Before and after … Shiitake mushroom site

MushroomSite

Dan checking out a mushroom growing site

 

You saw it before,when we were checking this area under the hemlocks.  It seemed perfect for growing Shiitake mushrooms.  Shaded by the hemlock trees and protected from winds coming from the hay fields, this space will keep the mushrooms from drying out.

 

 

 

And now you see the area after Dan cleared stumps and branches on the ground.  In this photo there are over 600 logs stacked and waiting for good weather.  Then the crew will inoculate the logs with mushroom spawn.

FebBolts4306

Logs in our Shiitake mushroom growing site waiting to be inoculated

 

All of us at the farm have been thankful for a REAL winter this year.  We can reach the trees without creating ruts, because the ground is solidly frozen.  We also expect any problem insects to get off to a very slow start because of the cold.

We never use toxins on the farm, so cold is a wonderfully natural and “organic” way to discourage trouble.

It seems that a few deer like this spot also, so we might have to ask them to hang out somewhere else, in case they decide that Shiitake mushrooms are tasty.

 

Winter 2013 – New Projects

We are discovering new things to do and new products for 2013.

Dobro & Saddle

Dobro getting used to his saddle

 

 

Starting with Dobro, at six years old, for the first time trying out a saddle. He looks happy enough for a new experience!

Thank you, Dobro, for being so calm and responsive.

And thanks, also, to Steve Edwards of Queen Valley Mule Ranch for training the rider.  Dobro already knew what to do.

 

 

Surprise Earrings

Amy demonstrates Make Your Own Surprise Earrings

 

 

 

 

We introduced wool do-it-yourself kits at craft fairs before the holidays. Amy demonstrated how to make wool earrings from our new kit at the Cambridge, NY Holiday Craft Fair.

 

Hat from Kit

Crochet Your Own Wool Hat

 

 

We also introduced a new Crochet Your Own Striped Hat.

We love the beautiful fleece from May, Amelia, and Sky.

 

Mushroom Site

Dan checks possible mushroom site

 

 

Another exciting change is our newly-started project growing Shiitake mushrooms, using hardwoods on the farm and help from the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York workshops.  Dan is checking out this site under the shade of hemlock trees
and well out of the wind.

 

We plan to write about the changes as they happen in the coming weeks.