Farm News: Summer 2022
Note: This News Update was written in Summer 2022 for the paper newsletter which Dan Allgyer prints for a select group of Prairie Foods local customers. It has been adapted for online readership.
Greetings from the sunny slopes of our farm. The dew was still wet from the cool morning air as the sun started to spread its first rays of sunlight across the valley. The early morning haze was starting to lift, making a picturesque scene as the sunbeams pierced their way through. The birds were letting themselves be heard in a joyous way, and a few rabbits hoped across the trail in front of me. As I neared the upper mountain field where the cows were contently munching on grass in the cool morning air, I stopped for a moment to enjoy the view of the valley and to enjoy this perfect summer morning scene.
Farming has its’ fair share of challenges - enough to make me wonder at times why we keep doing it, but it’s times like these when my heart speaks to me that I know why we do it. It is a way of life. It’s a passion and a belief, a lifestyle, and a religion - all in one. No, we wouldn’t give it up for a higher-paying job. Something about working on the land with the animals and the family in this great creation which God has created speaks to one’s soul and makes it worth all the effort we put into it. I would like to express a hearty thank you to everyone who has helped us make our dream possible.
Things are winding down a little on the farm, with the bulk of the spring work behind us. We were able to get a very bountiful harvest of hay in the barn, and so far the rain has been coming enough to keep the grass growing in front of the cows. The weather has also been fairly mild and not as hot as some years. This also really helps the cows put on more summertime weight gains. One thing we did notice is that the flies seem to be a lot worse this year. It seems like the swallows are not as abundant as we usually see them. We believe this came from the rather late, cold spring we had that must have killed some of them. We take for granted and don't appreciate enough what those little birds do for us.
Sales have been going strong and the direct delivery business via FedEx has been open for the last two months. We are very pleased with the amount that is selling. It has also been keeping us busy, trying to get all the inventory stocked up, and getting a seamless packing and shipping system in place. The first broiler chickens are almost ready for harvest, with two more batches scheduled throughout the summer. Thanksgiving turkeys will also be available in November. Anyone who wishes for fresh chicken or turkeys, give us a call, and we will deliver them as soon as the next batch is ready. Any that aren't sold fresh will be frozen and available throughout the winter, while supplies last.
Dan