In order to do all that I would have to order the waterer (not a big deal because they are made relatively close by). Then I would need to get a trencher out here (also not a major deal because I can borrow one from the farm store where I work for no charge). After that I would need to dig the big holes (I could dig them by hand or go through the expense of renting or hiring an excavator). Finally it would all need to be hooked up, installed, and the gravel placed around the waterer.

The waterer would cost around $650 or so I’m thinking. I have no idea how much the gravel and 200 feet or so of water line would cost, but I know that it wouldn’t be a deal breaker. Things do get tricky though once I start thinking about the cost of the excavator, but even that isn’t insurmountable. Nope … the real problem is time! My time is very limited and that’s why I don’t see the installation of the waterer a real possibility now even if it’s what I want and it is the best solution.

I had also hoped to install an heated pig drink at the same time which would require some concrete, more trenching, more water line, and of course electricity out to the location (and the shed because it’s along the way). On the flip side … if I go with my temporary plan for the cattle, sheep, and pigs it would entail one galvanized tank with drinks for the pigs, one bigger tank for the cattle and sheep, and of course the heaters and extension cords. That will probably cost over $500 as well! And, after this winter it would still be my hope to do the more permanent option.

So, there is the dilemma … the best case is obvious and even not a ton more in the expense department when you compare the two. But, the reality is that doing that job takes time and time is something that must be prioritized on my farm. The general chores need to come first and sometimes (especially with a couple of town jobs and short days) that doesn’t leave time for the best case. I’m going to try to make the reality work out as best as possible though!

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Winter :: Livestock :: Water

by Ethan on December 3, 2010

Today wasn’t so bad weather wise (it would have been great if I would have had the day off of the farm). The temps got up near 40ºF and there wasn’t much wind to speak of. It appears that the 10 rogue sheep decided to enjoy the fine day as well … I can tell by the nice white hair they leave behind on the wires as the make their way back and forth! Oh well, I’ll have to figure out something with them … but right now it is not one of my top priorities.

This evenings chores were pretty uneventful, although the cattle were a little pushy around the water tanks as I was filling them. The pigs were as well and it brought into clear focus that I need to figure out something for winter watering now that I have a greater number of livestock on the farm. I had grand dreams of installing an energy free water system for the cattle and the sheep as well as a permanent heated waterer for the pigs. But, it is December 2nd and I don’t see that happening this year even though I want it very badly!

So, now I’m onto plan B … or C … or D … or whatever I’m at! I have an idea for the pigs … I could get a galvanized tank waterer with a hog drink on each side and put a heater (or two because the only two drink ones at work are 6 or 8 feet long) in it. Then I could put it on the dividing fence between my sows/boar and the growers. I would still have to stretch a hose out a long ways to fill it, but I wouldn’t have to do that as often. The downsides of course are the expense of buying the tank and heaters and the electricity needed to run it! But, the upside is the time savings … I’m seriously considering this option.

The cattle and sheep … I guess that option is similar as well. Like I said, going this route wasn’t my first option, but for the time available to get things set-up and considering the time savings throughout the winter I think it is my best option.

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First Day of December

by Ethan on December 2, 2010

Today was Wednesday, which means it was one of my busier days of the week because I have both town jobs in full force on Wednesdays and I don’t make it back to the farm until very late … which means late night chores. I will say that there is a little something I enjoy about the crisp air of a dark December night even if it makes chores a little more interesting. Tonight included the basics of taking care of the animals and checking up on them. Since I’m not around very much during the daylight I do try to take the four-wheeler out each not and get a good idea of how everyone is faring. Tonight that meant waking the sheep up 😉

Speaking of the sheep, there was a question about what my thoughts are now that they have been on the farm for a while. While I wish I had a better answer I think I have to be honest and just say I’m not quite sure yet. They came onto the farm late in the growing season for my mostly warm season grasses so I didn’t get to graze them very long and see how they would fit into the rotation. Also, there are about 10 of them that don’t mind disregarding my interior (portable or semi-permanent) fences. They never really caused a problem getting out, but I can see where some electric netting may come in handy next year. On the plus side they are fun to watch and I love the flocking instincts of the Katahadins! I’m hoping their addition will also be a plus in marketing and adding diversity to the products.

