About Our Blog

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Our blog is to inform and entertain you as we pursue our goal of starting a farm. Here we plan on recording thoughts, projects, farm additions and other note-worthy happenings. You may even see us on a magazine or two. If you would like to comment on our blog or just say "Hi" feel free to do so on our CBOX to the left.  Just enter your name and a message, then click the 'GO' button.  We were using shout-box, but had poor luck with it.  We enjoy your emails too, so don't be afraid to email us a note. Yahoo users: feel free to contact us...our profile is mn_nice_couple.  Just because we don't appear online, doesn't mean we're not.  When you send us an IM, please identify yourselves... and let us know why you're contacting us. Put yourself on the map! CLICK HERE to show us where you are in the world.

Rybec Highlanders on the cover.

The Blog   

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 We lost our barn in the recent tornado.
As it blew down before it was moved to our little farm, we were without insurance,  The barn was a total loss.  If you would like to help us recoup some of the financial loss, we appreciate it.  We are only accepting $1 & $5 donations.
It's not much, but it will help.  The barn was valued at $28,000.

If the postal mail service is more your style.  Please send to:

Barn Fund
^c/o Richard Radtke Special Trust
6755 135th ST NW
Kerkhoven, MN 56252

You will have no idea how much your help means to us.  Thank-you.  Enjoy our website.

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Some days I blog w/o checking for errors - you'll know it when you read it

August 30, 2008
- Oh boy!  What a day!

This day started much like any other... at least up to the time I had my coffee.

We knew the temps were going to be hotter than usual, so we wanted to get a start early.  Step dad (Max) and I headed out with the H and the trailer.  As we headed off of the road and onto the field access road... this happened.

How did this happen?  Easy - the hitch came off of the ball.  The correct sized ball didn't fit onto the draw-bar so I put the next size smaller.  For weeks it worked w/o a problem... but today, someone could have been killed.  We were lucky.  Max got a cut finger when the trailer pinched his hand as it grazed the tractor seat.  I didn't realize it at first, but the trailer bruised my elbow at the same time.  Can you imagine if Max would have been standing on the left side and not on the right?  I'd rather not think about it.

After we realized we were in a bit of a pickle, I called Carol to come to get us. I explained that we were just in a slight, but non-serious, accident. 

You should have seen the look on her face when she drove up to get us.  Can we say "WTF?"  She brought us home and Max and I returned with the loader and pickup.

The loader was used to lift the trailer so we could get the H from under it.  It took a couple of tries, but we figured it out.  Then lowered the trailer to the ground.  Nothing was bent or broke and best of all... no new injuries.  Take it from me... never use the incorrect size ball on your trailers.

To see more pics click here.

Once we had everything back on the ground, we hooked the pickup to the trailer (w/the correct sized ball) and loaded the trailer with straw bales.  We weren't sure how the truck would do pulling a load of bales out of the field, so our first trip out only have 50-60 bales.  The truck did fine in 4 wheel drive - low.

After getting back to the place, we started a straw stack.  Stacking didn't take long and it was about time for break when we were done.  I grabbed a quick drink and sat at the laptop checking farm related online ads.  Then I saw it - an ad advertising a free Billy goat.

At first, I simply sent an email but after looking at the email addy, thought it looked vaguely familiar.  I Google'd it.  The query came up with the Shepherd's Paradise website.  It a site Carol and I were familiar with.  Then decided I better call the folks.  Unfortunately, the goat had already been spoken for, but I would be next on the list... if the guy didn't want him.

A couple of hours later, Jerry from Shepherd's Paradise called me, saying the fellow who wanted the Billy goat, never showed up.  In 15 minutes, Carol, Madison and I were getting ready for a quick trip to Appleton, MN.

We were impressed with the animals at Shepherd's Paradise and how in touch Jerry and his wife Lisa were with their critters' health.  It was very exciting.  Long-story-short... we took their Billy goat, George (see pic below).

We can barely wait until we can release him with the does in 3-4 weeks.  We think he'll produce some excellent kids.

We are also looking forward to establishing a long term, working relationship with this Appleton farm and its owners.  The quality of animals are top notch... and the people are pretty cool too.

August 29, 2008
- If you see a tear in my eye?

My step dad never ceases to amaze me... or keep me on track.  We've had a couple of conversations about farming and growing up... that's when I learned that the guy my mom married so many years ago, is a simple farm boy... a local son.  How local?  I turns out, he spent much of his childhood not much more than 30 minutes from our home.  This is such cool news for a guy [and family] trying to start a farm.

To continue the farm repair progress that we have implemented the last few days, we moved forward again today.  After quickly collecting 50 bales of reed canary grass north of the creek, we discovered two things.  1) the H is a little under powered and 2) the H doesn't have enough traction.  To rectify one of the problems, we pulled the plugs on the H and filed the electrodes, then took a quick look at the distributor cap.  The corrosion was minor, but still present... but nothing a little file work couldn't correct.  Now it runs on 4 cylinders... not the 2 I was growing used to.  It was sounding like an old John Deere, now it sounds like an H.

To help with the traction problem, we added a set of wheel weights from a junked-out H in the pasture.  A ½ hour's worth of effort produced wheel weights on the working H of the farm.  Hopefully, it'll be enough weight to prevent the tires from spinning on the field approach, when coming out of the field with a load of hay or straw.  We'll see tomorrow morning.

I told my step-dad, that when it was time for them to head back home and he saw a tear in my eye - it was not that I was crying... it was simply something in my eye.  And he's worried about wearing out his welcome and I'm worried about crying when he goes.  We have insecurity issues I think... lol. j/k

August 28, 2008
- What else can he fix?

We hooked up the drive chain on the bailer this morning, then put the tractor to it.  When I engaged the PTO, the bailer ran like the day I pulled it out of the woods.  It still clanks and clatters, but everything appeared to work as it was designed too.  The morning was good.

