August 2018
We are in the process of clearing a new space in the workshop to convert into a warm, cosy and draft free brooder ahead of the arrival of our first batch of broiler chicks for the season! We cannot wait for them to arrive and get going again. The pasture raised poultry is intense but it is fun, and a good cash flow injection at the beginning of the season.
We have been amazed at the effect our last batch of broilers had on the grass - as soon as we had a bit of rain and the temperatures increased a bit, two very distinct lines of green grass shot up in the orchard where the broiler pens had been. This showed the positive impact that the heavy manure load of these chickens has on the ground. So while pasture raised poultry is good for the chickens, and produces good meat for us, it is also very good for the land. Our layers have had a similar effect in their rotational areas. The land needs animals!Winter lends itself to completing all of the big projects that require a dedicated length of time, but also all of the little jobs that get swept under the rug during the busy times! One of the other big building project that we embarked on was the last phase of our solar installation. Andre and Thulas worked tirelessly to get this up and running while we were closed. We are now running almost 100% of solar power! A few tweaks, geyser timers and appliance swaps and we'll be there. Come and test it out - the electric blankets, heated towel rails, hairdryers and other creature comforts will not be removed!
We have been amazed at the effect our last batch of broilers had on the grass - as soon as we had a bit of rain and the temperatures increased a bit, two very distinct lines of green grass shot up in the orchard where the broiler pens had been. This showed the positive impact that the heavy manure load of these chickens has on the ground. So while pasture raised poultry is good for the chickens, and produces good meat for us, it is also very good for the land. Our layers have had a similar effect in their rotational areas. The land needs animals!Winter lends itself to completing all of the big projects that require a dedicated length of time, but also all of the little jobs that get swept under the rug during the busy times! One of the other big building project that we embarked on was the last phase of our solar installation. Andre and Thulas worked tirelessly to get this up and running while we were closed. We are now running almost 100% of solar power! A few tweaks, geyser timers and appliance swaps and we'll be there. Come and test it out - the electric blankets, heated towel rails, hairdryers and other creature comforts will not be removed!
We had some fun and games with Elliott this week - he ran away chasing a pair of Hadadas, decided to go exploring and landed up in a snare set by people who are logging on our neighbour's property! Never a dull moment!The start of Spring is such a special time that we can't help but get excited about sharing it with others. We invite you to spend some time enjoying the sight of green buds and pink blossoms, the smell of pollen, the feel of the lush green grass and the sound of happy birds singing away with our Spring Special - book a 2 night stay in September and get a 5% discount, plus a bunch of farm fresh veggies and 6 eggs from our chickens so that your tastebuds can also enjoy Spring!