by admin | Mar 30, 2020 | Bits from Brambleberry, Farm
The maple syrup season is upon us, although judging by the buds popping on our maples, it’s probably winding down. It’s been a few years since my wife Sherry and I have made syrup. We started with a few spiles and pails but grew tired of having to strain out bark,...
by admin | May 19, 2019 | Bits from Brambleberry, Farm
Stepping off the wild ride to see the signs of spring By Chris Hardie One sign that spring has arrived is when you realize that no matter how many hours you try to squeeze into the day it just isn’t long enough to get your work done. Field work, yard work, garden...
by admin | Mar 4, 2019 | Bits from Brambleberry, Farm
Head-butting is how rams settle their differences By CHRIS HARDIE It’s not holy matrimony, but raising farm animals is not an agreement to be entered into lightly. It may be fun to think about “for better,” but it sure seems like there is lot more “for worse.” When my...
by admin | Jan 25, 2019 | Bits from Brambleberry, Farm, Rant & Rave
Region’s rocks are testaments to the past I stood atop a small outcropping of rock in the waning hours of 2018. These rock formations are quite common on our farm and in the Driftless Area. Geologists classify the rock as glauconite, also known as greensand for...
by admin | Jan 6, 2019 | Bits from Brambleberry, Farm, Rant & Rave
The woodpile woes The airwaves are always bombarded with commercials touting the latest and greatest pharmaceutical offerings, but I have one malady for which no drug can cure. You never know when it’s going to strike. I’ll be driving down the road watching the...
by admin | Dec 13, 2018 | Bits from Brambleberry, Farm
One trait that is universal with all small farmers is the do-it-yourself mindset. This is not unique to farmers, but figuring out how to get it done is as ubiquitous to farmers as carrying a pocket knife, pliers or a multi-tool. When there’s a breakdown or a snafu,...