Grandpa (my step dad) decide the day would not be fruitful without another project under his belt.  We grabbed a few hand tools and headed into the vineyard, where the Allis-Chalmers B was resting (for the last 4 days).  In no-time, the carburetor was off and was being walked up to the farm's outdoor workbench.  Grandpa and I (mostly Grandpa) tore down the Zenith B18 carb. and found nothing wrong with it.  We made a few calls, but no help was gathered from the local shops. 

We slapped it together and before the sealant was dry on the fittings, we had it back on the tractor.  We were a little impatient with letting the bowl fill with fuel (that's what the choke is for, right?) but cranked the Allis over and she fired up.  I made a few passes down the vineyard rows.  She ran like a top.

Were we on a roll?  I think so... let's try one more machine.

I asked my visiting [yet humble] mechanic if he knew anything about pickups.  I recounted the events leading up to rough running of our pickup.  We popped the hood.  We looked.  We talked.  Grandpa said, "Start it up."  I did.  "Shut it down", he said.  I heard a sigh and a comment to the effect that the engine is too new to really work on.  Then I spotted it - the potential problem.  A vacuum line had come disconnected.  What an idiot I am.  I even recall telling Carol how [when I was younger] I used to disconnect my Nova's vacuum line to make it sound "rough" before a race, then reconnect it, so it would run better.  Sheesh.  I clearly must say things just to hear myself talk... cuz I surely don't listen to myself.  With the vacuum line inplace, I heard another "Started it up."  The truck ran like a top.

Anywho, I give the credit to Grandpa for fixing the truck too.  Until he arrived, I just figured the worst and had yet to look under the hood.

Am I true farmer?  Nope... not yet... but I'm learning.

For supper, Carol made homemade pizza which was accompanied by some of my homemade Beetroot Wine.  It was quite a delicious pairing - if I say-so myself.  We drank the bottle with satisfaction.  With a bottle yet unopened, I sent one with Grandpa and Grandma to bring back to New Mexico to share with friends.  They have a few more days here at the farm... hopefully the wine will remain corked until they make their back to their home.

Rich

August 27, 2008
- The mechanic is here.

Grandma now seems to be connected to Madison... or vise-versa.  Madison proudly showed Grandma the location in the fence line, where the ATV accident took place.  Grandma seems to shutter whenever she thinks about the horrible outcome that could have taken place, but is grateful that she still had a granddaughter that can walk and talk.  Madison now smiles when she talks about it, not fully realizing what really happened or just how lucky she is to be alive.

So, her Grandpa and I decided to take on a mechanical project, while the girls did whatever they did... we picked the baler.  After nearly 3 hours (maybe more) and a trip to town for parts, we think we have it fixed.  We noticed a few other parts that needed attention, so we replace them as well.  A few parts still remain bent, but not broken.  I think our plan is to hook the baler to power and see if the old gal works again.  We were going to do it tonight but it started to rain.

To be honest, I really don't like the baler, as she pulls hard and runs quite loud, but the knotter works wonderfully and puts out a nearly perfect bale that's 36"-38" long - perfect for stacking.  It's firm with nice square ends.  For you baler guys, it's an old IH McCormick No. 46.  The other baler, an IH 420 runs smooth but doesn't tie the bales worth a crap.  I guess I can't have the best of both worlds.  Or can I... just not at the same time... lol.

August 26, 2008
- Arrive in style.

Yesterday afternoon, Grandpa & Grandma (the kids' grandparents... not mine or Carol's) arrived with there motor home.  They came up from New Mexico.  I'm saying they arrived a day early, Grandma (my mom) argued that they are where they're suppose to be when they are suppose to be.  Whatever the case, we're glad to see them. 

Madison and I were in the pasture, checking fence, when we heard the blast of the RV's air horn.  Madison handed me what she had in her hands and took off running.  I guess that was it for fencing.

- Goats for sale.

I started advertising some of our meat goats on various websites.   We have 4 for sale.  I went out this afternoon and snapped a few pictures of our fellows.  Here is a pic of my little buddy Booger.  He was the first goat to be born to us, here at the farm.  I think you can see how he got his name.  We're asking $75 for him.  He was born in Feb. of this year.

If you can't stand the thought of eating this handsome critter.  He would make a great pet as well.  He's tame and friendly.

August 25, 2008
- Getting back on the horse.

Just two days after her ATV accident, Madison is back on the 4 wheeler.  I needed a little help getting some straw and hay bales back to the place.  It was only a few, so a small trailer would do.  I asked Madison if she'd be willing to help me get them.  It wasn't long before she had her shoes on and was heading out the door.  We hooked the motorcycle trailer to the ATV and with her driving and me putting the bales on the trailer, we were done in no time.

When I walked into the house, I kind of remarked to Carol that her daughter was riding the 4 wheeler again.  She figured it wouldn't take too much persuading to get Madison back on.  Madison is feeling so much better today.  Bruising has set-in, but she is healing fast.  She's eating solid food again.

After Carol got done canning beets (I think), we headed down the road to gather up the ditch hay I had baled previously.  We picked up nearly 100 bales our first trip and about 35 the second load. 

All the hay we cut, raked and baled, we spent approx. $100-$125 on gas.  I tell you, running this small equipment may not be the fastest way to do things, but it sure is a cheap way.

August 24, 2008
- More hay... Hooray?

As soon as I was able (but after my coffee) I removed the gas tank of the H.  The past few days, it has been giving me problems... it won't stay running.  I keep finding rust in the gas lines.  This will be the 4th time I have cleaned the tank, so tanking it off, cleaning it, then putting it back together happens fairly quick now.

Once assembled, the tractor failed to start.  Hmmmm.  I checked for spark.  No spark.  I then looked at the switch and that's when I saw the problem.  One of the terminal wires was touching the other terminal, causing the magneto to ground out.  OK.  That's an easy fix.  Once tended to, the tractor started with ease.  I hooked up the old steel wheeled John Deere rack and headed down the road.  I had two miles of road ditch to rake.

