Parker Farmstead, a Family Farm since 1870

It’s April 26th as I begin writing this. At this time last year we were well into tilling and preparing the soil for the season’s first plantings. Usually oats and peas are the first seedlings in the ground. They grow best in the cooler temps of Spring and early summer, and are harvested while tender and before flowering out to ensure best feed quality for our milking cows.

But, this year the growing season is getting a late start. The oats & peas acres are tilled but still waiting on dryer weather before planting. It’s a reminder that Nature is in charge and we have no choice but to work on it’s timeline.

Our cropland is made up of a series of contour strips which lay with the land. Each strip is a different crop. Each crop has a yearly rotation. For example, a strip is typically alfalfa/grass hay for 3-4 years, then another crop is planted in that strip. Corn is usually planted 1-2 years in a row. Our other strips consist of soybeans and milo, sorghum-sudan, and cover crops such as winter wheat or rye.

Each year we assess our rotations for needed changes. Things like the field slope, fertilizer requirements, production needs, our livestock needs, the weather, and tillage/soil prep requirements figure into the decision.

Last week we brought more equipment out the shed. Everything has to be looked over and greased, and repaired if necessary. Repair costs have risen and parts prices too. Our son ordered parts and received a quote three weeks ago. They called him to report that shipping was delayed and the price had over doubled!

It’s an anxious start to the season.

We have three more momma goats due to kid this week- Gina and Ofelia, our two Angoras, and Bunny our Alpine cross. I’m a bit worn down from lambing and kidding but it’s such a joy to have healthy babies and moms bouncing around.

I’m beginning to clean out garden beds and more and more perennials are coming up. The landscape is turning greener each day. Soon the fawns and turkey hatchlings will be bumbling around. The birds are preparing their nests. It’s like a rebirth, and it’s much needed!