The bush hogging of the field is now complete, and it makes it look so much bigger! Yes I have my work cut out for me, as Mr. Wilson (the man I've contracted to do tractor work) was quick to point out. How exciting.

Another exciting thing - this weekend I will be attending the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group's annual conference! I'll be heading down early to take part in a day and a half long workshop with Alex Hitt of Peregrine Farms in Chapel Hill on Financial and Business Planning for Farmers. I'm going to the conference on a new farmer scholarship, and thanks to Couchsurfing.com I have secured a free place to stay.

It's been really cold so Mr. Wilson hasn't been able to come back to turn-plow. Hopefully next week...

January is the time for farming

It's cold and there are snow flurries, but this is the time when the real work of farming happens. Planning. In this past week I've gotten settled into my new place and have started getting to know my farm.

My neighbors have been quick to introduce themselves and check up on me, and they have all been delighted to hear of my plans. I've been making connections with local suppliers as well - Mr. Berry of Berry's Farm and Garden Supply just down the road is going to be my new best friend.

Today I had a guy come to give me a quote on mowing my field and turning the soil (in between which I will add a good deal of manure); he'll be back to mow when the cold weather breaks.

I've been looking into how to enclose my south-facing patio with plastic to make a greenhouse. This is where I will grow sunflower and pea shoots.

And on the business end of things, I've made a first draft of my business plan, and a brochure for my farm share program. If you, or someone you know, would like to participate (or would like more information) in the farm share program as a shareholder for the 2009 season, let me know!!