Friday, September 23, 2011

Summer's Gone

Katy & Brady
Welcome to fall.

Life has been busy on the farm the past couple months, which explains the gap between posts.  Here's a recap of all the activity on the farm since then.


Fence Project
Thanks to cooler weather and a lot of help from our buddy Timbo the fence project has resumed.  Brady is happy to report that all the posts are in the ground.  Only the fence wire and barbed wire remain to be done before winter arrives.

Bees
Brady did a quick "hive tipping" check and found several light ones in the bee-yard.  Those colonies probably won't have enough honey to survive the winter.  Within the next few weeks we'll consolidate colonies and start winterizing the remaining hives.

Since this is our first year beekeeping together we don't have any surplus honey for sale, although we probably will have enough for a few Christmas presents.  :)

It's the last of the goldenrod flow and while the bees are having the best time of their tiny bee lives we're suffering daily with the pains of allergy sinus pressure.  

Chickens
The girls have recovered after their big win at the county fair. We only have eight good layers left after the raccoon attack.  Brady trapped two (well-fed) intruders beside the barn and since then no more poachers.  But egg production dropped dramatically in the wake of the attacks and the onset of cooler weather.  We sell out as soon as we put out the for sale sign.  If anyone has any young Golden Comet hens for sale please contact us at smithscreekfarm@gmail.com.

Business Cards
We now have cards and frig magnets!  Next up - egg carton stickers!

Knitting
Now taking orders for Christmas presents and other specialty items.  Get your order in early to ensure delivery before the holidays!

The Band
Massie Creek Bluegrass Band will soon be coming to an area near you.  More information (and website) coming soon.

What's Blooming
Goldenrod and some late season roses in the back yard

Coming Up
Clean coops, consolidate bee hives, fencing, band practice