[Robert MoonShadow]

Jen ~ I agree with you; I reread my posting, and realized that I omitted the important detail that I originally gave that lady: I was describing my own personal definition of a farmer as an example and that she could – and should – reach her own definition & understanding of what a farmer was. However, I think even with your example, my point is valid: growing solely for one’s family is gardening; growing an intentional surplus with the intent to profit – whether the means of exchange is barter or money – is farming –> in my opinion, in my definition. I use this definition for my own personal understanding to deferentiate between when I personally grew gardens to feed my family and when I intended a surplus to sell at profit; which was started last season. I at times grew about what I grow now – not quite an acre – intending on giving away the surplus to friends, neighbors & foodbanks… with no profit motive. As I said before, though; the labeling & definitions have merit & meaning only as much as one chooses to impose or accept. If it empowers you, embrace it – whatever label or term is used. My boss in the trailwork I do considers what I do with the animals & produce to be “peon” work – and of little value. However, over this Christian-holiday weekend, he brought his entire visiting clan of family & inlaws down to see my goats, rabbits & newly sprouted peas – and again today, he brought down the visiting federal HUD zone inspectors (who must re-certify that he actually lives within a “Historically Underutilized District”), because these two ladies wanted to see the “darling little animals” –> which, of course, made me feel validated, to a small degree. And proud of my herds of kids & bunnies. 😉 So, to my landlord/boss, I’m a “peon”… I consider myself “in transition”… and the kids in the area & at the farmer’s market call me “Mr. Pirate-Farmer”… guess which label has most meaning for me? :p

[Robert MoonShadow]

You didn’t mention how much area you’re wanting to fence in at your rental… stock panels (also called ‘cattle panels’) aren’t cheap (about $20 hereabouts), but my 50″ tall x 16′ long panels go up quick, and hold the company draft mules – they’ll bend them over at the top, but a strand of barb wire stops that. As my boss likes to say: “It takes a damn good fence to starve a mule” –> well-fed & content (as in not bored) animals tend to stay put. ‘Til you say something like that… then they’re gone, just to show you up. :rolleyes:
Good luck in your efforts.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Lancek ~ What do you mean “used to do”? 150 miles north of me, on the St Maries & St. Joe Rivers, they still do use the rivers to float logs to Lake Ceour d’Alene & onto to the landings at the headwaters of the Spokane River. Still use guys out there on the logs, too. Not very many, anymore, but enough to make sure the boaters don’t catch a log in their laps.

[Robert MoonShadow]

I agree with Carl’s point on defining what a farmer is; my experience in this regards: last summer, while selling at the new farmers’ market in the next town over (the county seat), I was asked by an aspiring market-gardener, what was it that made someone a “real” :confused: farmer & not “just” a gardener. My reply: the intent. I grow & sell my products – produce, herbs, goats, & rabbits – intending to make a profit. The two ladies who shared my booth, on the other hand, were there only to sell off their surplus (perhaps at a great enough price to pay for their overall seeds used) while socializing with friends & neighbors. They saw it as a social event – which is great. I saw it as a marketing venue = ‘relationship marketing’ – which is also fine. This gal then asked me if she’d be a “real” farmer (there’s that weird term again) if she only had 1/4 acre or so. Here’s where it ties in with Carl’s observations: I told her that farm size is irrelevant – it’s the farmer that makes/defines the farm. I told her she shouldn’t let anyone else define her actions or position in life. If she was growing food to the best of her ability to sell with the intention of creating a profit (and hopefully enough profit to actually live on), then she could call herself a farmer if she felt that that was what she is – and no one – including the government – has the right to say otherwise. This, of course, is just my personal view – and I told her so, as well. And also like I told her; if she’s enjoying what she’s doing, she’ll probably eventually realize that the label (or lack thereof) is pretty much meaningless… the reality comes from within, not from others. She’s already reserved her own booth for the year & will probably steal all my customers. Me and my big mouth. 😮

[Robert MoonShadow]

Gordon; Congratulations on joining the ‘goat crowd’! :p
I’ve found a lot of goat-knowledgable people at http://www.GoatTalk.com – many are very helpful & open with their experiences. Members range from pet owners of just 2 up to at least one certified organic commercial dairy that I know of. Meat goats, as well as most common barnyard animals have a place there, too. {Donkeys as pets, but not any draft animals… yet} 🙁
But be forewarned: these critters are highly addictive and if you find yourself suddenly the owner of a small herd of blue-eyed Nigerian Dwarfs, don’t blame me!! 😀

