Everything on the farm is growing rapidly. It is to be expected now that the days are longer but it still surprises you. The chicks are starting to grow true feathers. They are full of energy, pecking everything, constantly in motion, and climbing on anything they can. I sat with them for a while today. They slowly approached me, looking at me sideways with their eye, trying to discern what I was and what I was doing. They are very entertaining. There are 12 calves in the herd now. As they grow they become more active, running circles around their moms and exploring each new smell.
Many of the grasses in the pasture are heading up. The grass is so tall that it obscures your view. As you ride out to the far vegetable fields, you cannot see the fields until you reach them; you are swallowed up in a sea of grass. After the long dry winter last year, most of the thatch did not break down and the fields never seemed to turn completely green. Fortunately this year, that thatch has decomposed. Still, the tall brown stalks of the lettuce plant remain in this field. The redwing blackbirds love to perch on them and sway in the breeze. I listen to them call to each other as I ride by. Each year, it seems that different plants grow in the pastures, depending on when and how we receive the rain. We watch and take mental notes, hoping to learn the different patterns and to be able to plan our grazing to support the desirable species.
Jay shaping beds for potatoes as Oliver and Rosie pass by.
The 4 acres of dry beans and corn are planted. We are waiting to see signs of germination. This week we will plant potatoes, sweet corn, broccoli, dahlias, flowers and more. Each day is a puzzle, fitting together all that needs to be done and who can work on which project.