container gardening and ??

Every so often a deal comes along that's just too good to pass up. This week had two such events and MHf took full advantage of them. The first was a satellite greenhouse set up in a parking across from Eric's office. Everything was 50% off! We grabbed fruit bushes, herbs, edible flowers, and a few other tidbits. The second was Stone Creek Nursery in Hesston. Everything there was 70% off!! Hence, more of the same. Check out the list of up & coming produce here. (Scroll down passed the garden plan.)

Craigslist led us to a guy delivering 5-gallon buckets to Wichita in a few days. Works like a charm! After adding a few drain holes and dirt from the garden, we were good to go. The dreaded rock garden around the front door finally has a purpose! With much work remaining to prepare the beds, these buckets will serve quite nicely until then.

Allow us to introduce...
...the newest addition to the MHf herd. B&E Spring calved early evening June the 24th. The little heifer is doing great and has made fast friends with the other calves.

Spring is such a good mama and has never had any trouble calving. She didn't mind us getting up close & personal, but stood very close the whole time (and then licked off all human contamination after we walked away!).

Taken a few hours after birth, this photo is proof of what a good farmer/cow relationship can lead to. Because Spring is so comfortable with us, the calf learned right away not to be scared of us. Once in a while she gives us several minutes to pet her all over. Making physical contact is necessary to maintain that trust.

Her sister (Abiegeal) is almost a year old now and still loves to have her neck and back stroked. When we're in the pasture, Abiegeal walks right up to us for the customary rub down.

(PS: This heifer has no name, yet. If you know of any Irish names for a girl, please leave a comment!)

(click on any photo to enlarge)

newest MHf ventures

Simply Kansas ~
Last week MHf received official notice of membership in the Simply Kansas program! It's been on our to-do list for quite some time and glad to finally have it marked off.

Please visit their website. MHf can be found by searching either Company or Category.

Company ~
From the homepage, select Member Directory, then Company, and then Companies L-R. Scroll down until you find MHf!

Category ~
From the homepage, select Member Directory, and then Category. When it asks you to select a specific category, please opt for one of the following.
1. Agritourism
2. Eggs
3. Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
4. Fish [soon to be added]
5. Frozen Foods [soon to be added]


APPPA ~
MHf recently joined the APPPA [American Pastured Poultry Producers Association]. As MHf gets closer and closer to a full-fledged pastured operation, it's only fitting that we learn from those experienced in the practice.


Poultry ~
The registration certificate arrived in the mail allowing MHf to sell frozen poultry. The only catch is that the customer must drive to the farm to purchase (the meat cannot be delivered). To make the purchase worth your time and gas, you may consider stocking your freezer.

more babies!

Bourbon Red turkeys arrived last week. At first glance, they don't look any different than chicks. Their necks are a tad bit longer, though. As they age and take on more distinct "turkey" features, we'll upload photos so you can follow along.

(click on photo to enlarge)