Raking took less than an hour.  It was now time for lunch.  After a quick bite... time to bale.

Baling didn't go nearly as smooth as the raking.  The first hour or so, the knotter on the baler was tying every other bale... sometimes more... sometimes less.  Long story short... what should have taken 2 hours or so, took nearly 4 hours.  On a positive note.  I got the 2 miles baled.

With this newly baled hay, I believe it puts us over the top for what we need to get through the winter.  I think we have over 600 bales.  That's 3 bales/day for 200 days.  600 bales of free hay.  Even at $2/bale, that's $1200 worth of free winter feed.  If we can do it anybody can.  Don't buy what God is willing to give you.  God WILL help those who are willing to help themselves.

NEWS ABOUT MADISON: She doing better, but she's still very sore, but not as sore as I thought she would be.  Her throat remained painful.  She didn't attempt to eat cereal...  she had chicken noodle soup for breakfast.

Madison's activity increased slightly, as the day progressed.  I think her day, tomorrow will be closer to a normal one for her.  We can tell she's healing quickly.

August 23, 2008
- How lucky is one little girl?

I ran to Willmar to get my baler parts, made my repairs, then got the baling done.  When done, I drove the tractor and baler home, leaving the pickup (from Thursday) still out there.  Once home, I asked Madison if she wanted to help me get the pickup home.  I needed someone to bring the 4-wheeler home, so I could bring the pickup back.

To start with, Madison likes the throttle.  And today was no different than any other day for her on the 4-wheeler.  She raced out of the field and up onto the shoulder of the road, heading for home.  With the pickup, I followed the field approach.  As I turned left, I glanced towards Madison to see her flying down the ditch and blasting through the barbed wire fence.  I could hardly believe what I saw.

She lost control of the ATV when she hit the ruts, cause by the road construction guys pumping water out of the creek.  When the trucks overflow, they cause the gravel to wash-out.  When Madison hit that, the ATV dove into the ditch.

I saw her break through 2 strands of barbed wire.  The top wire hit her neck and snapped her head back so hard it raised her off of the 4-wheeler.  I then saw her legs in the air as her little body was jerked off of the vehicle and back towards the fence line.  This all happened in a matter of a second or so.  I was still turning onto the road.

I hit the gas pedal, squealing the tires, then skidding the truck to the spot where I saw Madison hit the ditch.  As fast as I could (w/o running into the fence myself), I ran to Madison.  She was on her knees crying.  I quick checked her out, expecting to find a serious on her neck or face.  The only thing I found was some scrapes on her jaw and neck.

I scooped her up, loaded her into the truck and headed for home.  I then carried her into the house... by this time, my little dare-devil had quit crying.  She was still sniffling though.  Carol could now tend to Madison's injuries.  I had to repair the fence before the goats got out.

When I got back from repairing the fence, Carol gave me the low-down on Madison's condition.  Cuts, bruises, scrapes and some bumps to the head was the extent of what could have been way more serious.  Madison is one luck, LUCKY little girl.  What happened to her wasn't great, but how she came out of it was a miracle.

She's going to be VERY sore tomorrow.  She's in a lot of pain now, but tomorrow is going to be worse.  I saw what happened to her, but can only imagine the trauma that she put her body through... the stuff one can't see.  She can't swallow very well and she's crying on and off.

- It's not much, but still...

This morning brought us a knock at the door.  Another fellow wanted to buy hay from the farm.  This gentleman only wanted three bales... I gave in.  He didn't want the ditch hay, he wanted the reed canary grass hay from the low spot.  He bought them for $1.66/bale.  Fair enough.  We sold our bit of hay from the farm... yet another first for us.

August 22, 2008
- The great Minnesota get-away

We went to the Minnesota State Fair.  We learned what we could about bee-keeping.  Also, the Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers Association had several booths.  The first booth, we spoke with a gal about spinning wool and the value of llama wool.  The second booth was in the sheep barn area.  There, we learned about carding wool and cross-breeding Shetland sheep with fast growing meat sheep and the benefits of doing so.

Of course we learned more than that, but that was the high-points.

August 21, 2008
- Puga, the pig.

A young lady had trouble selling her pet pot-bellied and a couple of days ago offered Puga (poo-gah), the pot-bellied pig to us to care for.  We said we'd take her.  She knew we had rescued a PB from the Humane Society last year and thought we'd be perfect for her little one.

At around 7:15PM, this evening, Carol, Madison & Chas got home from their trip to St Cloud to pick up the pig..  The gal who surrendered her piglet, also included food and a kennel.  Puga is about 18lbs, is black & white and quite soft for a pig.  Puga has a wonderful little personality and loves to be with people. 

Shortly there after, we let her meet Wilbert.  We believe Wilbert fell in love instantly.  They touched snouts through the cattle panel then let out a couple of grunts.  Puga backed up, almost scared, but Wilbert turned to me as though to say how cute she was... then he tried to hump my leg... twice.  That's how we left things, Wilbert on one side of the fence and Puga on the other.  Puga was locked in the barn for the night, along with the poultry and the rabbits.  It was time to eat supper.

Madison and I were digging into the beef roast Carol had started in the slow cooker.  When Carol ran out to the garage to get some milk.  Waiting for her in the doorway of the garage was the new pig.  How it got out of the barn is beyond us.  So... into the house the pig went.  FYI:  everybody is sleeping but me... and the pig is napping at my feet.

- Katahdin lovers.

I found this 2005 AP article.  It's a quick read click here.  It's a sheep thing.

- Just another day.

