Tuesday, December 2, 2014

The Up And Coming Changes At The Farm

It's been a little wet around the farm, as you can tell by this picture of our horse Fancy.  I swear our horses can find ANY burrs that we have on the place.  I think it's like a magnet for them.  We even mowed the pastures this year so there shouldn't be any of these aggravating suckers. You can tell by this picture that is was starting to get foggy and cold.  Snow will be flying soon.



This rabbit, and another one just like him, are going to be butchered any day now.  We are just trying to find the time. It shouldn't be too long now.  The two that we are getting ready to butcher are squeezing through a hole at the top of the wire that divides their hutches.  That wouldn't be bad, but they get in together and fight.  Ya, it won't be too much longer and we won't have to worry about that problem.   


This pretty girl is finally pregnant.  Actually she and her sister are pregnant.  We are expecting a batch of babies around Christmas.  Hopefully it won't be too cold.  It usually isn't for rabbits.  They are really good at keeping their babies warm.    Plus where I fill their hutches with hay, they burrow right down into it and all is warm and cozy.  That and a nice nesting box should do the trick.



On another note, we have been busy around the farm getting everything cleaned up and organized.  I hinted around in one of my recent posts about something going on here at the farm.  Ever since I have been writing this blog, people have come up to me and asked me questions about homesteading: how to can, how to raise and butcher your own rabbits, how to shoot bows, how to use herbs for healing and so on and so on.......

Well, Hubby and I have decided we will be having homesteading workshops here at the farm! Things that people have always asked me about in the past, now they can come to the farm and learn hands on. I've been kicking this idea around for a many years.  I was wondering about if I should do this, or just stay and do what I'm doing now.  Then I read a friends blog about just go and take the leap. That kind of kicked me in the pants.  I'm going to be 42 this March and I need to switch from "planning mode" to "doing mode".  So since I've been wanting to do this for years, I decided to take the leap.  What do I have to lose?

We will be getting a small building here on the farm so that I can have the workshops in.  I've got sooooo many ideas of what I want to these workshops to be about.  If I can't teach the class, then I know people that can teach them.  It should really be fun!!!  I already have some local people excited about them and willing to sign up!!!  

I'll be putting the dates on here for the up coming workshops. Maybe some of you in Blogland can come to the farm!  We will be putting up a building after Christmas so once we get it up and running, it shouldn't be long until the first workshop.  I'll keep you all updated.

So until next time,

Small Farm Girl, taking the leap.

P.S.  I would like to hear from all of you in Blogland about what you would be interested in coming to learn about.  This is going to be fun!!!!!!

12 comments:

Bex said...

If I ever make it up that way, I'd love to learn the finer points of canning. Books are good and all, but hands on is way better.

DFW said...

Milking ... goats & cows. Plus hoof trimming, giving shots, etc. Basic animal care.

small farm girl said...

Becca, would love for you to come! One if these days, I'm sure!

small farm girl said...

DFW, those are one the list. :-). I'm also planning in getting some of my animals back for that reason. Woooo hoooo!!!

Carolyn said...

I'm so glad you're taking the plunge. We're not getting any younger!
I think basic animal husbandry would be a big winner, especially if it's hands-on with your animals (like mentioned above, hoof trimming, shots, etc.). You can read all you want about giving a shot, but it's totally different when you're actually watching it done.
Good luck :)

Mama Mess said...

I think the workshops are a great idea! Just a question though, is there any kind of liability insurance you'd need? I've always thought it would be fun to share the knowledge as well but then my mind goes right to insurance! Lol! And is that first rabbit, the one headed for the pot a Silver Fox?

Mama Mess said...

Wait.......mabye it's a Champagne?

small farm girl said...

Yes Goodwife, I will have to get insurance for this. I'm looking into which kind will be best for me. An yes again, it's a Champagne. Good eye!

Vera said...

Well done, and hope that this becomes a successful venture for you.

Felinae said...

Oh how exciting! Good luck with the workshops, what a fantastic idea. :)

~Fel~

Leigh said...

Having workshops is a brilliant idea! So true about finally just doing it. It sounds as though you have an interested, ready made participant audience. That's the best kind of confirmation to have about an idea.

jules said...

Beautiful Champagne D'Argent! Is it a buck, which is why it fights with its hutchmate? We raise them as well. Beautiful rabbits. Who did you breed your does to?