No hay no feed I'll take another horse please

Jenna and the haflinger

I'll take her one minute...I'm homebound and need someone to get hay and feed for me the next?

Get a grip! This rescue needs to be warned she is unsuitable for adoption.

No way she could have provided necessary vet treatment to this sick horse...let alone feed it.

You tell her Brandon#

Yes Jenna.  Your poor animal husbandry does impact the ecosystem directly and as a consequence of your decisions.  YOU have admitted to it time and time again.  Hello? The soil compacted sheep hill encouraging agricultural runoff and depletion of whatever soil is washed away with no ground cover.

Soil is more precious than oil.

My comforter

Chihuahuas are great at comforting.

Things are looking up.

Going to get harder before it gets better but going forward is better than standing still!

Retroactive accountability here we come!

Result of what not to do

http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-i-get-by.html?m=1

I too no longer have a cell phone plan.  I can use it for internet where there is WiFi, the map/GPS works, and it's still works as a camera and takes video.

It's not called homesteading, it's called not having the money.  I'm not proud and can admit to not being able to afford a monthly phone plan.  You don't have to wrap it up in a pretty bow and call it homesteading.

Sadie and littles

Encouragement!

Worth reading

http://www.writingofriding.com/riding/are-you-abusing-your-tack/

He always wanted to soar!

Sun, Speed & Smiles - Speed Riding The Three Sist…: http://youtu.be/ha4v_3VB1w8

Upcycle bear target

The right way to stack wood...

The right way to stack wood funny Funny Pictures Add Funny

Cali one on one

Can't recall the last time I took cali out by herself. I usually have a clown car of dogs.  Enjoyed a delightful mini walk at the river collecting acorns with my girl. She will be 10 on 1/9. Can hardly believe it!

What pets do you all have?

Me - 3 dogs (but hundreds of pigs still have my heart).

Up next...a post on Skinny.

My heart pig.

I gave him the love and care he needed to find the will to live.

In typical Ayrshire fashion they reneged on our written contract of sale after their first inspection.

My heart breaks for all of the pigs at Ayrshire Farm, but especially for Skinny. A pig wise enough to play favorites.

Furry Fairies**Free! - Alan Dart

Furry Fairies**Free! - Alan Dart

Cats and careers

Learning to co exist with the upstairs cats.  Going well. My innate fear of felines is subsiding.

These are my boyfriends mom's cats. We are currently staying in her basement...at 30 years old. Yep...one of "those".

Worst part? Found a local farm job which requires extensive skills and experience and pays...$11 a hour. Ugh.  Possible desk job at $25ish a hour with full benefits or soul fulfilling farm job at less than half the pay with no benefits. Not sure if either are real options at the moment, but if given the choice what do I do? Not farm to pay off debt and come closer to owning a farm or farm living paycheck to paycheck with no farm in sight.

Live for today or plan for tomorrow?

Farming is one of the most important key occupations.  Health, education, food, safety etc. How are the necessary occupations the lowest paying?

I'll never understand how celebrities are paid more than soldiers or athletes more than teachers.

Come on America.

Pork loin roast?

I have no idea what I'm doing.

I raise them not cook them!

Hope I do my pig justice.

Tips and tricks please.

Assume I know nothing...because truly I don't.

Have another roast in the freezer so I can pick one of your recipes and try it next time.

Help!

My Uncle Dane

Speaking on real threats (wolves) to our own and countless innocent others (at the door).

Keep my brother in your thoughts. He is an Apache pilot in the Army and currently deployed. He turned 25 last Friday and is engaged to be married in May. He is a gem. Let his presence be successful and his safe return swift.

Arise America: ISIL's Beheading of U.S. Hostage P…: http://youtu.be/clNuvKdXowo

A tip

http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/2014/11/passable-dragons.html?m=1

Remove the 3 bales from the truck, put in barn or under some roof.

Use hay tarp for wood.

13.1 lbs of acorns

Flop

Flip

Achilles heel

Don't you see it!?

Acorn Collecting

A landless farmer harvests the bounty of the woods. I'm an acorn collecting fool.

Acorn flour, acorn oil, oak gall ink, pig treats, wildlife food over winter months, crafts, spirits...you name it an acorn can provide it.

