07/17/2025
Dear farm journal-
This week felt like taking a deep breath. The proverbial calm after a storm (which is kind of ironic, because a heavy storm was one of the things that made me feel relieved). The creek was full of water, and I was able to divert it to the pond to fill it back up.
This week, the fish mortality has slowed to a stop. From a peak of 665 in a day to just a handful. In total, about half of the fish died from the outbreak. Unfortunate, frustrating, and tough. It's a helpless feeling watching it happen knowing there really isn't anything you can do but pray that it stops. The surviving fish have regained their appetite and hopefully it will only be easier at this lower stocking density to get a great yield this fall.
The greenhouse is looking full and verdant. I put up a shade cloth and used rain to refill the grow bed so the plants are quite happy. The basil looks better than ever, and y'all are really sleeping on this purple mustard! It's phenomenally delicious and gorgeous. I started a test tray of some new varieties of lettuce to see how they do in my greenhouse. Especially excited for "Cool Mint" romaine and a red romaine from High Mowing Organic Seeds.
The tractor rabbits are growing well. I should have meat available again soon. This week I had 3 litters born. Not huge, but acceptable size litters.
Started picking zucchini, squash, and cucumbers heavily. Unfortunately my tomatoes are still catching up. I may hit them with some fish fertilizer and see if I can boost them. Plenty of time left for them, just really far behind. I did plant new mini tomatoes in the greenhouse, which will likely fruit before the outdoor crop. I'll be meeting with NRCS this next week to see if we can do an EQIP grant to put up a tomato high tunnel so cold, rainy springs don't ruin the crop again. Acorn squash, pie pumpkins, cantaloupes went in today.
Feeling better this week than last. As you may know, I'm awaiting my first child in August, so I'm working extra now to make sure I'm set for the rest of the season. What a wild year it has been, and how wild it soon shall be.
Alex