[Robert MoonShadow]

Erik ~ A CSA for bread? Interesting idea. Does it include assorted baked goods, or just different breads? I’ve heard (and seen) of the usual vegetable/fruit & the dairy/cheese & the meat CSAs, never a bread CSA. Does it operate as a ‘stand-alone’ or as part of a larger, more typical CSA? And I wish I had 10 acres of my own, although twice that would fit my intended operation better – 10 would most certainly do me just fine. If I had anything but dialup, I’d be interested in listening to Carl’s broadcast, too.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Hal; I would agree with Rod’s advice, except to add one important thing: practice! Even if all you have is a half-dozen large plantpots, take the knowledge & information gleaned from the studies that Rod suggested, and experiment –> try different soils, composts, natural fertilizers, with the same & different strains of seeds, such as four different types of radishes, etc., and see what grows best, what dies, what improves with additional care & inputs… then comes an equally important step: think it through. Comtemplate what differences occurred & why. Come up with not one, but at least 3 answers, list in descending likelihood of accuracy, then – only then – check the books, experts & mentors (if you’re lucky enough to have any) for accuracy of your evaluations. Because, as Rod insinuated, much of this learning process is about your own observations of the local aspects you’re dealing with. Teaching yourself to learn is an important skill in gaining the ability to develope your own answers over time. It’s also (IMO) one of the most enjoyable parts of farming = figuring out the ‘whys’ of my successes… and mistakes. {Um, personally, I’m still working on having more of the former than the latter} 😮

[Robert MoonShadow]

Hey Reno = 🙂 😎
Sounds like Reno’s a tough one. He’s got an excellent nurse, too –> that helps! Keep it up, Jen; I’m rooting for you two!!
PS – It’s not so much being a ‘drama junkie’ as it is that your enthusiasm for Reno & Peanut is contagious.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Lancek ~ That’s a pretty good idea for reducing the handling of the firewood!

[Robert MoonShadow]

Take it off now!! You saw bald spots, rawness, etc. & had to ask that? How long would you leave a pair of shoes on your feet (without socks) that were causing the same symptoms? Donkeys are very stoic; that doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel the pain. Just how long has this harness been on? And is this a harness, or a halter you’re talking about?

[Robert MoonShadow]

Jen ~ I’m back out of the mountains for the weekend… and need my “Reno fix”! How is he doing? Any progress in his healing? And I’m glad you’re outlook’s perked up, my friend. I find it amazing how one animal (in your case, Peanut) can take a central place in one’s heart, yet another one that’s special (in your case, Reno) can wiggle itself in there & make room for itself, too!

[Robert MoonShadow]

Nearhorse; I believe you’re referring to ‘Goodcompanion’, delivering baked goods… last I heard, he’s renovating or building a wagon to do it. Dominiquer; That milk route could still use a draft animal (or two), if they know someone near the town they deliver in, with a bit of room to stable a horse or two: drive to there, switch the cargo (milk) to the horse-drawn wagon, then drive the last little bit. A possibility, anyways. You’re right: it’s to be hoped that the young’uns will ultimately continue the tradition they have.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Had posted a bit more info on these people, but it didn’t “take”… so just to say: Lots of unusual equipment = single-horse-drawn sprayers, plastic-layers (for plastic mulch sheets), Hobi line of equipment, including a small disc that flips over onto transport wheels. Reasonable prices. Maybe Amish/Mennonites = message phone or snailmail for catalog, and located in Ohio.
Contact:
E-Z Trail / Hogback Produce
{John Miller}
9575 Salt Creek Rd.
Fredericksburg, OH 44627
Ph: #330-287-0496 {message machine for a catalog – took about a week}

[Robert MoonShadow]

Check out E-Z Trail / Hogback Produce {I listed them in the equipment contact posting}… I think they carry all kinds of wheels.

[Robert MoonShadow]

As I said in my email, my friend: I think it was Reno’s destiny to be injured in such a way as to become unfit for the work that Andre’ intended him for ~ thus, the opportunity opened up for YOU to make permanent that place in your heart that he’s already claimed for himself… which, as you’ve told me, has happened. Congratulations on your new horse, my friend! Very generous of Andre’, and I know that Reno & Peanut will fit together to make the perfect team for you. Reno is still capable of having a long & useful life; just not the level of exertion Andre needs – but just right for you!
…and you had better cheer up ~ Reno’s recovery will depend on his attitude – which, of course will reflect yours. He’s in excellent hands.
Thank you, Andre’, for making my friend’s life a little fuller.

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