March 2020 update
Veggies and other produce
This picture shows very much in one shot what we were up to in all these months. Thanks to Gaby’s hard work all the veggies are in full blossom. Chard and fennel are only two of the many varieties growing in the poly tunnel and on the plots. However, there is far more on offer. Isn’t she pretty, one of our hatched chicks perching on the basket’s handle? Our laying hens are approaching retiring age, so we decided to hatch our own. The chick on the basket (hopefully a hen and not a cockerel) is one of the third hatch, her siblings from hatch number one will reach their point of lay in about one month. This is totally new to Rails Farm but a wonderful experience. Furthermore, our bees were extremely busy and Gaby has extracted honey three times, with the three batches slightly different in colour and flavour depending on the seasonal flowers.
Saying goodbye to one of the lamas
Unfortunately, the older of our two alpacas passed away four weeks ago at the respectable age of eighteen years. This was a shock for us and of course even more for her remaining daughter, our Mabel (photo). They are herd animals thus we had to find new companions for her. Fortunately, Gaby knew a lovely lady from Henstridge who was looking for a home for her alpacas. We picked up all four a week ago, and here they are, all with wonderful soft and fluffy fleeces, perfect for spinning and knitting. After a week they became tamer and Darcy (right at the back) has already eaten feed out of my hands. I think Mabel was a bit overwhelmed when suddenly four new mates arrived. However, after a week she ranks equal with Darcy as indicated by the feeding hierarchy. With her twenty-one years Darcy still has the overall priority. Perhaps if they’re lucky they might get some of our fresh veggies!
Keeping busy
We have been also very busy with teaching during the Covid-19 period. Of course, we had to change to online tuition which needed familiarisation with Skype, Zoom and Team. It has been very successful and will be expanded beyond the social distancing time.
Please call in for any questions regarding online teaching and for purchasing our organic produce.
Unfortunately, I received no response to my April/May edition’s question. Come on people you can do it. Which sort of radiation do alpacas miss out in our climate to generate sufficient vitamin D? So, work it out and email it to me at railsfarm@phonecoop.coop
Cheerio,
Christoph