January moves the farm homestead into mid-Winter and that means gray, cold, dreary, boring days that grow a little longer. The weather pattern this year has been extreme to say the least. Snow started in November and beyond a few days near freezing, the snow has continued to pile up. Currently there’s around 30 inches on the ground with plowed piles multiple feet high. The better news is that the snow fall has been light and fluffy and so it should melt quickly once the temperature begins to warm. Speaking of temperature, that too has been more extreme than normal. Many nights have been below zero and none above freezing since Winter began. Add to that windy days and the wind chills have been well below zero often.
There have been a few losses in the chicken flocks over Winter of mainly older birds and few younger ones. Conversations with others have told of much worse on other farms, so it hasn’t been too bad. Losses have only had limited impacts on the several breeding projects so everything should remain on track for the coming year.
One event that will have to be dealt with was the collapse of the tent covering the wood pile. While the shell was in need of replacement this year, it was a bit unfortunate that the snow load got away from usually clearing and the top collapsed in. Added to that the shell ripped along the ridge seam and so snow has been falling into the wood storage area. Additionally tarps were used to keep the snow off the wood but makes in more work to move wood into the cabin for heating. That result of this is that a new permanent wood shelter will be added to the growing project list for warmer weather this Spring/Summer. The list of projects didn’t need any additions, but having dry wood over Winter is critical as its the source of heating and emergency cooking during Winter.
Garden planning has proceeded along and the seed/plant orders will be completed soon. The even years are when extra seeds are ordered for immediate use and storage for future growing seasons. That increases the costs a bit, but gives a supply for a few years for testing new varieties. The plans for expanding the fruit orchards – bot trees and soft fruits – makes it a little harder to order for as the preparation has to be don e before the plants arrive. These orders will be put off for a little while longer to give time for the preparation needed.
Lastly, tax time is approaching so gathering up the documents and records has been started. Unfortunately with the new tractor and new pole barn, there’s additional income that will be taxed this year which paid for these items. There are also extra bills this time of the year for vehicle licenses, vehicle insurance and building insurance as well as Winter taxes. This means there’s lots more going out than coming in but hopefully annual planning as accounted for everything and it won’t be a burden.
Once February moves aling, there will be more to post about and so that will mean more to record as the farming/homesteading season ramps up.