The Dirt on the Farm
November 1, 2009
Written by: Isaac MoodyHello! This is Isaac Moody, farm manager for Moody’s. When I was asked to compose a regular entry in this new newsletter, I was very excited. I hope I can exceed everyone’s expectations and contribute an interesting and informative segment.
CURRENTLY
As it stands now on the farm, harvest has begun and things are growing busier. We have harvested our beans and as soon as it stops raining for more than a day we will start on corn. The cattle are growing their thicker fur coat in preparation for what is inevitably around the bend. The sheep already have their cold weather armor in place— they are ready for a cold blast at all times. Something that interests me is how they do not pant and seek shade during the warmer days, even with all the wool. They just keep on grazing!HENS AND EGG PRODUCTION
The laying hens are beginning to put their energy into their coats of feathers as well. This, I am sorry to say to our customers, takes a tremendous toll on the egg supply. Oh, I know how much you wish we had a larger supply of eggs and I honestly wish I could make it happen for the sake of us all. However, nature births her young in the spring, not the fall, and I do not want to pick a fight with nature by forcing the laying of eggs through the cold season. I would lose that battle eventually, although I can encourage egg production by feeding food scraps free choice along with the current feed.The farm works in tandem with Bon Appétit Management Company at Wabash College in Crawfordsville. Part of that relationship is taking their kitchen scraps (potato peels, apple cores, leftovers, and the like) to the farm and adding it to out compost pile. Last school year I pulled out a little each week and fed it to the hens, and they loved it! It was always a highlight when I would drive up with a barrel standing in the truck bed— they knew what was in it and would come running.
This year I believe I will try a similar but slightly different approach. Instead of pulling out scraps that I think they would like, I am going to try just dumping the whole barrel for the hens and let them scratch through it all, letting them decide what is best. After a day or two, I will clean up anything left and add that to our compost pile. I think this will be a great benefit—especially in the winter when no bugs or green grass are available—because all the fresh fruits, veggies and breads will help fill any gaps in the hens’ diet. Will it produce more eggs? I do not yet know. I do know it will make happy hens and good eggs. I would rather have happy hens with a few of the best eggs I know than wimpy hens and many blah eggs. We will see!
PERSONAL NOTES
I am proud to say that I am a newly appointed father! My wife and I had our first child on September 26. We named our daughter Ziva Marie Moody. She weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 20 inches long. We are so blessed to have a healthy baby on our home. My wife and I look forward to the task of raising our little girl well and portraying the love of Christ to her daily.Right now the struggle is sleep! However, the more sleep we lose, we gain even more in blessing as parents.
Contact Info: igmoody@moodymeats.com Ask me something!
This Month's Articles:
The Dirt on the Farm