Sympathy for the elves
In these days leading up to the holidays, we are in full production blitz. Our farm store and farm kitchen have been converted into...
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PRAIRIE FRUITS FARM & CREAMERY
"THE HERD" BLOG
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prairiefruits
- Nov 22
- 6 min
A farmer's gratitude
On the eve of thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on some things for which I am grateful. As farmers, we derive our livelihood from...
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prairiefruits
- Nov 16
- 7 min
Next chapter part two and prepping for the holidays
The morning frost on desiccated leaves has been fleeting in these unusually warm november days. The intensity of sunlight is deceiving;...
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prairiefruits
- Nov 9
- 8 min
autumnal collage
Sometimes, the week's reflections are best captured by a poem and some beautiful photographs. Shout out to Iris Riggs, one of last week's...
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prairiefruits
- Nov 2
- 8 min
who are the future farmers of america?
This week, we hosted a few hundred high school students from Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. They are all members of "Future Farmers of...
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prairiefruits
- Oct 26
- 8 min
Shifting winds, vibrant colors and declining milk
Farm News We returned home this week to gusty winds, unsettled skies and fall foliage in full regalia. With daylight waning and nights...
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prairiefruits
- Oct 19
- 7 min
A century of farm life
This week, Wes and I are away from the farm. We have travelled to Forest Grove, Oregon to celebrate the 100th birthday of Wes' mother,...
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prairiefruits
- Oct 12
- 7 min
The value of the unbeaten path
As I watch the setting sun's rays break through clouds over a dusty soybean field in harvest, I turn back toward the still-green alfalfa...
271 views1 comment
prairiefruits
- Oct 5
- 6 min
A short walk to work
For the breeding bucks of Prairie Fruits Farm, the halcyon days of leisurely foraging in the summer pastures have ended. Yesterday...
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prairiefruits
- Sep 28
- 7 min
The bookend nature of fall on the farm
Farm News The autumnal equinox reminds us of the push-pull nature of fall. The alfalfa fields are still growing, begging for a fourth...
209 views1 comment
prairiefruits
- Sep 21
- 6 min
Making matches
Farm News Dateline: rural champaign county, late september. Farm aromas: pure bucks in rut. The seasonal smell of bucks ready to breed is...
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prairiefruits
- Sep 14
- 5 min
Ode to an heirloom tomato in september
Farm News The seasonal amnesia that clouded our decision to plant way too many tomatoes in spring is gone. The stored heat of august is...
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prairiefruits
- Sep 7
- 7 min
A pig in the neighborhood
Farm News Several weeks ago, I had driven over to my neighbor's property to borrow some dishes and silverware for our upcoming farm...
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prairiefruits
- Aug 31
- 6 min
An abundance of apex predators
Farm News Exit august-enter september. There is a distinct change to the repertoire of bird calls in the morning. Melodic wood thrush...
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prairiefruits
- Aug 24
- 5 min
Cultivating genetics for a changing climate
Farm News The best way to know that your goats are exceptional is to put them in a heat wave. Most dairy goats on commercial dairies...
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prairiefruits
- Aug 17
- 6 min
Life cycle milestone for the dairy doelings
Farm News In the life of a dairy doe, there are milestones. Being born female is the first important achievement. Next comes weaning. ...
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prairiefruits
- Aug 10
- 6 min
Deeply celebrating farmers' markets
This week is "National Farmers' Markets Week," aptly timed to showcase the summer bounty of august harvests. What does it mean to...
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prairiefruits
- Aug 3
- 5 min
Let's talk about grey water
Farm News Dairy farms and farmstead creameries use a lot of water. Water for washing down the milking parlor, water to quench thirsty...
329 views0 comments
prairiefruits
- Jul 27
- 5 min
In the company of peers
Farm News Last week, we traveled to Des Moines Iowa to attend the annual American Cheese Society Conference. From resource constraints to...
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prairiefruits
- Jul 20
- 4 min
Off to the American Cheese Society Conference
We are off to Des Moines Iowa this week to attend the American Cheese Society conference. We'll update folks about possible winnings in...
217 views1 comment
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