This sorta sucks.  Ok, so I run to Willmar to our local implement dealer (a.k.a. Arnolds) I ask if they have these teeth looking things that move the hay/straw into the chamber of the baler.  The dude looked at me.  Even after telling him what it was off of, he didn't have an encouraging look.  He found the part I needed on the computer but none in stock 'cuz the baler is way too old..  It's white plastic and I need two of them.  Well, at $60+, I only needed one.  It's on order.  I also needed a shear pin for the flywheel of the baler.  At $1.80, I'll take two, thank-you.  It's clearly not my day.  When I got home, the shear pin was too big.

Earlier, Farmer Mike offered me his older John Deere baler to use, until I can get something going on this end.  I conditionally declined his kind offer.  I mean, how does one become self-reliant when they need to rely on others?  Mike said he understands my predicament, but the offer still stands should I reconsider.

After lunch, I'm giving the baler another try.  If it's a no go, it looks like I'll be calling Mike.

August 20, 2008
- Good luck, bad luck.

While the morning was still cool, we headed to the road ditches north of the farm.  We had hay bales waiting for us.  With Carol driving the loader tractor and Austin & I doing the handling of the hay, we were under way.

Here's Carol, working the tractor.

On another baling note: I wasn't able to fix the McCormick No 46 baler yet, so I decided to pull a different bailer out of the marsh elder weeds at my grandmother's old place.  It is an IH 420.  When I attached the PTO to the tractor and gave it a whirl, it ran pretty quietly... but the pickup part wasn't turning.  I brought it home anyway.

With a couple hours of work, I got it greased and everything that needed to move, seemed to be moving.  The only real problem was that the tire went flat nearly as fast as I could put air in it.  I swapped tires with the other baler, then moved the twine spools from one to the other.  I headed to the field.

The first round of baling really couldn't be called baling at all.  Why?  Cuz I didn't have a bale to show for it.  The knotter wasn't working.  CRAP!  I made a few adjustments... then a few more.  I gave it another run.  A few bales were made... better then before, right?

After two hours or so, I had some bales.  The knotting rate was at about 50%.  I assume, the more I use it, the better it will be.  I ended the night past dusk, when I busted a shear-pin.

August 19, 2008
- Make hay when the sun shines.

Early on, I checked the oat straw to see if I could bale before noon.  Hmmm.  As the straw was still on the tough side, I needed an alternate activity to claim the day as productive.  It was too warm to pick-up hay bales... that may be best for later.

There was more ditch hay to be cut down the road from the farm.  Off I went.  Nearly 2 miles of alfalfa/clover/grass mix growing nicely... just waiting to be ours.  After an 1½-2 hrs the task was completed.  It was time for a late lunch.

After lunch, it was time to bale more oat straw... then it happened.  The baler stopped working.  That's when I noticed that one row of teeth were pointed in.  CRAP, CRAP, CRAP!  Now what do I do?  I looked at the baler and I have no idea how to repair this hindrance... or how something like this happened.  Nothing looked bent or broke.  I have about 3 more days of sunshine coming and now I have no working baler.

I reluctantly removed it from the field and into the yard.  I got out a few tools, but could not find access to the area which needs repair.  I better work on something else... remember the tractor loader in the drive way?  I'll work on that.

Just in case... I tried the switch 'CLICK', nope, not working yet.  I grabbed a 9/16" wrench and off the starter came.  It looked fine.  I took the battery cable off of the solenoid and touched it to the starter terminal.  I got sparks and nothing else.  It's stuck.

I brought it over to the garage, where I had a battery booster.  I clamped the negative to the starter case and touched the other to the terminal.  It spun over.  OK, it's not stuck.  I reinstalled it, hit the key... and we have ignition.  That was weird.  Oh well, the tractor runs, that's what counts.

I hitched the the loader up to the hay trailer, backed it up to the hay stack, then unloaded it.  When done stacking, I did a quick bale count.  It looks like we have nearly 350+ bales.  Add in the bales in the hay loft and we have over 500 bales.  At this point, we are figuring we will need approx. 600 bales for 200 days of feeding w/o pasture... worst case scenario.

Good news - Carol has been saying she and Madison have been finding eggs around the barn.  We have layers laying.  I'm guessing we should be expecting more egg meals in the near future. 

August 18, 2008
- Another farm first.. almost.

After running some 'time-sucking' errands, it was finally back to work.  I borrowed two rolls of twine from a neighboring farm, promising to replace it when we had the chance.  I better check the hay before I start baling.  I'm not exactly fond of the heavy, moist bales the baler was producing late last night.  The hay felt fine... it may be slight damp underneath, but the top, sides and middle were as dry as dry could be.  After an hour, the ditch hey was bailed and waiting to be picked up.

On our farm, picking up bales works best with three ppl.  One to drive, one to put the bale on the trailer and the other to stack.  Austin and I did some mowing, waiting for Carol to get her household affairs in order, so she could drive the pickup.

While waiting, a truck drove up.  The guy driving asked if he could buy some of ditch hay we just baled.  SAY WHAT?  Somebody wants to buy hay?  From us?  I was flattered, and I saw how this would add to yet another farm milestone (the selling of hay), but regrettably, I told him that since this was our first year of farming, I wasn't sure if we had enough hay for ourselves.  I'd hate to sell my cheaper grass/alfalfa hay, just to find out I didn't have enough... then being forced to buy more expensive hay down the road.  I did mention that if they saw me baling more hay, to contact me...  chance are, that I would THEN have enough to sell.

Carol then came out of the house.  We then started collecting our newly baled critter hay.  I was in the ditch, bringing the bales to the trailer and Austin was stacking.  I must have been going to fast for him as he didn't look very good after our first half mile.  We stopped to get something to drink.  That's when Carol noticed him trembling.  He quick gulped down some Kool-Aid.  The it looked like he was going to puke.  NOT GOOD!  Carol and I, both, told him he needed to sit the reminder of this dance out.

