2022 from the Rearview
Jackie holding Barley, with his mom Abby
From the perspective of the rearview mirror, 2022 has been a productive and rewarding year at the farm. The alpaca herd is fat and happy and expanded by one in August with the arrival of Barley, Abby’s male cria. He is an independent, spunky little guy and was a joy to watch as he pronked around the pasture, stirring up dust. And it was a dusty growing season, with very little rainfall throughout the summer months.
It was wonderful to have additional assistance with my daughter, Heidi, helping out. She spent the summer learning and helping care for the herd as well as many hours planting, weeding, and watering the newly tilled vegetable and flower gardens. This was the first year we attempted to grow vegetables and flowers here in Wisconsin, and while the drought did not make it easy, we learned how effective alpaca manure is in amending the soil and increasing crop production.
A classic Ford 1963 tractor which we purchased from a local, retiring farm couple has been a great addition as well. The bucket made clearing out the hayshed so much less labor intensive, and a bale mover makes moving the 1,000-pound hay bales a breeze. No more intensive lifting and moving of small square bales. The larger bales are much more available, cost-effective, and easier to manage with the tractor.
Our seasonal farm hands helped with building fences, mechanical repairs and maintenance, and other heavy lifting around the farm.
This was our first full year of raising ducks. We learned how fertile Muscovy ducks are, and that they can nest year-round in any hidden spot they can maneuver into. They are allowed to free-range along with the chickens and Guinea hens. All are effective at keeping the alpaca pastures clear of parasites that can cause grave danger to the herd. Imagine our surprise when newly hatched ducklings were found wandering in the barnyard on the 4th of July! The ducks are prolific egg layers, producing large eggs throughout the winter months, unlike our chickens which are more seasonal layers. Turns out the chickens are also great nesters though, having successfully hatched two batches of chicks. Our flocks of birds are flourishing.
Of course, some of our favorite times on the farm are when we have visitors who enjoy romping with the goats and feeding the alpacas and birds. Children, nephews, and grandkids seem to enjoy their time on the farm as well. We shared hayrides, BBQs, and fireworks during the summer months. With the recent arrival of an abundance of snow, we are looking forward to sliding parties and building snowmen.
As I sit in my home office, wearing my cozy capelet that my daughter knit from a combination of yarn from the herd, I’m dreaming up ideas for the coming year. Thoughts of expanding the gardens, and pastures. Improvements in composting and building the soil. Clearing more brush (which the goats are very efficient at), all come to mind. But for now, I’ll snuggle in and finish preparing for celebrating the holidays with family, the most special times of all. May you all have a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
~ Jackie