As I mentioned on Twitter today (check out my Twitter feed) I was listening to the Nature’s Harmony Farm podcast again today … specifically the one about “The Death of a Farm” (I blogged about it awhile ago). This is the second or third time I’ve listened to this interview and I believe it is both discouraging and encouraging at the same time. It is always hard to hear about someone having to quit almost exactly what you’re trying to start, but I think you can also learn and grow from those experiences as well. I’m hoping to grow and not be discouraged!

Don’t forget … You too can support Crooked Gap Farm no matter where you are in the country (or world) by ordering a Crooked Gap Farm t-shirt. There are two options available and I hear they make great Christmas gifts 😉 Just drop me an e-mail if you would like to place an order.

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Flurries …

by Ethan on December 1, 2010

Today was the first hint of snow in on Crooked Gap Farm. In this case it was just flurries, but as I drove around delivery parts and then doing chores in the evening they were a constant reminder of what is coming. I will say though that I have voted for only a small amount of snow this winter! We have been pretty hard the past couple of years on the farm and I could go for a little less winter trouble …. It would be nice not to get trucks and tractors stuck … It would be nice to ease up on the cold and wind … It would be nice to not make huge piles of snow … It would be nice, but I’m not holding my breath

On my lunch break today I headed to pick up 2 tons of pig feed. It’s great that there is a feed store willing to grind and mix the ration that we want without any animal byproducts or antibiotics, but it sure is getting difficult to hand over the money. Todays bill was about $7.21 per bag! That is almost $2 a bag higher than in the early summer and it causes me to pause a bit every time I feed the pigs. Picking up the feed means hooking up the stock trailer and loading in the feed bag by bag … then back at the farm I have to unload it. Tonight I just backed the trailer into the shed I’ll unload it into the bulk feeder when I have more time.

In the evening (in the dark) I had the usual chores. I fed and watered the pigs. I watered and checked on the sheep and cattle, and then after I had the tractor plugged in for a couple hours I took a big round bale of hay in for them. I have to say that the hay is getting eaten up faster than I had hoped. Thankfully I have 44 more bales coming later this week and next. It will be a chore to unload, but it will be great to have!

As I drive around I have a lot of time to think and listen to podcasts. I’m making my way through all the Nature’s Harmony Farm podcasts again and looking for other things that interest me (6 hours in minivan can wear on you). And, as I mentioned, I’ve been thinking. Today it was about trucks (probably because I had to pull the trailer to get feed). I’m getting closer and closer to the point where I think I want to ditch the SUV and get a truck. There are so many times when it would come on handy … I can’t even count them there are so many!

Until next time …

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Crooked Gap Farm Becomes Fashionable

by Ethan on November 19, 2010

As you may know (if you read the sparse postings on this blog lately) I’m looking at taking some big steps trying to expand both the size and marketing of the farm. So many of you were very supportive and threw out a lot of ideas on how to expand and raise a little capital going forward for the expansion, and I’m making my way through those e-mails now! One suggestion (and something I’ve wanted to do for awhile) was some Crooked Gap Farm t-shirts. This is a way for our customers (thank you all so much!!!) to show their Crooked Gap pride and for those of you who aren’t close enough to be a customer it is an opportunity to support the farm … and add a cool t-shirt to your wardrobe if I do say so myself 😉

Right now there will be two t-shirt options available. The first choice is the “Pioneer Farming” t-shirt. This shirt is “smoke” in color and has the phrase “Pioneer Farming” on the front with the pronunciation and a definition stating :: “See Crooked Gap Farm”. “Pioneer Farming” is a fun little phrase that I started to use when describing the farm because of the way this farm was started from scratch … plus it’s a good conversation starter.

The second shirt available is the Crooked Gap Farm “Where a Pig is a Pig” shirt. This t-shirt comes in a color called “Caribbean Blue” and has the state of Iowa with the farm location along with the phrase “Where a Pig is a Pig”. This fun shirt states the plain fact … on this farm a pig is allowed to be a pig in the pasture, in the mud, and all around!

Both shirts will cost $20 each plus shipping and handling. I will be ordering them soon and keeping them “in stock” as it were, but I would love to have an idea of interest and a general amount of sizes I should order. If you would like to place an order just send me an
e-mail with the shirt(s) you would like and the sizes.

