Garden Life is an Experiment

[digitS']

Dad had a different approach to farming.

We had beef cattle and dairy. Supposedly, we were on our way to having a dairy but he didn't like the price that the creamery was paying for milk. So, we had a lot of milk, DB and I had lots of milk, and the other calves had lots of milk.

No. The calves didn't usually have grain, that went to the dairy cows. Dad liked variety, too. At one time, we had 2 Guernsey, a Holstein, a Jersey, and a Milking Shorthorn. But a total of 40 head. Couldn't go either way with a herd like that but then, Dad was never able to quit his job in town.

Steve

 

[Ridgerunner]

Dad had a different approach to farming.

At one time, we had 2 Guernsey, a Holstein, a Jersey, and a Milking Shorthorn.

Interesting approach for sure. I bet the milkfat content was sky high even with that Holstein om the mix.

 

[flowerbug]

i guess too bad that the local ice-cream and cheese making scene weren't good enough to support his efforts. all that cream!

 

[Prairie Rose]

One of my dreams in life is to have my own micro-dairy...I don't want more than five or six girls, to make my own butter and cream and ice cream. I had butter made from real unpasteurized cream exactly once...and have spent a lifetime trying to find that flavor again. I know it is a if-i-win-the-lottery situation, but hey, a girl can dream, right?

As far as sprouts go, I love 'em. I generally prefer sprouts from smaller seeds than beans. So many ways to use them...in soups, salads, on burgers, in wraps...I used to pile a big handful of sprouts on buttered toast and have a sandwich for lunch every day. Sprouts can be super finicky for microbial growth though. I don't eat sprouts I don't grow myself...too risky. I can control the risk aspects at home in a way the grocery store can't. If I do happen to buy something that has sprouts in it, they have to be thoroughly cooked.

 

[digitS']

Hey. The creamery is still around. @Rhodie Ranch can buy some cheese and tell us what she thinks.
Edit: The creamery is Rogue Gold

We made butter regularly - it was a "kids job." We could turn the churn or shake a 2 quart canning jar of butter, while watching TV after school.

Mom made junket dessert sometimes but never cheese.

Steve

 

[flowerbug]

One of my dreams in life is to have my own micro-dairy...I don't want more than five or six girls, to make my own butter and cream and ice cream. I had butter made from real unpasteurized cream exactly once...and have spent a lifetime trying to find that flavor again. I know it is a if-i-win-the-lottery situation, but hey, a girl can dream, right?

As far as sprouts go, I love 'em. I generally prefer sprouts from smaller seeds than beans. So many ways to use them...in soups, salads, on burgers, in wraps...I used to pile a big handful of sprouts on buttered toast and have a sandwich for lunch every day. Sprouts can be super finicky for microbial growth though. I don't eat sprouts I don't grow myself...too risky. I can control the risk aspects at home in a way the grocery store can't. If I do happen to buy something that has sprouts in it, they have to be thoroughly cooked.

when i was over visiting a friend near the east coast many years ago we ended up going out touring farms. at one of them they had some whole milk yogurt where i could still taste the cow, at least that is how i felt about the flavor, it wasn't bad at all to me, i'm not sure everyone would like it, but i sure did. it reminded me of sunshine on the grass and all that hippy sort of stuff. would gladly have had more. and it was priced reasonably.

 

[flowerbug]

Hey. The creamery is still around. @Rhodie Ranch can buy some cheese and tell us what she thinks.

We made butter regularly - it was a "kids job." We could turn the churn or shake a 2 quart canning jar of butter, while watching TV after school.

Mom made junket dessert sometimes but never cheese.

Steve

i'd never heard that phrase before so i had to look it up. interesting and for sure i would have given it a try.

 

[digitS']

Phrase? Junket? Kind of tasty and simple to make ...

Oops! Better go back and edit.

The creamery is Rogue Gold.

I'm not sure that I have mentioned the name since Rhodie' became its neighbor.

Steve

 

[ducks4you]

Dad had a different approach to farming.

We had beef cattle and dairy. Supposedly, we were on our way to having a dairy but he didn't like the price that the creamery was paying for milk. So, we had a lot of milk, DB and I had lots of milk, and the other calves had lots of milk.

No. The calves didn't usually have grain, that went to the dairy cows. Dad liked variety, too. At one time, we had 2 Guernsey, a Holstein, a Jersey, and a Milking Shorthorn. But a total of 40 head. Couldn't go either way with a herd like that but then, Dad was never able to quit his job in town.

Steve

Good for your dad!!! I hear such stories of 1 day old baby (dairy) bulls going immediately for veal, and cows who hide their calves. It is bad stewardship to mess with the minds of your livestock. Kinda like leaving a dog outside on a chain, without any interaction with the owner. Like THAT is gonna encourage them to guard!! Eva is turning into a very good guard dog. She may run and chase if I turn my back, but now, when she wants to run towards the person/animal who is the subject of your barking/growling, and I tell her to stop, she stops and sits. Still, the fur goes up on her back, and she has a strip of cream colored hairs right where she "hackles." (I like to expand my vocabulary, and search engines help.) She, of course, lives inside with us, and has even earned sleeping outside of her crate, although I still put her in it when we leave her at home.
@digitS' , I bet you ate really good beef, too.

 

[ducks4you]

After our recent discussion of different types of basil I found seeds for 5 types locally, in box/livestock stores. So...I have a handful of common basil growing and bought seeds for Opal Basil. Think I will try all of them this year and see if I #1, can grow them and keep them alive during the winter, and #2, put some in my herb garden and see if they go to seed and REseed next Spring.