06/24/2025
I've been very public about the struggles we've been facing on our farm the past few months. I want to be public about the good stuff, too 💕
Things are looking up, truly. The goat herd is looking fantastic, fat, and happy again. Still have a couple I'd like to see improved coats on and a smidge more weight, but they've all bounced back wonderfully and I am happy about our decision to downsize and focus on infrastructure and narrowing our genetic goals. I feel really good about the ones I AM getting in the show ring this year and feel like my vision for my breeding herd is so much clearer, in a way it hasn't been before.
I thought our gosling production this year was a bust, but 2 very dedicated goose mamas showed up with big batches of babies, bringing our total live gosling count from 1 to 11! All the non-growouts found their new families quickly, and I retained 5 for my own flock. We now have 15 resident geese.
I had some cautions over one pen of poultry, but we are now in the clear there and they are growing out SO beautifully. I'm more than thrilled with that new project and can't wait to share with you all!!
My Cayuga duck females are growing quick. I'm so excited for them to reach full size and be able to go out with the boys. Ducks are a new endeavor for us this year but we feel like they're a great fit for Deadnettle Hill alongside the other waterfowl, and it will be great to have another productive project this fall.
We also have added some Wyandotte pullets in the last week... blue lace and LAVENDER! For now they are just to add some younger girls to the coop, but maybe it will lead to poultry project expansion... 👀
My favorite little doeling born here this year (pictured) found her people, she went to one of my best friends and her kiddo. I couldn't be happier about that placement.
And while I could go on forever about the good things happening here, we FINALLY GOT A PICKUP TRUCK TOO!!! 🛻
Even through all the hard things that happened, we saw so much good come through it. God really blessed us in huge ways through it, and provided for us in ways I don't think would have been possible otherwise. This isn't to be "toxic positive," things were HARD here and I'm not going to diminish that or pretend we didn't struggle. But, people were so kind to us through it all too. Friends were showing up to help out and lift our spirits. They let me cry through losses and helped pick us back up and keep us going. I've said it before and I'll say it again, without community and Jesus this farm would not be what it is, and I truly believe struggle in life makes your blessings and friends all the sweeter. We love all of you and appreciate the wonderful community that we bought this farm to share with 💕
