Building BLACKberry Fields

John, our three children and I have lived in the house we built on the hill for just over 8 years.  For over 10 years we have dreamed of a farm.  To build something sustainable that can be passed down through out generations to come.  We often tell people we were born in the wrong century.

We named the land BLACKberry Fields because it's a spin on our family name and the blackberries that grow wild throughout the field and along the tree line.

This spring is the start of something big.  We are turning dreams into goals and working towards achieving them. 

Last fall we hired a local contractor to expand our vegetable garden.  It is roughly 10 times larger than previous years.  We will grow enough for us, our neighbours and to participate in our local farmers market.

A lot of fresh fertilizer was spread. 

We inherited Grandpa McKelvey's tractor and started drilling holes for fence posts. 

We have purchased lots of fence and we still need more. 
Might as well do it right the first time and save headaches later.

Seeds were carefully selected, ordered, planted and are beginning to grow.

I have spent countless hours researching what animals are the best fit for our land.  By the end of April four Tamworth weaners, only six weeks old, will move to the hill.  Their job will be to help root up more land for next years crops.  No need to hire someone this year.

courtesy of google images

We are expanding our egg layers. They will have their new home moved here at the end of May.  The area will give them plenty of space to hunt for bugs but will also be fenced to better protect them from the sneaky fox. Mr. Roo and "his girls" will have a new home for their chicks.  We will also be raising our own fryers (meat birds) this year. 

The pasture still needs to be prepared for cattle to graze. In past years other farmers have used our land.  This year a couple of the cattle will be our own.

And if all goes according to plan we may even see a goat or two ;)