Field Trip

On Wednesday morning a group of students from Randolph College located in Lynchburg made a special trip to Faith Farm. One of the objectives of their visit was to gain perspective into the process of how to integrate locally grown produce into their campus cafeteria and food vendors. Those in attendance realized the value of eating foods from local farms that provide foods that are pesticide and hormone free. Their task was in how to make this a reality on their own campus. They are in the initial stages of having this transition from talk to a reality of plates on campus being filled with fresh, locally grown and raised fruits, vegetables and meats. What an awesome concept and how it would revolutionize our campuses if this became implemented on a national level! 

We're always excited when others have the same vision in supporting local farmers as well as valuing organic, farm fresh produce and meats. It was a wonderful experience hosting these young people who will be returning to their campus and will hopefully pass on this knowledge to friends and family. Always remember, knowledge is power! Have a great week. 

Holy Cow....part 2

Here is a clip of our little Farmer in training. He is feeding our baby calf, whose mama had abandoned her. We got back from the market yesterday, ( Saturday), and as dad and I were unloading the truck , Tristan runs out of the house screaming, " mama the baby calf is starving! We need to go feed her!" He keeps us laughing and smiling... ~

Holy Cow!

One of our two week old calves has turned out to be a tad higher maintenance than our other newborns. We've found out he enjoys spending time hanging out near the chickens, enjoys a little high jump practice over certain fences and loves being coddled by Tristan. The rest of the herd doesn't seem to be bothered by any of his finicky ways, at least not yet. And it has been a joy watching Tristan take his new chores so seriously and with such excitement. 

Feedings for our little guy are throughout the day and the milk has to be at a certain temperature. Otherwise, the calf will refuse to take from the bottle. It is also important to make sure he is getting out and about with his fellow herd. For the most part, that hasn't been an issue. Tristan is always very excited to help out, carry the bottle (which is pretty heavy when full) and take time to ask how our little cow's day is going and if the milk is yummy. We've yet to hear him answer, but we'll let you know if that changes! 

Pamplona at Faith Farm

With our many new additions to our herd there is a greater demand for grass. Obviously, more cows = more grass. So with that comes the tedious task of rotating pastures. Leave it to Paul and Jess to do the herding & Erin and Tristan to provide video footage with a few memorable commentaries. I have to say in all our years of Jersey, North Carolina & now Virginia... farm life is truly the most unpredictable. From herding cattle, chasing renegade piglets and keeping up with the eggs our chickens turn out .... it is never a dull moment. And maybe that's why we love it so much! 

The weather couldn't be more perfect. In the mornings we try to start the day off having a cup of tea and oatmeal on the porch. As the cool of fall transitions in, there are still traces of summer lingering around. We have humming bird feeders on both sides of the porch. There is nothing like tea, oatmeal and the flickering of wings from our neighborly humming birds. They are amazing to watch in action. So, another day and savoring of the beautiful weather and the blessings we have before us. 

It's a boy!

I know you were on the edge of your seat thinking, I'm so happy there is a new male calf among the Faith Farm Herd! We love our new additions. Our little calf, who has yet to receive a name didn't take to his mama so requires bottle feeding by hand. Not an easy task. The milk temperature has to be just right and at specific times of the day to ensure that he's receiving the appropriate nutrients for growth. Milk does a body good!

Tristan and Paul head out to the overhang where the calf has been spending part of its days and have some male bonding time feeding our newest arrival. The bottle itself is bigger than Tristan's head, but boy does he get a kick out of being part of this. He uses all of his strength to lift the bottle to the calf's mouth and say, "time to eat baby cow" with a big grin across his face. 

The calf is taking well to the bottle feeding and the weather has been perfect for its adjustment to its new surroundings. 

**There were some technical difficulties down loading a clip of our little calf. As soon as we get all the glitches out, we'll have it up & running** Thanks!