This past week we spent Saturday attending the NOFA-NY Winter Conference (North East Organic Farming Association of NY) which was held at Morrisville College in Cazenovia, NY. This conference was a bit smaller than what we are usually use to attending but from what I understand, the option to hold an “in person” conference was a last minute decision. With that in mind, the conference was no less a success with some great seminars to attend and interaction with like minded people sharing insights and feed back during the presentations was inspiring. We all came away with the feeling of fulfillment and it gave us a jump start to thinking “spring” and a push to get my seed order in for this year’s seed sowing and crop planning.
I’m sure you all are experiencing the cold weather that seems to be effecting everybody these past few days. My situation today is that the tractor doesn’t want to start which makes it all the harder to get feed to the cows. The temperature was at -17 degrees this morning. It makes me realize how much I depend on equipment to get my work done. Hand tools like a hay fork work great for spreading bedding, cleaning the barn and cleaning around the bale rings but not quite as efficient when moving 1000# bales of baleage used for feed. I’ve am glad that the cows do have a way to get out of the cold temperatures and keep dry during this cold snap. Actually, they don’t seem to mind the cold much at all.
I hope everyone has been able to navigate around this cold weather and are able to stay dry and well fed. Keep us in mind when you looking to source nutrient dense and enriching foods. We are still attending the Fredonia Winter Farmers Market which is open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and our Farm Store is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. I hope to see you at a farmers market soon.