The Weblog
This page contains news, event information, and other items added by Ian and Adam, the resident farmers at Old 99. We send out a message every week, but most are set with a delete date about two weeks later. I archive some of the posts if they have content other than weekly availability of produce and meat.
You can send me questions too, which if they are of a general nature, I can post to this Old99 blog.
Old 99 Farm, week of Aug 21 2016
We have five fresh lambs, honey garlic mutton sausage, soup bones, organ meats in the freezer now. Lambs wrapped weight from 25 to 35lbs, cuts include frenched rack of ribs, deboned leg roasts, shanks, loin and sirloin chops organs bones and ground lamb. We have lamb stew/kabobs, sausage and bones for dogfood.
The advanced orders for roasting chickens have been picked up, there are lots left, whole, halved or quartered. Twelve weeks old, about 6lb avg weight, raised on pasture with organic grain rations. Very flavourful.
The veggie garden is lush with bounty, it’s a long list: cuccumber, young chard, beet root, beet tops, green onions, leek, rhubarb, kale, arugula, tomatoes, string beans (yellow, green and purple varieties), potatoes (cobbler and purple), garlic, and herbs: chives dill, spearmint, bronze fennel and lovage.
I have spared y’all any climate news of late, as I shift my perspective again to stay current with developments. The pace of climate upsets is increasing, as you would expect with any natural system.
But here’s a sample of the main dilemna of our time, being ‘what can one person do?’ to make a difference in the climate crisis that is upon us.
Jane Braaten was traveling in India and was confronted at one village with this graffiti: Protect the earth. Live simply. Act with compassion. Our future depends on it.. Then upon returning to the United States she writes, "I’m wondering what cultural, social or political resources we have, especially at the local level, that can help us to see ourselves as part of a common effort to ensure everyone is taken care of. I’ve seen and heard of towns and small cities that have strong social service networks, engaged congregations, and municipal leaders who pay attention to quality of life and stresses in the community. I still think we could do a better job of spreading the spirit of openness and compassion, of taking more responsibility for the conditions we live in, and of building our stamina for participation and engagement. Only through building some trust and confidence in each other, sharing burdens, and making sure that all our needs are met, will we truly find the motivation to protect the earth.
How far is this from our situation in the Hamilton foodshed?
We are taking reservations for the Natural Cheesemaking workshop Nov 11-12. Please tell if you’re interested.
Healthy eating
Ian and Cami