I have my eye on an oil press and nut shucker but need to focus on my debt first.  I've been encouraged to do a kickstarter campaign, but am not sure I'd enjoy it as much with the pressure to produce or succeed.

In good time.

Mark my words...

Acorns and hemp will soon make their comeback. Step aside corn and wheat, acorns are about to blow your minds!  The Indians knew what they were doing.

Geography "son"!

Interview yesterday...GIS desk job.

Not ideal but need to dig myself out of 5 months not working.

There is no me in Yeti

https://m.facebook.com/?_rdr

But there is an I...

Couldn't be a predator.

Gone for 4 days?

Must be a do gooder!

Rodeos are Disgusting

Terrified cattle
Eyes all white
Baby calf
About to be yanked real tight
Thrown to the ground
Tied in fright
Bucking bronc
Could be someone's pet
Cinched and spurred
Will people ever regret?

Joy in Misery

Rosie's World - Robotic Farming Cow Cam

Mange in Pigs

The video below shows the physical symptoms and ethical consequences of pigs suffering from mange at Ayrshire Farm.

Ayrshire Farm is located in Upperville, VA and owned by Sandy Lerner. Ms Lerner is a nationally recognized and celebrated supporter of animal rights and major funder of animal shelters and animal rights organizations.

Large Livestock is managed by Crystal Ritenour (who ironically is a licensed Veterinary Technician in the state of Virginia - license #0302001513).

On June 16, 2014 my internship at this farm was terminated 3 months early due to "restructuring/budget" reasons. In other words my unrelenting advocacy on behalf of the pigs was unacceptable. The farm stands behind their treatment of the pigs and was not interested in making the changes necessary to provide ethical and humane care.

On July 21, 2014 Ayrshire Farm received an unannounced inspection from  Humane Farm Animal Care. Subsequently their "Certified Humane Raised and Handled" was revoked for 30 days due to a series of major noncompliance.  HFAC is solution based and works with the farm to correct issues and does not publicly identify temporarily revoked farms (permanently revoked farms simply disappear from their online listing) nor report abuse or possible animal circumstances of animal cruelty. Their solution based requirements are laughable and will be addressed later.

So here is an example of mange on a certified organic certified humane farm.  Also just a brief glimpse of what I have committed my time and energy to fix not just during the internship but everyday since.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fsV-nKeKHoM

Mangy Pegs?

These piglets look mangy to me. Hope it's not the case...but if so it is easily treated with dewormer available from a local feed store.

Lovely claim to pastured pig fame is the name of that photo game.

Lets not forget the 2 pigs living in the dark barn in the background.

Selective photography at its best.

http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/2014/09/pegs.html?m=1

Lawyer Day!

In 2 short hours I have a consultation with a lawyer!!!

I haven't been this excited and hopeful for awhile and am thrilled to have my foot in the door.  This preliminary meeting will address several concerns weighing oh so  heavy on my heart. I will be standing up for myself and on behalf of the pigs.

I look forward to learning what I can legally discuss on this blog and other media.

The consultation fee is $350 per hour and billed in 6 minute increments at $36.

I'm relying on my credit card and am trusting the consultation leads to representation.

If anyone would like to help "fill the piggy bank" I am gladly accepting donations (my turn!) towards legal fees through PayPal and snail mail.

PayPal contact: meredithamonson@gmail.com

Email me at the same email address if you wish to send a note of encouragement with (and of course without) a massive check!

Time to take off the oven mitts and put on those boxing gloves.

Thanks for the support you all!

Italics?

I thought the point was for him to hunt?

Walk with your bird

Vs

Drive with your gun

Don't get it

http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/2014/09/coyote-tracks-and-creek-beds.html?m=1

#1 they say?

Truly depends on that little thing called income. Land of the rich, famous and family owned landholdings.

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5722930?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000032

Speachless

Spreading awareness through creativity. This is brilliant.

Gestation Crate Pigs, Locked Up Hell: http://youtu.be/SBQAaRf3fCc

On your mark, get set, Kickstart!

Kickstart on kredit if you please?

