Recently I spent some time discussing our site development plans with a builder. We want to prioritize building the barn, which will allow us to really get started with our ranching work. A large, airy and well-planned barn will allow us to store our hay, tools … Continue Reading ››

I am thoroughly enjoying photographing the plants that are already on the property. I'm hoping to be able to identify more and more of them as I go. But until then, I just enjoy getting to observe their forms as they change over the … Continue Reading ››

We are nowhere near set up to make our own hay yet - we are not growing much in the way of mowable grass, we have no hay-making equipment, and the horses (and I) are not trained or … Continue Reading ››

We have been doing a lot of work and research on sustainability. There are so many levels to it, but one basic thing that must be dealt with in a very careful and thoughtful manner is human waste. Particularly at this … Continue Reading ››

Over the weekend all the horses finally moved in together. They are not yet on the property, but they are several steps closer. They moved to the field behind Mary's house (about 6 miles from our ranch), where she can keep an eye … Continue Reading ››

Now that we have a ranch, I am itching to buy a flock of  sheep and a couple of cows to graze the open spaces and provide us with nutritious food. However, I have to make sure that what is growing on and … Continue Reading ››

It's always a learning process, isn't it? When we first heard the bullfrogs croaking, we were thrilled! What a fun animal to find in the ponds. They're big, they make distinct sounds, and there's the possibility of catching them and eating them, too! And there … Continue Reading ››

What is a soon-to-be rancher (me) to do while we get the needed infrastructure in place? In addition to spending time on the land, getting to know what's growing and planning  what to do once we have water and a barn, I have been preparing Lucy so … Continue Reading ››

I see this ranch as an opportunity to try out different land management techniques that will improve or promote the well-being of our natural resources as well as produce high-quality food. Soil and water health are at the top of the list, and what … Continue Reading ››