What Will Happen with a Warm Winter?

Several people have asked me what a warm winter will do to our strawberries. The truth is that I don't know. Every year we raise a crop, the weather is just a little different. A little warmer, a litter cooler, a little more dry, etc.

We have noticed that the strawberries are acting like it's the middle of April rather than March. The plants are becoming more green each day. Today, for example, the temperature was in the 60s and sunny. This is great strawberry growing weather.

Our concern is that it's only mid-March. We could easily have a cold snap. It would be devastating to strawberries and all fruit crops like peaches, brambles and apples. Farming has so many variables that can't be controlled -- that's why no year is ever like a previous year.

We just have to wait and see -- literally!

Baby Pigs

We have started our winter farrowing - which means the sows are having their babies. Follow the link below to our you-tube video. It shows newborn piglets that are only one hour old. You'll see them getting colostrum, which is the first milk from the sows. It's full of special nutrients for the newborns.

The others are trying to get warm. We put up special lamps to create a warm space for the pigs to help keep them warm. When the pigs are born you can see how small they are in comparison to the sow. We have it set up so the sow can stay comfortable, but give space for the babies to get away from her when she gets up.

Here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0OHORqRAdM&context=C3336ab0ADOEgsToPDskJKyPYCgVnqCQShbSNowOMu

Winter Pig Show

This weekend we showed pigs at a jackpot show. We pay an entry fee and that money goes back to us based on how we placed. It's like a dog show - just not as fancy. The pigs we showed were raised on our farm.