"P.S. YOU DONT NEED TO HAVE THE PLEDGE MONEY NOW TO PLEDGE! Pledges are not billed until and unless I reach my goal in 13 days! so even if you pledge tonight you will not be billed until you give your consent after the project has reached the goal!"

You are not paying for just a book, but to write it too!

"Few folks realize that Birchthorn is NOT just a book. You are not paying for just a book!Folks who join the pledge get invited to a blog where they read the story as it is written, a chapter at a time. Then there will be discussions, advice, theories, and reader input on what may happen next! It is a book written by a community; a mystery I get to choreograph but not create alone!"

http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/2014/08/28-funded.html?m=1

Pledge, this basically has to happen.

"If the Yellowstone Super Volcano errupts before this is possible, I'm sorry and all bets are off. That's the biggest risk. Short of that, this basically has to happen. I can't not publish book at such a high investment from loyal readers. You will get your story!"

That's the spirit?!

"That advance goes towards the author making a living so a roof remains over her head while she writes about people losing theirs...."

Kickstarter accountability?

http://valleywag.gawker.com/kickstarter-project-canceled-after-dude-spends-all-the-912176282

This is clever on her part. I have no doubt she will meet or exceed the goal.

If doesn't look like a campaigns goal will be met what prevents the individual from filling in the gap with personal funds, borrowing, or a loan? Only reached $8000? Loan for $4,000 "donated" to the campaign. Collect, pay loan back and tada $8000.

I'm awfully tempted to rival her Birchthorn fundraising with a personal crowdfunding site of my own. 

Why do I say that?

I can't currently discuss in detail, but I no longer work or live on the farm I started interning at last September.  Very unexpectedly I found myself unemployed and 30 days later without a home.  Since that time I have been investing my time and energy towards a great and noble cause. If you think the mysterious Birchthorn is dark and scary you should see what I'm up against.  Fortunately I have conviction and compassion on my side.  They're counting on me.

I'm seriously considering providing an alternative fundraising option for those wanting to fund a project in good faith.

Nothing will stand in the way of my quest!

I need to gather fees for a consultation with a lawyer. legal representation is absolutely necessary at this juncture, after which I look forward to sharing everything I legally can here and through other media.

The good fight isn't easy.

Pulling out

For now?

Cold Antler Piglets?

What happened to the 2 piglets she just purchased in May?

http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-boys-are-here-pair-of-tamworthold.html?m=1

...and my late to the game zinnias are sprouting. I put 9 small packets in one bed and excited for a splash of color late summer into fall. I recall in the past enjoying them through October.

Not sure I'll be at this farm or not but they're bound to catch someone's eye and bring a smile.

Planted 6/16/14

Current challenges upcoming changes

I'm in my 30s!

Bittersweet birthday weekend spent in PA with my mom and grandparents. It was lovely although Eddie's absence this year weighed heavy on my heart. I miss him so.

My best friend

Eddie Todd

I miss you.

I love you.

You changed me for the better.

CHORE-TIME

ALL-THE-TIME

I used to get a little defensive or hurt at the "you have to be a mother, wife, and/or whatever have you that I'm not...to understand"

As if my perspective opinion thoughts suggestions sorrys or even congratulationa are unwelcome not being in said club.

Not saying it's always the case, but there is bearing to the statement about understanding.

That's how I feel about farming. Unless you are or have "farmed" (ranch, dairy, crops, etc) in a similar fashion (heart mind body blood sweat tears hot humid rain or snow mud droughts life death money and equipment planning revising learning unlearning people plants animals oh my!) I feel your words carry less weight.

It's wrong.

A compliment or observation should be taken rather than scrutinized for credibility.

Much of my family participates in CrossFit. I'm in awe and think they work hard. I'm genuine in my cheer for them even with no understanding of the program or physical extent they push themselves...but I don't want to be brushed off for the person who "gets" it.

Hmmm, what I'm trying to suss out is this automatic response I find myself spewing rather than a simple thank you for acknowledging my hard work...somehow I feel the need to defensively insist you are right, even though as a not farmer you can't possibly understand?!

Example, maybe those who commented on Bellys slaughter saying they couldn't slaughter their loved livestock do understand (maybe better than "fellow" farmers) the difficulty, loss, deception and sliver of pride that comes with voluntarily ending a healthy animals life because people's taste buds especially enjoy the taste of delicious happily raised pork (and providing an alternative meat concept and source to CAFOs that will only survive with consumer support).

