Updates

Uh, yeah, it's been a while since I've updated this blog... I was surprised to see my last entry was way back in 2012. Busy life, shifting priorities, but we're still hard at work, making things happen.

We find ourselves in 2021, after a tumultuous 2020 year of COVID-19 and the economic implications that brings to reality. Markets are in a bubble, set to pop any day now- a literal threat to those of us who trusted the old paradigm of working hard and investing wisely to store up a comfortable retirement. Given this background, the very thing we started preparing for years ago seems to be becoming the new probable reality.

Those of you who know me, understand that for the last decade I've been touring with a rock band. While rewarding on many fronts, several priorities had to be put on the back burner, not the least of which was the farm. The money certainly helped us acquire useful items, but the time restraints have been the cost. We have managed to maintain and grow the vision, but now I'm feeling a little behind and motivated to action by current world events. Over the last year I have since retired from life on the road and been able to re-focus on pressing matters regarding the farm and our future. That lifestyle, in addition to investment returns and savings, has allowed us to acquire additional farm equipment and ultimately pay off the mortgage on the farm. Yes, it's ours free and clear- YAY!

The sawmill is operational and we are busy cutting beams and timber for the new barn. Hopefully it will be completed by year end 2022. We've added a 4WD 55 HP Mahindra tractor with a front loader and a Polaris 4WD ATV with a log arch to the tool arsenal. There is never a shortage of downed trees to drag out of the woods to saw up and add to the raw material pile destined to become a barn, and both have been instrumental in that effort. We've also completed a four bay pavilion for storage and social gatherings. 

But I want to talk about perhaps the most critical consideration for 2021, and that is the garden. Last year, we found ourselves getting a late start on preparing for the growing season, and like many, when I went to purchase seed, found limited supply at best. It seems we were not the only one considering the importance of getting back to growing a sustainable garden. Most of our saved seeds were outdated, and the supply houses were becoming sold out by the day. Fortunately, we managed with what we had, but the garden suffered from old and limited seed stock. The crops we had available didn't grow well and many experienced germination failure. Then and there, we decided not to let that happen again.

I sit here now at the cusp of February with a full collection of garden seed, planning the 2021 garden. It is without doubt our most ambitious gardening effort to date. Some seeds are saved from last year and some are new items and varieties. Some are heirloom varieties originally grown by my father. Last year we found ourselves searching for seed, only to discover most were sold out. Suppliers have hopefully increased stock for the new age demand, but I would still encourage you to get a jump on the season and get your seeds early to ensure the best selection and availability, as I'm already seeing "out of stock" on many supplier sites.

With the help of the sawmill and some old storm doors, we've built cold frames to get a start on salad greens, onions, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and radishes that thrive in the cool weather of late winter and early spring here in zone 7. We're looking to purchase or build a bed former this year and create a plastic mulch or fabric weed barrier, as the weeds were unstoppable last year. I normally start seedlings indoors six to eight weeks before our last frost, and it's time to get busy- an annual process that brings much joy and comfort to me after the lifelessness of winter.

New to the farm this year are the dormant starts of blackberry, raspberry, loganberry and about 50 additional blueberry plants grown from cuttings. I've also ordered willows for basket weaving, and plan on increasing production and to establish a "you pick" patches of berries. I've inherited the love of cuttings propagation from my grandmother Norma and have multiple containers of new plants to sell or use here on the farm.

Exciting and busy times here at Star Valley Farm, building a foundation for a sustainable and productive future. Thank you to the followers and well-wishers of this endeavor. I promise to be more active in sharing the process.