Bees are amazing creatures, and we’ve all heard about how vital they are to the wild ecosystem, and to our ability to produce food crops. While Rick and I aren’t keen to raise our own bees we do plant and encourage many types of flowers on our property, to support these and other pollinators. So
Farming & Gardening
Maple Sugaring: A time-honored tradition celebrated with friends
Maple syrup is a big deal in Vermont, and for a small state we have a big share of production too: 42% of US-made maple syrup annually, accounting for more than $300 million in direct income. But how is maple syrup made, and what is it like to have your own small-scale operation at home?
27 – ReBecca Béguin: Shepherding as lifestyle and inspiration
We’ve known ReBecca for more than 10 years, and have come to appreciate her thoughtfulness and creativity as our friendship has grown. Join Sarah in conversation with ReBecca as we discuss her growth from accidental shepherd to committed advocate; her books that explore the human connection with the land; and her interest in our local
The FarmCam: Theme and variations on a multi-year timelapse project
Since 1996, Rick has experimented with long-term photography projects, and just recently completed a video to capture the view from our farm webcam at Noon every day, for a full year. In this week’s video, we chat about Rick’s long-standing interest in documentary photography, specifically time-lapse via webcam. Timelapse Video Projects Current FarmCam at Gage
24: Mary Lake – Shepherd, Shearer, Slaughterer
These days, the sheep industry is experiencing a scarcity of slaughterhouses and trained shearers, as any experienced shepherd can tell you. So it’s rare, and wonderful, to find a woman like Mary Lake who had the interest and tenacity to learn both trades and make them into her twin careers. Join us for a look
23: Joseph Morel – Sustainable Farming at Eastman Farm
Despite growing up on a Vermont farm himself, Joseph Morel of Eastman Farm didn’t think that there would be an opportunity to continue this way of life while raising his own family. But through perseverance, developing community with neighboring farms, assistance from the Vermont Land Trust, as well as support from the people of Barnard,
Rotational Grazing Tips: Portable fencing is an effective pasturing system
Since we started raising sheep back in 2008, we practiced rotational grazing to help manage our pasture and promote the health of our flock. Portable electric fencing is an easy and cost-effective way to implement this system. Rotational grazing has several goals. It is designed to promote a healthy pasture and healthy animals by promoting
Build your own garden boxes
Over the years our garden has transformed from a traditional flat fenced area to one based on raised garden boxes. Raised bed gardening has many benefits: it’s easier to work at higher than ground level; raised beds are easier to keep weeded; and you can grow more in a smaller space. They’re also a great
Shearing Day 2018: tips for a good fleece harvest
If you keep sheep or other fiber animals, shearing day is a big deal, even on a small farm like ours. In the video I share a few tips for preparing for this important event. Prepare your shearing area by sweeping up, and make sure your shearer has enough room to work, a well-lit space,
16: Kate MacLean, Longest Acres Farm
Kate MacLean and her husband Nick of Longest Acres Farm in Chelsea have a familiar farmer story. Tired of working in office jobs, they visited Kate’s farming cousin in the country and fell in love with the lifestyle of hard work, fresh air, and a direct connection with animals and the environment. They haven’t looked