Weber Farms Newsletter -April 2008, Issue #18

April, 2008 - ISSUE #18

Good health to you all!

Spring has Sprung
It has finally happened...
The sun has shown it's bright, warm face after a long, wet winter. Spring is here and is evident in all that is around us. From the new born baby goat (2 weeks old now), to the flowers popping up from their night of slumber underground, spring is shouting to us all "Make way for new life! Make way for summer!" The newly planted strawberries (and some old ones in the garden beds) are rising out of their straw covers in a brilliant green. The puppies born in late winter are weaned, and many have packed their bags for new-found families - as far away as Oregon. The peas are coming up out of the ground. And there is life!!! A revival has occurred in the spice/herb gardens. The rhubarb has come up and is stretching towards the sky while the oregano, thyme and comfrey have awakened from dormancy to show sprigs and leaves of green and gray. The garlic is standing above the straw and Nathan's mint is glowing bright-green under the straw. And the flowers are coming! Iris', Callalillies, Daphodills, Tulips and Peonies are all popping up! The fruit trees are budding in preparation for another growing season...

We took full advantage this past weekend of our old acquaintance, the sun...
We have fenced off the garden beds, to keep out the chickens, turkeys and those "unwanted" visitors. We transplanted the cold weather crops into the garden beds - things like the broccoli, cabbages, kohlrabi, celery and other items that had been in the greenhouse, hardening off... We planted spinach and lettuce in the aquaponics beds inside the greenhouse. We setup 6 new bee hives and "installed" new bees in them - and the dandelions are blooming so the bees can eat the golden yellow pollen hiding inside!

Happenings Around the Farm
We will be very busy in the coming weeks with:

Putting up perimeter fencing so the chickens can roam over the entire farm - in the paddocks where the goats and the cow graze.
Changing the porch into a small Farm store for our customers. Soon, you can browse through our "value-added" products when you come to visit, or to buy eggs, honey or fresh produce.
Birthing and raising more baby goats - we have 3 more does ready to kid this week!
New baby goats means milking time!
More planting in the garden beds
Sowing more seed in the planting trays in the basement - for succession planting of crops to get us through the entire growing season.
Fertilizing berries and fruit trees
Raising new baby chicks
Opening up the farm for visits
Making soaps, lotions, lotion bars, bees wax candles, lip balms and more in preparation for the upcoming craft fairs!

New Book corner

Michael Pollan, author of "The Omnivore's Dilemma" has a new book out - it is entitled "In Defense of Food" - it is a must-read. it goes into detail about the processed foods that the American consumer is eating, and what it does to you. He also reviews the diet of our grand parents and great-grand parents. Not only does he make comparisons, but applies some sound reasoning why we should eat the way they did in the past. It is only $14 at Amazon, and will soon find it's way to the public libraries. And if you have not read "The Omnivore's Dilemma", it is available at the local public library and - we highly recommend it!

What's Available??

I have provided a link on the website to show everyone what is currently available and what to expect in the upcoming months. Here is a list of what is available:

* Salad Bar Eggs (from Pastured Poultry) - $2.50/doz.
* Honey - Pint jars still available $10/each

We hope your spring is as exciting as ours, and your summer a healthy, happy memorable one.
To your Health,

P & M Weber
Weber Farms
http://www.weber-farms.com