I pledge to embrace people and our wildly different lives! 

There are only two eyes viewing the world from my stubborn often overbearing rose colored glasses...and thats a sure course to alienating ones self from the unexpected joys often found in our differences.

The face of farming

On this day Belly was purchased by a coworker and killed on the farm.

I was going to buy him to secure an on farm kill I would be completely in control over.

This was a quick decision made today and was not what I wanted or expected but the best was made and I was able to quietly unload him from the trailer, weigh him (198lbs), and scratch him while the shooter gauged shot placement. I stood up, walked behind the shooter and Bellys short life was over.

I miss him already.

Didn't get a chance to do snout prints or feed him my jars of carefully selected acorns just for him...but he was killed on the farm which for a spoiled boy was just what I wanted.

Yes, they are always that cute.

Old spot x tamworth piglets.

Cutsies

Patty and Desi

Aeration team.

Waiting on you!

Little market

Windblown

Windswept is simply too fancy.

GTO

Or Gato as I call him.

Old Spot boar backrest.

Brrr. Cold and wet.

300+ pigs fed and I'm tuckered out.

So much to do this week.

Farming is a daily slice of heaven...to Betsy there's not enough time in the day.

Driving in style

Pig STYle that is!

Easier to navigate the farm sans trailer in this oh so crazy wet and muddy weather created by the newest snow melt and now rain.  

I wasn't behind the wheel but sat inbetween the pigs and driver to prevent any type of potentially dangerous movement of the pigs, though they remained calm and still during the short trip to the barn to be weighed.

The buyers from PA were tickled, but mentioned they wouldn't be driving back in their truck and to please put them in the trailer. :)

Going to a great home...until market weight I suspect.

Pondering

Zoom in.

He sat there, unphased by my obvious presence.

Pondering.

Cutsie!

Belly bells.

I generally don't name animals...and when I do, it's not very exciting or clever. Take Belly for instance.  He had trouble with parasites early on and (clearly) bounced back with vengeance. 

When referencing him to my coworker who isn't a native English speaker I settled on my go to names, and by that I mean descriptions. Belly, Skinny, Baby Belly, Dots etc. You get the picture...though half the time I'm pointing or talking with my hands which adds a bit of humor I'm sure. I'd be invincible in charades after 6 months working with a language barrier. Fortunately, for the coworker I work with the most (and whose English was the worst) his English has vastly improved.  Between my endless stream of ideas and chatter, our arguments over who what where when why and how, and impromptu grammar(er?..my auto correct is throwing me off, do both words exist? Can't exit blogger to check as it will erase or freeze this post in forever blogger limbo) and spelling/pronunciation lessons (eyes vs ice/ hot vs hat/ father vs feather) we now communicate with relative ease. Unfortunately for me my Spanish is not picking up steam. 

Anyone with advice on picking up a second language. My 3 years of high school Spanish didn't give me much of a foundation. We tried all English all Spanish days but that's not practical (or safe) in a work environment, especially one with livestock and heavy equipment.

So, back to Belly.

His slaughter date is fast approaching and I'm scrambling to market him myself hoping for an on farm kill.  He is not organic which removes him from the majority of our market pigs who are all already spoken for and greatly anticipated.  Our organic pork is used at the farms restaurant located in the "town" of Upperville a few miles away (which reminds me to check crow flying distance. It's much closer than driving, I can even hear the towns church bells while feeding pigs on the southern end of the property!) and sold as retail cuts at the farms store in Middleburg.

For those of you unfamiliar, meat is required to be USDA inspected for retail resale cuts and for use in restaurants.  Furthermore, our meat must be handled and processed under strict organic and human guidelines and standards.  On the retail labels you can even identify the individual pigs ear tag ID!  To be USDA inspected, the pigs must be transported to a local slaughter house. For the majority of our pigs this is not something I stress about. Most market pigs and I have a working relationship, some are especially outgoing but most want food food food!

...tbc

Love love love

Hello Americas most talented!

http://farmrun.com/portfolio/we-rise