Blueberry Hill Farm

Today has been a really neat day, farm-wise, and one of those days that make me so glad to be farming.  Nothing really special, but just a combination of good things.

The day started off with a feed run.  I realized Saturday that I was dangerously close to being out of chicken feed.  I usually travel to Gaffney once a month to stock up on alpaca and chicken feed.  It was time.  Going to get feed is one of my favorite chores.  The feed store at which I get both alpaca and chicken feed is owned by Jeff, who is a truly great guy and has bent over backwards to make sure I have alpaca feed when I need it.  Not just any alpaca feed.  I use Golden Blend by Custom Milling and the Gaffney feed store is the closest one to me that carries it. It is a good, solid feed that I feel good using, mainly because the formula never changes so I know what I'm going to get each time I get it.

This is going to sound crazy, but I actually enjoy off loading the feed -- 12 bags of chicken feed go into the horse trailer, which acts as a storage building when not being used to haul alpacas.  Another 3 bags of pellets, along with whatever alpaca feed I get goes up to the big barn.  The pellets are for the 10 hens that insist on roosting at the barn.  I'm convinced they like hanging out at the big barn because they've learned that  barn fans are on when it's hot, and they like loafing in front of the fans.  Two more bags at the blue coop, then four in the garage for the ducks.  No alpaca feed today as I still have plenty left.  It makes me feel strong and alive to lift and unload those 50 pound bags of feed.

My biggest enjoyment today came from talking with several people throughout the state in regards to an upcoming project about which I needed several questions answered.  One little question posed to one person opened up the door for finding the information for several huge questions.  So, even though I spent too long on the phone today, the folks with whom I spoke were all so nice and helpful that it was a joy to make their aquaintance.  These folks took time out of their super busy schedules to answer questions for me and all of them seemed sincerely interested in what I was hoping to do and all shared valuable information to help me on my way. Those I spoke with included horticulturists from NC State University; greenhouse production plug producers, and fellow farmers who had led the way in early work on the project of interest.  It's always such a joy and blessing to meet up with nice folks who enjoy their line of work and who are so willing to share their experiences with rookies like me.

I spent quite a while today watching Sue for signs of her impending birth.  She's been pregnant since last August and I'm more than sure she's ready to have her little alpaca baby, called a "cria".  This past Saturday was day 335.  She may go to day 350 before all is said and done.  She is huge and hot and miserable and ill!  Arabella, the other adult female she's bunking with and Izzy, Arabella's yearling daughter, are very patient with Sue.  Arabella doesn't retaliate when Sue bombards her with spit.  I guess Arabella remembers feeling miserable the two times she was pregnant toward the last days and realizes that Sue is not her normal self.

Then it was out to the berry bushes for another of the many days picking blueberries.  These will go to the Tailgate Market tomorrow afternoon.  I'm hoping it's not going to be as terribly hot as yesterday and that the day will be as pleasant as today, in spite of the heat.  I'm sure it will be because of the market.  I love meeting up with fellow farmers at the market as well as the customers that make it possible for us farmers to make farming a livlihood.

So there you have it -- a little glimpse into my neat day.