The Call Again Farm Journal

When am traveling and tell people I live near Buffalo, New York, they invariably say something about snow.  Many people think Buffalo is like Alaska, with snow all year round.  (That, too, is a misconception.  I've been to Alaska, and can personally attest that the summer weather is lovely - warm, but not too hot, with tons of flowers all around.)  Buffalo does get its fair share of snow, but there are other places in New York state that get more.

I woke up this morning to the first snow of the winter to "stick".  (I know it's not technically winter yet, but it sure seems like it!)  There was about three inches of snow on the deck in the morning, and then it snowed all day.  At times, the neighbor's field looked like a Christmas card picture, with lots of big snowflakes being blown by a gentle wind.  It looked lovely, but the snow and the cold made butchering more unpleasant.

Also, because of the snow I now have a hurt shoulder.  The chicken coop is only four feet high, and is accessible through the roof.  Bob swept the snow off the roof this morning, but more kept accumulating all day.  Even an inch of snow makes the roof a lot heavier.  I lifted the roof with a little bit of snow on it, and now my shoulder is quite sore.

After butchering turkeys was done, I took a long, warm bath.  It was a great way to warm up, and it felt good to soak my poor shoulder!

We have a problem with the turkeys.  Bob found a worm in one of the turkeys we butchered today.  Many people de-worm their birds in the fall, but we never have before.  Now I have to research natural/organic de-worming products for my remaining turkeys.

Who: interested consumers, farmers, gardeners, etc.

What: The annual winter conference and workshops of NOFA-NY (Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York). 

Where: Rochester, New York

When: January 23rd through 25th

Why: There are workshops on everything relating to non-conventional food!  Topics range from building better soil in a garden to homeopathy for cows to gathering mushrooms.  It is amazing and inspiring the number of people from across the state who come!  Last year, it was in Saratoga Springs, so if you live in Western New York, this is an amazing opportunity to attend a NOFA-NY function without having to drive across the state.  Costs depend whether you're a NOFA member, your age, and how many days of the conference you'll be attending.  Registration before December 5th is discounted.