**FYI :: The dotted lines are not part of the shirt, just part of the design site … And, you can click on the pictures for a larger image of the design.**

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NHF Podcast … "Death of a Farm"

by Ethan on October 15, 2010

Thank you to all of you have taken time to comment and e-mail over the past couple weeks. I am taking time to filter everything through my mind, but want to say that I’m thankful for the encouragement and ideas. Hopefully I’ll find the time to respond and share some of the things that are processing through my head soon! In the meantime though here is something interesting …

Many of you may already know that Nature’s Harmony Farm has stopped doing their blog, but have begun doing podcasts. I have been listening to them lately when there is time while I’m driving around and they have been pretty interesting. But, for me their latest podcast was very interesting … especially in light of my latest post and thoughts about the farm. You can find it on iTunes or download it from this link.

In the latest podcast Tim and Liz interview Rebecca Thistlethwaite of TLC Ranch in California about her farm experiences and the end of the farm (after 6 years of life). In some ways it was almost depressing to listen to the interview and hear about the struggles and realities they faced as they tried to make the farm go and grow. On the other hand it is important to hear all the sides of the story … especially when you’re thinking about pushing forward. It will eat up a bit more than an hour of your time, but I think it is worth a listen.

I would love to hear your thoughts!

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Help! :: Crooked Gap Farm

by Ethan on October 4, 2010

Dear Crooked Gap Farm Friend,

One of the major commitments of Crooked Gap Farm is to the customers and the people that have been an encouragement along the way. Because of that, we are looking for your advice and input. We are passionate about providing healthy and delicious meats by raising animals the way they were created to be made. This means that the cattle are grassfed and raised on pasture. It means that the pigs have their babies outdoors, and that they have a chance to root and be a pig. It means that the chickens can roam the pastures and clean-up after the cattle. I am very appreciative of our customers and friends who value these commitments and ideals!

Late this summer, however, we encountered a change that made the things that were starting to seem known about our farm unknown. My full time job of 6+ years at the church became a 20 hour a week job. In order to fill in some of the financial gap, I took on an additional 40 hours in the NAPA department at the farm store. This gave me 60 hours of town work plus the work on the farm.

Because of the changes in my job, not only are finances tighter than they were before, but I also have less time to take care of the livestock, maintain the farm, and cut firewood for the house. Plus, it is important to keep the family sane as well! Finding time to take care of everything has already become a challenge, and I know those challenges will continue as winter comes on and the days become shorter.

The first thought is that this is the time to back away from the farm and sell off the livestock. To maintain at the level we are at is not profitable enough considering the limited time that I have on the farm right now.

On the other hand, having my job at church cut to 20 hours gives me an opportunity to take a risk that might sound a bit crazy considering our situation … to jump in to the farm completely and to grow and expand it. That expansion would mean buying in more animals over the winter and spring to have more available during the market season, including pork, beef, lamb, and poultry.

If that is going to happen though I’m going to have to think outside of the box. I’m going to have to be more creative and try and build some operating capital to fund the expansion and the extra feed and facility costs over the winter.

This all leads of course to my “big ask”. In one sense, I’m asking for your thoughts as customers on the direction of Crooked Gap Farm at this time. If the farm is going to continue, it is going to need the support of all of you who have supported it through its beginning stages. Would you like to see us stick around and grow? Would you like to purchase grassfed lamb and pastured chicken along with the pork and beef you may have already purchased from us? If that is the case, let me know.

And, another part of the “big ask” is would you help me think of ways to raise some of the capital needed to grow? Maybe you would be interested putting a down payment on a half hog, lamb, or chickens. Maybe you would like to reserve first crack at the limited amount of grassfed Dexter beef that will be available later this fall and next year. Maybe you have an outside of the box idea that could help the farm. Whatever it is, I would love to hear your thoughts!

One thing that you could do right now though is spread the word about Crooked Gap Farm if you have enjoyed our heritage breed meats. Please feel free to share this letter or our contact information with any friends or family that may be interested in our farm. We will have more pork and eggs available this fall and hopefully some ground beef if we can clear out some of our very limited freezer space (hint, hint). Our customers are the best advertisement we could have, and we would greatly appreciate your help.

So, there it is … the current situation of Crooked Gap Farm in a very small nutshell. I want to thank you all for the support you have given over the past couple of years and all the encouragement that I have heard. This past summer was a summer of learning and growth on the farm. Even with all of the challenges I can look back and see progress, and that would not have been possible without you. If you would like to come out to the farm and see what is going on, please feel free to contact me and set up a visit. I would love to share our passion and vision with you in person!

Ethan Book

Crooked Gap Farm

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