On route, back towards home, Carol drove the truck a little slower, as I did both the throwing and the stacking... then I picked up a HEAVY bale.  SHEESH.  It was one of my 80+ pounders.  I felt like rolling the thing up the hill, but Carol and Austin were watching, so I nodded and smiled my way out of the ditch.  I was gritting my teeth so hard at this point, I was surprise I didn't crack a tooth or two.

When the trailer was full (or at least full looking) it was time to pull the plug.  Those heavy bales sapped me.  I needed a rest... and a shower.

After about an hour I was ready for more... but not more handling of bales, nope!  I thought maybe bailing some straw would be somewhat relaxing.  I went north of the creek and got two rounds of baling in before the straw was getting tough.

It was a good day over all.  I guess the baling of straw is a farm first... Good enough!

August 17, 2008
- Another hay day.

The day started out with one of Carol's favorite activities... driving tractors.  Our loader tractor's starter is jammed for some reason.  Even thought the battery is in good shape, the starter won't turn.  CRAP!

I thought that is we pull it, maybe it will break loose.  Or at the very least, we could pull start the thing.  So... I started the H, hooked up the chain and had Carol ready herself on the seat of the H.  I gave her some quick instruction on what I hope to accomplish.  I then got onto the loader and motioned to Carol to give it some gas and go.  The little H isn't really the hardiest tractor, but was [sorta] able to pull the 300... until it died in the middle of the drive way.

We have been fighting with the rust in the gas tank since we got the H running.  Sometimes tapping on the tank works for awhile.  When that stops getting the results I need, I remove the tank from the tractor and try washing it out.  This time, a quick rap on the bottom of the tank was good enough to help get her started again... but the loader tractor remains in the road.

After that, I brought the bailer into the yard, gave it a quick once-over and off I went to finish the raking that I started yesterday.  Later in the day, with the help of a breeze, I was able to bale a little hay.  I baled until dusk.  The baler that were ejecting bales once weighing 50lbs was now giving my 75lb bales.  I couldn't believe how much moister the hay soaking up from the heavy air of the evening.  The baler then decided to kick out bales that were not tied, I check the twine... yep, out of twine.  Oh well.  Just as well.  I fear if I had continued much longer, I would have 100lb bales to contend with... lol

August 16, 2008
- A full day.

The folks from the Stillwater, MN area arrive when they said they would.  When they pulled into the yard, I was still mowing lawn.  I quickly shut-down the mower, eager to meet them.  They traveled from the other side of the state to see our little place... I didn't want to waste their time.

Our guest's tour began with simple salutations and moved quickly to Carol's broiler pen, where we shared some past experiences with chickens... and turkeys.  Not so be shown up by the chickens, the turkeys made their way to us.

We walked through the bunny area, then the barn.  At this time, I wished Carol was present, as she knows chicken talk and bunny stuff.  Low and behold, when we walked out of the barn, Carol was feeding cucumber pieces to our cow, Caitlin.  Topics of discussion went from topic to topic.  I think I learned as much from our guests and they did from us.  We then walked the bean field to the grasslands along the farm's creek.

After saying our thank-you's and goodbyes, our I started the pickup and headed to Kerkhoven to dump my oats before they closed at 2:00.  The oats were sold and the quick math had our 11+ acres producing nearly 1000 bushels.  Not bad for less the perfect soil.  I was happy with it.

I quick returned the gravity box to Farmer Mike, where I gave him a check for payment of the combining and the use of his truck, wagon... and son.  LOL  Hopefully, Jake will get the wage he deserves.  He's quite the kid.

I looked at the time... CRAP!  It was nearly 2PM.  I was supposed to meet Mike Schwanke in Raymond, so he could install the repaired magneto on our Allis-Chalmers B.  About a mile out of town I met him.  I waved him down and he turned around where he timed the tractor, bolted the ignition system into place and fired the little beast up.  The tiny orange tractor purr'd like a kitten.  It was running better than it ever has.  We shared another beer and off he went to enjoy the start of the weekend.  Me, on the other hand, had lawn to mow... and mow I did.  2.5 hrs later, I finished what I need to... time to head to the farm so I could rack some ditch hay.

The problem with some of the small mowers is that they are drawbar mounted... in other words, they're bolted on to the tractor.  It's not a quick disconnect, but after finding the correct wrenches, it was off.  Minutes later the old rake was hooked-up and following the tractor through the ditch.  I raked until the suppertime phone call came.  Peppers and sausage with pasta was on the menu... yummy.

I finished supper quickly, then headed back to do more raking.  I pulled the plug on it before dark.  The fuel level of the H was running low.  I didn't want to drain the tank and potentially have to walk home.

It was a good day. 

Carol had a productive day as well.  After our guests left the farm, she processed more sweet corn - shucking, cutting and canning.  It was time to try her pressure canner.  I'm not really sure if it went well or not, but there was hot, newly canned corn cooling in the kitchen by the end of the evening.  I think I forgot to mention that Carol canned a few quarts of pickles, yesterday.  She said the pickles are the same style she has made in the past.  I think it's fair to say... they won't last long once they're ready.  Too bad they need to set 8 months before eating... or is it 8 weeks?

August 15, 2008
- Fun with sweet corn.

Midmorning brought us to the Bill & Karen Osterbauer farm for some old fashioned community sweet corn processing.

When we drove up to the south Kerkhoven farm, I noticed the mini-vans... too many vans for my liking.  Mini-vans usually means moms.  I told Carol that is if this sweet corn thing is a cluck-fest (an event for women) I'm leaving.  It turns out it wasn't a 'cluck-fest'.  There were plenty of males there... whew!  lol

I'm not sure how much corn was processed when we were there, but they mentioned earlier that they had 2 acres left to pick.  There must have been at least 8-10 people husking, some of the older daughters putting husked corn in coolers and a wives few cooking and bagging.  Karen ran an efficient operation, with her husband Bill bringing small wagons of corn in and using skid loaders to haul the corn husks away. 

