Learning at Lumen Christi

We at Barberry Hill Farm are committed to producing the highest quality vegetables and other farm products. This means that we have to continually learn.  While we can do a lot of it through books and chat rooms, we occasionally also take field trips to neighboring (or not so neighboring) farms.

One trip that we recently took was to Lumen Christi in Benson, Vermont.  The Sisters of Mercy own Lumen Christi and run it as a spiritual retreat and organic farm.   Sister Holly for years has volunteered at Barberry Hill, and now is running Lumen Christi with Sister Leslie.  She invited us up for an information exchange on sustainability and crop optimization.

   The west pasture plans, formerly grazed by dairy calves.

                   

Remodeling the sheep barn

A visit to the sleeping hives.

Grace, partial to the kid Alpines

Located adjacent to the property is the Christ Sun of Justice Catholic Church. 

The hand-carved door depicted scenes from the farm.

Each month was represented in carving.

Sister Holly and Sister Leslie arranged for a learning dinner with famous author John Fedor- Cunningham and naturalist David Fedor-Cunningham. 

John's book, Organic Gardening for the 21st Century an asset to anyone who cares even remotely how their food is grown.

John Fedor Cunningham

Lumen Christi

 The village of Benson, Vermont has its own charm.

We also took the opportunity to visit the Book Dairy Farm in neighboring Fair Haven, Vermont.

The Book brothers milking parlor, handling 12 Holsteins at a set.

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The Book brothers took time out from morning milking to pose with some future farmers.

Bruce Book proudly showing the 100% survival rate of calves using a modified hoop
house as a calf barn.

Traditional sap buckets awaiting deployment.

Even time to discuss hobbies.

We will miss all of our new friends.

Community!

The shoreline area has such a strong sense of community.  We feel it every season, with the support of our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and farm stand, as well as our other friends and neighbors.

So it is fun to be involved in another community activity - community theater.  We had the privilege of being involved in the local production of Oklahoma!, that just finished its run.  And by "we", I mean the whole family:  Kingsley, Grace, Quinlan, Silas,  and myself.  

Here are  a few photos to lend a sense of he evening:

                      Slim, the surly farmer... costume: everyday workwear.    

Aunt Eller keeps Slim in Line

Slim picks a fight anyhow.

a real Ho-Down

The Farmer and The Cowman should be friends!

The Goddard children join in the merryment.

...and a good time had by all.

A view from backstage!

Candlemas, Making Beeswax Candles

In the dark days of winter indoor activities, especially those that take place around the wood stove, hold great appeal.

Crafts are not really our forte, however this is one very easy , enjoyable craft which produces instant gratification and warm light through the darkness of winter.

We have long bought locally produced honey from friends who keep bees and were the grateful recipients of some extra sheets of pure honeycomb beeswax.  These candles are incredibly easy and fast to make, especially with friends.

First, divide the honeycomb sheet in half (by scoring it through bending and then tearing)

Hold the half sheet of wax over the heat of a wood-stove for only thirty seconds or so until it slightly softens.

Having measured and cut the wick, line it up on the edge of the wax sheet.

Tightly wrap the wick using even pressure through the palm of the hands.

The process is quick and relatively idiot-proof.

Hold the finished product over the heat once again, enough to soften and seal the finished edge.

Some will be put to use when we inevitably lose our power due to winter storms this year.

Inspected by the Maremma Sheepdog

Others will be wrapped up and given away.

And others still will be simply put on a mantel...

...these are elegant, dripless additions to any home

...bringing light and warmth to cold winter eves.

The Wonder of Winter

We finally got our first snowfall of the season this weekend.  The children and the "farmer turned snowplow driver" were enjoying their time outside.  Living in New England has the distinction of beautiful changes in the season that offer something for everyone.

Veterinarian Visit

 One of the tribulations of farming is when animals become ill, it's at this point we wish we were only raising plants.  A sick plant is not as emotionally taxing as a sick animal.

Our first call was to friend and Jersey cow breeder, Melynda Naples, from Deerfield Farm, Durham, CT. Often diagnosis goes beyond the capabilities of the farmers.

When animals are raised on a small family farm, it is difficult not to become attached in some way.  A necessary component of animal husbandry is a visit from the veterinarian.

Unlike pet ownership, a visit from a large animal vet requires a visit to the farm. There are very few vets in our area who offer this service. We greatly enjoy and respect our mobile Veterinarian, Dr. Jen Hall, of Coastal Valley Veterinary Services 

We combine the visit with a physical for our new Maremma, livestock guard dog, Ursa

and rabies vaccinations.

We will keep you posted on the prognosis of our sick calf.

Buying Seeds and 2012 CSA/Farm Share Enrollment

This is the time of year when our 2012 season begins.  We look ahead to the growing months, study the copious notes of 2011, and try to select and purchase the right combination of seeds and supplies.  Some seeds are relatively inexpensive, some heirloom varieties are surprisingly expensive, and a few needed seeds aren't available at any price.


This activity, both exciting and even nerve-wracking, is one reason we appreciate so much those people who sign up early for the 2012 CSA/Farm Share.  As is the model of Community Supported Agriculture/ Farm Share, early funds go into purchases such as these, that will help ensure the best possible quality and quantity of crops come  June, July, and beyond. 

Kingsley painfully separates the seeds from the flower Malope Trifidia, which is almost impossible to buy in the quantity required.

We buy heirloom variates and others that can be grown as naturally as possible. 

For those who are interested in signing up for our 2012 CSA/Farm Share, or for more information, contact us at csa@barberryhillfarm.com.  Also take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions Document by clicking here and our Enrollment Document by clicking here.  If you are unable to open the document, email us and we will send you one.