A day of farm tours and hay

Wonderfully fun day! We toured A Wren's Nest Farm http://www.awrensnest.com/
in Pueblo, and it was educational and great fun. Thank you Paul and Tammy. We got to see their chickens, turkeys and pigs, sheep and garden spaces, hear about their plans and ideas and two gals showed up to join the CSA while we were there. We had a great time and I think our two little ones had a blast too, pulling the garden cart around the farm. I am inspired!

And then we were in search of hay for our goats and llamas. A deal is not a deal. Found a number on Craigslist for hay out in Pueblo, near where we were, so we agreed to meet a lady there to pick some up. The hay was sitting in a dirt field, barely covered and definitely yellowed and weathered. No thanks. And she was offended. Hmmm. If you want to be in the business of selling hay, then cut it dry and keep it dry. I'm not interested in my animals getting sick off of rotten hay. We have the right to be choosy. As a new farmer, I have gotten into guilt trips about buying hay, but never again. More than once I have gotten home with hay that was moldy in the middle. Now, I'm not to afraid to ask questions, and even break open a bale. I've found that being up front and demanding quality hay, I get it. Otherwise, I'll take my money and walk away.

We did find good quality hay, stored in a barn, from a guy we occasionally buy from in Penrose. I spent several minutes talking to his wife while Richard loaded the hay in the back of the truck. She told me the story of the two little kittens that were running around at her feet, and how they were born in the barn, but orphaned when mama disappeared. I also learned about how they farm the hay they sell, on their own land and farming pastures that others in the community don't have the time or interest to deal with. They also sell seed at their cute little farm...seed to grow pasture crops, like alfalfa or winter wheat. I'm definitely interested in turning our animal "pastures" into graze-able land.

I love visiting farms. I learn something new everyday from people who know how to do it. And the people are so friendly. What a fabulous day it was. Nothing beats this country life.

Now back to fixing the chicken pen, canning tomatoes and researching our own CSA start up.