What’s New on the Farm?

Tucker napping in the sunshine in our flower bed brings the term “collie flower” to a whole new level.

Spring is fast approaching! 

There are so many new beginnings that happen here once the weather warms and everything starts turning green.

We’re about to enter baby season! We have two litters of Kunekune piglets due in early spring (get on the waitlist here). We are already feeling movement in both Nutmeg and Ginger’s bellies, and we anticipate beautiful, colorful litters from both. In addition to piglets, our first ever lambing season will begin around the first of May. We’ve heard great things about the mothering instincts of St. Croix ewes, and we’re looking forward to seeing it in action. For our feathered friends, we have  ordered Rhode Island Red and Blue Plymouth Rock (also called Sapphire Gem) chicks from a hatchery. And of course, we will be firing up the incubator to hatch our own chicken and turkey eggs.

We’re also planning our garden right now. Seeds have been ordered and some early seeding varieties are already in the ground. Every year, we’re trying new methods and new plants. This hard clay soil in Powhatan definitely has a learning curve! Despite seasonal allergies, spring is a favorite here on the farm. Seeing new life begin never gets old!

In addition to the mile-long spring to-do list, we still have our regular weekly chores - feeding and giving fresh water daily, and and moving the animals on pasture as needed. Spring brings the “busy season,” but there is always something to do here on the farm!

UPDATE:

Since I wrote this update, Nutmeg had her piglets! She had a litter of ten, with 5 gilts (females) and 4 boars (males) surviving. Unfortunately, one perfect little gilt piglet didn’t make it. Nutmeg is a phenomenal mama and is taking good care of her babies. She doesn’t mind if we touch the piglets, but if they start squealing, she hurries over to make sure they’re okay. She is the perfect balance of attentive but not over-protective.