The best part of this type of event is the sense of community.  We conversed with a wonderful gal, Kelly, who [with her husband] gave up the life of the big city for a simpler and debt-free lifestyle of rural living.  We learned much from her AND some of her older sons about what they are doing on their Glacial Acres Farm. 

We also met the mother of one of our close neighbors.  We had a good laugh as she remembered our farm as the one that used to have cattle out... this was 20+ years ago, when my dad milked cows.  We have yet to find any of our animals out and about on the highway.

We left the Osterbauer before we wanted, but I got a call from Farmer Mike, saying it was dry enough to finish combining our oats.  We said our good-byes and thank-you's.  Karen then gave us a box of processed corn.  42 bags for freezing, plus Bill have us a large bag of corn, still on the ears.  These folks are so generous, we feel blessed to have met them. 

If you love sweet corn, you need to try theirs.  If I understand it correctly, they have three different varieties.  I asked them if the sold sweet corn off of the farm, they said they did.  I'm not sure if there is any left to sell this year, but make sure you contact them for next year.  E-mail us and we'll give you their contact info... you won't be sorry.  Get on their sweet corn list for next year before you forget.

- The oats is done... almost.

Mike had baling to do at his farm, so son Jake finished the combining.  I hate to say it, but this kid might have done a better job then his dad... lol.  Sorry Mike.

I rode with Jake until it was time to bring a truck-load of oats to the elevator.  Once I got back, I hopped on board again.  It didn't take long before Jake had the 11+ acre field combined.  What a nice job Mike and his son did for us.  Jake and I didn't finish soon enough to bring the last of the oats to town... it might have to wait until Monday.

When I said that the oats was almost done, it's because we forgot to bring the combine to the vineyard.  Around the vineyard, we have a 30+ foot buffer strip.  When Mike planted the 11 acres north of the creek, he also planted oats around the vines.  Of course, we still have that oats windrowed on the ground.  Oh well.  I'll have to make sure it's good and dry, then bale it for the critters.  They'll enjoy going through the bedding and nibbling on the oat heads that they find.

August 14, 2008
- Another farm milestone.

We're very excited (or should I say I am) about what we are now doing.  Farmer Mike came over with his combine to [what else] combine our oats.  This, of course, was after Mike took a pit-stop alongside a country road for a minor repair.  I say minor repair, since it was only a belt and pulley type thing.  But it was the pulley that ran the water pump and fan... so it could have turned into a catastrophic problem, should he have not been paying attention.  Anyway, that was clearly not the case [today].

Back to the combining.  Farmer Mike suggested we make a round with the combine to see how things go and maybe bring a sample of the oats to the elevator to get it tested for moisture.  Not knowing much, it sounded good to me.

Although some of the oats felt a wee-bit on the wet side, Mike got a round in, then off to the elevator we went with my ice cream pail, half full of oats.  It tested at 11.1% moisture with a test weight of 31 lbs/bushel.  I guess I didn't think that was too bad, since we have less than ideal.  The thing is, what am I going to do about the weight anyway?  It is what it is.

Maybe it's my inexperience in farming, but I was probably more excited about the straw Mike's combine was leaving behind, more so than the oats he was harvesting.  Straw, straw and more straw... big fluffy rows of it.  By the end of the evening, we had gone 5 rounds and his old grain truck was full of oats.  5 rounds of combined oats meant I had 5 rounds of straw that will need to be baled.  Straw that came from the oats that was planted and harvested on this little family farm.

Mike then took the truck home with him to put under the roof of a shed and to get going on chores at his place.  His plan was to bring the oats into the elevator after it opened tomorrow, then bring the truck back to our farm when things dried enough to continue harvesting.

Thanks Mike... I'm not sure what Carol and I would do at this point, if it were not for the kindness of others.  It's amazing how small farmers will come to the aid of those starting out.  The survival of the small farm depends on those willing to help... and those willing to accept it.  I am truly humbled by this experience.

Rich

August 13, 2008
- More veggies.

It seems like just yesterday when we picked our last batch of Pole Beans, yet we have more begging to be removed from the vines today.  Today's picking yielded more beans than the previous harvest.  Instead of a small box filled to the top, we filled one that held twice as much the small one.

More peas were ready as well... although we didn't get as many of those.  It was still a good amount.  Today was also the day Carol discovered she needed to grab cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and a head of cabbage.  We ended up snapping and bagging over 20 lbs of Pole Beans.

I tried starting the 1948 Allis-Chalmers tractor again, but she wouldn't go.  Later that night, the magneto was removed and brought to the local magneto expert, Mike Schwanke.  It turns out he was a good friend of my dad.  After much beer drinking, he had the thing on his 80 yr old magneto tester.  He told me, "Yep, there's something wrong with it."  -  Thanks Mike.

He then turned to me and told me he'd have it fixed ASAP.  If not, he had another magneto that would fit my little Allis-Chalmers.

August 12, 2008
- Stock pile your food-stuffs.

ABC's Nightline's feature story was being promoted as news about the modern survivalist.  It seems there is a national movement to getting ready for the worst... similar to that of Y2K.  I hope I remember to watch it.

Here's the link: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=4926085

Here's another: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=5565070&page=1

August 11, 2008
- Goodwill to men.

This morning Carol and Madison left the farm early.  They went to the County Fair grounds for the After The Fair Clean-up. 

Today was also the day Carol wanted to get herself a pressure canner, so she could start canning all those things she's not comfortable canning with the hot-water bath method.  Unfortunately, when she arrived at the discount store where Austin works, the 16 quart pressure canner was sold out.  The same product was on hand at our local farm store, but the cost was $25 more.

She wanted Austin to pick up a Presto Pressure Canner for her [last night] so she could get started canning today, but there was a communication break-down.  He brought home no such device.  Canning will have to wait.

