Coyote Ugly

Hey There !

Dave from McElhoes Family Farm/Belmont here.

Yikes! How did it get to be October? I'm still cleaning, sorting and bundling garlic that should probably have been finished in July!

We had a tiny bit of rain last week, although it was probably a little too little and a little too late for this year, but I reckon we'll take it nonetheless.

Coyotes have been harassing us the last few nights. I have had to bring the lambs in closer, and I have to be up often to check and protect. That didn't used to be a problem, but I am starting to feel it nowadays. Still gotta tighten and build more fences and make sure they are hot. If you visit us please don't touch the electric fence. When all is perfect it runs about 10,000 volts, and you will not soon forget the experience! Of course, it is often running less than that. Grass growing into it, branches falling on it, dry weather compromising our ground... All these things lower the voltage and raise my blood pressure. Fence maintenance is never ending but with predators about, I better step it up!

There are a few pumpkins and winter squash in the farm stand and coming on, as well as a few scallops/patty pans and a few frying peppers still finishing up. Garlic and herbs as we can get to them. The bread and eggs have been going quicker than we can get them up there. Thank You! We plan to keep it open as long as we have stuff to put in. Please drop me a line if there is anything you would like me to make, grow or get for you. I do grow a few greens, kale, bok choi, herbs and such inside during the winter, but I am not sure how to keep it from freezing in the stand...

We are planning on finally processing the last of the chickens next week, so I am not sure if there will be a newsletter, but I will notify everyone when they are ready. If you are a member of the chicken club, or if you have an order, you will be notified first and I will be happy to make arrangements to get your chickens to you.

Headed out to work on the fence now!

Thanks for Listening,

Dave