After running their morning errands, Carol & Madison were busy processing Kentucky Pole Beans (I just call them string beans).  Without the pressure canner, Carol decide to process the beans for freezing.  If you can't pressure can them, you need to freeze them.

I had seen some Seal-A-Meal bags setting in the kitchen, so I figured she was going to use the old (I mean old) Seal-A-Meal we found in my dad's house before destroying it... but I was wrong.  Sometime last week, the girls stopped into our local Goodwill Store.  There, Carol spied a modern Seal-A-Meal... the price was only $7.00.  The model she bought is a starter model, nothing fancy.  But it does have the vacuum feature and the little tube for accessories, should we need to add them.

In all, Carol froze 10 packages of her Kentucky Pole Beans and was able to serve us all these delicious beans for the evening meal.

FYI:  We got nearly 1" of rain this afternoon.  Carol, Madison & I were out at Farmer Mike's farm to get some more milk.  Madison has been w/o Mike's milk for nearly a week and she suffers for it.  Her asthma come roaring back if she doesn't get the health benefits of the good enzymes of raw milk.

While at Mike's, it started to rain... and boy did it rain.  We had chicken feed in the back of the truck, so Mike told me to run the pickup into the shed.  That I did.  When leaving, I had to leave on bag of feed behind, since we didn't have room inside the cab.  The bags we did bring home, we laid down on the seat, then sat on top of the bags.  I bet we looked pretty silly sitting on our feed sack booster seats.  LOL.+

FOR STAR GAZERS:  This is the best time of the year for observing meteor showers.

August 10, 2008
- Peas & beans.

Right off the bat, Carol announced it was time for harvesting peas and beans for freezing.  When ready, her and I went in search of peas.  When cutting the peas, it was obvious the farm's squirrel enjoy eating the peas raw.  I don't know about Carol, but I spent nearly the same about of time cutting the good peas as I did cutting the peas that the squirrel nibbled on.

This year, we used cattle panels as a trellis for the peas as well as a few panels to form a hoop-house for both the peas (on the west side) and Carol's Kentucky Pole Beans (on the east side of the hoop).  The panel worked out very well.  I suppose the use of panels would be quite expensive if you were to buy new ones, but the panels we used were used ones we found in the grass, when cleaning up the place this spring.

WORD OF WARNING:  Squirrels use the panel grids as a giant ladder to achieve access to some of their favorite veggies.

After bringing in the peas, I started on the Pole beans.  Cutting only the largest and longest of the beans, I was able to secure a heaping box full of them.  One could easily go out tomorrow or the next day to harvest more.

There were so many beans, I know I missed quite a few of them... how could I not?  Towards the end of my bean grabbing quest, I noticed a bean stalk leaving the hoop house.  Somehow, it made it's way to a nearby tree.  I looked up.  There I saw it.  This crazy bean traveled some 10-12 ft up into the tree.  Some of the beans on this particular vine were nearly 12" long.

Here's a pic of our hoop-house.

Later in the afternoon, I left for Benson, MN.  My buddy Jon has a restaurant hood cleaning biz.  From time to time, I help him.  Today, we had two hoods to clean.  The first being the Benson VFW - the second being Old #1, in Morris, MN.  I got home at 4:00AM... time for sleep.

August 09, 2008
- Returning home.

I finished stacking the hay I had on the rack from some time ago.  Like yesterday, it felt like it was a good day to work, but once involved, I was drenched in sweat.  I finished though, that's what's important.

Tonight's the night we retrieve Madison's projects from the fair.  Once there, Carol made a mad dash for the poultry & rabbit barn.  She sold one of their show rabbits.  The new owners wanted to pick-up their new bunny after the fair.  The rules of the barn forbid the removal of animals before 9:00PM or you risk losing your premiums.  Right on time, Carol handed the rabbit to the new owners... then we loaded the turkeys, ducks, chickens and rabbits in the trailer.  A half hr later I was on the road back home.  Carol and Madison were going to catch a ride home with Austin after collecting as much of their 4H and open-class projects as possible.

The open-class building was locked before they could get everything into the car... it looks like Carol will have to bring that stuff home another day.  She'll probably grab it after Monday's After The Fair Clean-up session.

August 08, 2008
- Checking out the Kandiyohi County Fair.

I woke-up to an empty house again... the girls left for the fair early.  As soon as I walked outside, I was greeted by a hay rack full of hay.  It seems, nobody felt inclined to unload the rack during my trip.  Go figure, huh?  lol

The air felt cool, so I thought I better get working on stacking hay before it got too uncomfortable outside.  Within minutes, I had sweat running into my eyes as well as sweat soaking my shirt & jeans.  After completing half the task, I stumbled blindly back to the house.  The shower waiting for me was cool and well deserved.  I'll finish stacking the hay tomorrow.

Tonight is the night Madison shows her dad (aka Me) her massive collection of awards and the projects they're associated with.  My memory may not be as good as it once was, but it seems as though she has done better in the first 2 years of 4H than I did in all the years I participated.  She has earned more blue and purple ribbons, than I remember ever getting.  This year, she won trips to the State Fair on three projects.  What the heck?  Lucky for her mom and I, Madison is too young to go.

August 07, 2008
- Lazy day, but not on purpose.

Still wiped-out from my cycle trip, Carol let me sleep in.  I'm glad she did... I hurt all over.  After a couple of cups of coffee, around 10AM, I moseyed outside.  I thought I had better check the fence for grounding problems.  From time to time, my little helper, Madison, checks the fence, but this was fair week.  I assumed it hadn't been checked since I left on Sunday.

When checking the fence, I start, first, with the fencer.  If the fence is showing signs of grounding out, the fencer unit 'pings'.  It makes a different sound.   If I hear the 'ping' sound, I know I better check for an over abundance weeds touching the electric fence or wires touching each other.  Less weeds on the fence, means more shock from the fence. 

After walking around nearly the whole pasture, I found the problem.  Somehow, the bottom electric fence wire got wrapped around one of the lower barbed wires.  The problem was easy to fix.  Untangle, the fencer was making the 'pingless' sound it is suppose to make, when working correctly.

I really don't remember the rest of the day... sorry.  My mind was mush.

August 06, 2008
- I'm home.

I returned home from my motorcycle trip sometime around 7:30PM.  WOW!  What a trip.  I thought I would find the ride less than great.  I went out alone, came back alone.  Would I do it again, you bet.  It was the best motorcycle experience I've ever had.

Granted, we don't have much disposable income, but I spent less than $50/day (including fuel).  Not bad, huh?  Sturgis is my only vacation and if one can have fun on the cheap, can anyone or should anyone ask for anything better?  I think not.

Spend within your means and be creative... that's the secret.

August 03, 2008
- A day late.

I wanted to take off for Sturgis yesterday, but a day late is better than not going at all.  The reason I wanted to go a day earlier was that the friend I wanted to spend time with was leaving the area on Sunday.  Sturgis is a good 500 miles away, and getting there is never quick.

When I woke up this, it was overcast... then it started to rain.  CRAP!  OK... I guess I won't be leaving when I thought I would.

With everything wet, I decided to hit the road.  The radar appears to be clear just south of us and that was the direction I needed to go.  I said good-bye to Madison and gave Carol a kiss... I hit the road.  5 miles from home it was clearing and the ride on the bike was pretty decent.  8 hours later I reach Lead, SD, missing my friends by a ½ hr.  They decided to wait for me until they could wait any longer.  They needed to return to North Dakota.

I made the trip though... tired, but safe and sound.  I finally did it.  I rode my cycle to Sturgis.  I'll leave for home on Wednesday.

August 02, 2008
- Getting ready for tomorrow.

Most of the day was meant for mowing lawn, but trying to get the tractor running became the focus.  Our little Allis-Chalmers with the woods belly mower just wouldn't run correctly.  At first, just getting it started was the trick of the day... I finally got the thing to idle, but once the mower was engaged, the tractor would kill.  I really had no clue what was wrong.  I cleaned the fuel separator bowl.  It had some debris, but not bad... it didn't help.

I wanted to get the lawns mowed before I took off on my trip to Sturgis.  If I didn't get them mowed, I wasn't going to go.  In the mean-time, Carol gave Austin a call at work, telling him to stop in and help with the other mower, once done with work.

By the time he finished work, I had gotten the Allis [sort of] running... enough to mow some grass.  Austin helped with the little MTD mower.  Then the Allis died.  We pulled it back to the house, where it sat until Austin was done mowing.  I weed-whipped.

Towards supper time, we surveyed the lawn and judged it was good enough for now.

August 01, 2008
- The Kandiyohi County Fair is coming

The last few days have been a-buzz for the girls.  Both Carol and Madison are getting their projects ready for display.  Madison is spending extra time with her bunnies, finishing her informational displays and framing her artwork.  Carol on the other hand is busy baking and hoping... hoping she will have enough vegetables to show.

Me, on the other hand, is trying to cut the 11+ acres of oats, mow lawns, cut hay AND... get ready for my annual trip to Sturgis, SD.  And to make things worse, I have been trying to fix Carol's car.  The other day, the shifter broke.  In order to get the car home, we had to disconnect the shifting linkage and then shift the car into gear from under the hood... it is a two person job... one person to stand on the brake and the other to shift it.  I think I have the car problem fixed [temporarily].

I'm hoping we can start cutting the oats by noon today... a mild breeze would be nice to help dry things out before we get started.

- Oats swathing.

I got the oats cut, today... with Farmer Mike's help of course.  He made the first two rounds.  The first round, we ran into a slight problem when coming up onto a hill.  The swather didn't want to pull itself up.  The drive belt was loose and we were nowhere near tools.  Since I'm a thinkin man, I decide to push against bracket assembly that housed the drive pulley... and up the hill we went.

After doing a little fixing, it was time for the second round.  It went fine.  That's when Mike asked if I wanted to take over the duties of head field hand.  While the swather was still moving (and swathing), he got up out of the seat and I jumped in.  At first, there were so many thing to keep track of... cutting height, reel position, if the oats was was moving on the canvas or not, and if the speed was correct... but after a bit, it all fell into place.  When we got back to the truck, Mike and said his good-byes, reassured me if I had any problems, just to give him a call.  I quickly thanked him... then he was gone.

I took what Mike showed me and finished the swathing some 3½ hours later.  No problems at all.  I felt good completing my work and thanked the Good Lord for making it seem so easy.  It was supper time and I was hungry.

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CHICKENS FOR SALE -  Only $2/lb ** We are now selling  processed birds by the pound. ** (as outlined by the Dairy and Food Inspection Division of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture) Carol has 70+  40+ 100+ Cornish Cross Broiler Chickens on hand and growing well (this batch of chickens is the 2nd of what she is growing this year).  If you would like to buy some hormone free/antibiotic free chickens Aug. - Sept, make sure you contact us immediately. These chickens dress out at approx. 6-9 lbs.  We also sell live birds if you want to process them yourself... but if you want us to process them for you, make sure you tell us.  Cornish game hens (1½- 3 lbs) sell for $2.50/lb. Already, we have a few folks reserving their birds.  We will call you a week before it's time to get your birds and again the day of.  Please contact us for details. We sell all our birds skinless and frozen.  If you want skin-on, quartered or cut-up chicken, please let us know ahead of time. Do we eat what we raise?  You betcha!  We will be raising approx. 100 chickens for our family alone.  Why so many?  Simple... we like knowing we are eating a healthy chicken, raised with care in healthy conditions and we love the way they taste. We also have some beautiful Heritage Turkeys (Red Bourbon) growing well.  Turkeys should be ready in Nov - early Dec.  CALL CAROL TODAY:  320-220-3235

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