St. Louis Bound
Topic: Farm
Well, I told you there were going to be changes. Here is the first step. We're moving to the St. Louis, Missouri, area.

Don't get your dander up. We're not going to live in the city. My new job is in the city. We're still looking for someplace to set up our new farm.

That leads me to this: Shady Larch Farm is for sale. If you are interested, please see this listing.

Here is a picture of the house when we bought it. No one had lived here for 15-20 years!



We did all the work ourselves, except the siding. New roof, addition, windows, doors, plumbing, wiring, insulation, drywall, floors (except the original maple floor in the living room, which we refinished), and much more.

If anyone has advice about the St. Louis area, we'd sure appreciate it! (I'm referring to a good place to buy land.) We're not interested in all the wonderful city ammenities...

I'll keep you posted as we progress.

Where has the summer gone?
Topic: Farm
I have been busy. I'm sorry I didn't follow my fellow agrarian bloggers and let you know I was too busy to blog.

There will be some changes I'll let you all know about coming up during the winter. Your prayers are coveted for wisdom in our decision making process.

I'm going to continue the silence until I get some things worked out.

God willing, I shall return!

Gold Nugget Wisdom - Marketing the Dream
Topic: Farm
I heard a bit of wisdom while at a trade show last week.

A gentleman told me he met a fellow that was making a white-collar living selling his farm products. The gentleman said he couldn't get his little farm to pay, and wondered how this fellow could be making such a good living from it.

"Well," the fellow said, "You have a job off the farm, right?"

"Yes," replied the gentleman.

"Well I don't," came the retort. "As long as you have something to fall back on, you won't do the marketing required to make your farm successful!"

Golden nugget!

Now, do I have the courage to bail out of corporate America and make this farm pay? We'll see. I may not have a choice! Layoffs loom.

Chicks arrive
Topic: Farm

Chicks have arrived at SLF. These little birds will be around 6 pound in just eight weeks! They grow so fast.

Our butcher date is September 21. If you want to place an order, just visit the Shady Larch Farm website and use our order form on the brochure.

This will be our first expansion of the broiler operation. We have enough orders on hand to run another pen through the field. That means we're up to two!

Salatin is right about our customers. We don't want satisfied customers. We want customers who are our best evangelists!

New Shady Larch Farm Hay Baler
Topic: Farm
I mentioned in an earlier post that my step-father had graciously given us a hay baler. He quit farming over 18 years ago, and had "stored" this baler at his buddy's place. He was listening to me talk about going to buy a baler as soon as we had the funds from the hay we were to sell. He said, "Hold on! I have a baler you can use."

Thank God for His many provisions!

Here is our vintage (1960-62) McCormick International Harvester 37T Twine Hay baler. We shined it up by running some of those loose bales through it until we got everything adjusted. The man in the forefront is my father-in-law. He is supervising, while I pitch hay into the baler, and my son Bryant, stacks the new bales on the trailer.

SLF in Photos
Topic: Farm

Shady Larch Farm

Errors
Topic: Farm
I've written about my errors on the farm before. When we make mistakes on our farm, real life consequences occur. Sometimes something dies.

We made a whole lot of hay last week. It was good weather. I have never made such good hay. It was rich, green and cured well. This was the first time I ran the baler. We borrowed a neighbor's instead of hiring the job done.

My two older boys, 15 and 12, were on the rack, stacking the bales. They did a great job. But I made a mistake. I should have gotten off the tractor and checked the bales more closely. It wasn't until I was helping unload them into the barn that I realized how loose they were.

Loose bales are hard to stack. They are difficult to move around because they blow apart easily due to the loose twine. But most importantly, in this case, is that we planned to sell them. That meant the buyer would have difficulty with our product. I don't like that!

I always want quality to be top of the list. We already are inundated with poor quality products in a Wal-Mart marketplace. Our products are supposed to be high-quality here at SLF.

But baled hay is already baled. It can't be redone (without an unacceptable investment in time and money). We sold a batch of it Saturday at the local horse auction. It brought an average of $1.90 per bale. I was hoping for $3.00. Loose, low-weight bales will not bring a good price. My mistake cost us 37% of our ask price.

The price we received was probably fair. The market called for $120 per ton for good alfalfa hay squares. Ours were "good" in terms of quality of hay. The bales were light, though. So if we averaged 35 pounds per bale, the 100 bales we took should have brought $210. Instead they brought $190.

The bales should have been around 50 pounds. If they were, that load would have brought $300. We still have the same amount of hay, even though its in lighter bales. But people want a 50 pound bale. Transportation costs, storage, etc. are all real costs.

The good news is that my step-father heard me lamenting my lack of a hay baler. I told him we were going to buy one with the cash we would get from the bales we just made. He said he has a baler that he left at a buddy's farm when he quit over 17 years ago! He also said I could use it for as long as I needed it.

Praise God for His provision. I am grateful for my step-father's willingness to let us use his baler.

Now if only we could overcome our spiritual errors and live as God would have us...

Buying the dream
Topic: Farm
Someone asked a question on Farmer Buie's blog to which I answered the following regarding purchsing a farm. I hope these thoughts and experiences are helpful.

-------------------

We found our farm, which had an abandoned farm house on it and old buildings. The ground is not “prime” farm land for Iowa. The original piece was 52 acres. Only 6-12 are considered tillable. We bought another 14 the next year that we planted to alfalfa for a cash hay crop. All told, we paid $80,000 for the 52 acres with the house, two barns, a machine shed, granary and garage. We paid an additional $2,000 an acre for the 14 acres of tillable land.

The house was not livable when we bought it. We gutted it, put on a new roof, put in new windows, insulation, wiring, plumbing, added a second story to the one-story addition, and have continued to finish it as we have lived here. We put in a wood-burning stove as our only heat source, because we have a lot of timber.

The appraiser took 14 acres with the house and told us it was now worth $135,000. That does not include the rest of the land that is worth around $75,000. We spent about $20,000 on the materials for the house by buying from auctions and other special sales. We did all of the work except trenching the electric service and putting on the soffit and fascia.

Our payment for this is $665/mo. Much less than we were paying for our previous 1 acre house worth $135,000!

All the old-timers marvel at our determination to reclaim this once-productive farm. Most of our 30 something acquaintances don’t have the work-ethic to do something like this.

We have not used 21 of our acres at all for three years. We will someday, but for now, we just don’t need it, and the fencing cost is too much to bear for now.

I work full time in the telecommunications industry, which I have done for the last 10 years. I hope to wean myself off of this work by making the farm successful. It also has meant continuing to pare down our expenses, and quit buying in the consumer mentality of the world.

Summer update
Topic: Farm
Just a quick entry to let you know we're still at it. First cutting of hay is in, but not very good. Got 6" of rain on it before baling!

First batch of chickens were great. We sold all but four of them - pretty good since we didn't have orders for that many. I'm still trying to train my customers regarding planning ahead. I'm not a grocery store...

Our pigs arrived and are now about 50 lbs. We have a dozen. They have a lot with dirt and grass to play in. We feed Fertrell's Swine Nutribalancer recommended ration.

We have had four calves. Three heifers! That's good when you're building a herd, starting with five bred cows. The other died during birth to a 2-yr. old heifer. Most would cull her. I don't know if I will. I like giving second chances. We have one more to calve in September/October.

Second cutting of hay should come down any day. Great weather for it! 90+ degrees.

Time to order our second batch of chickens. People have been asking if we were going to have more, so we might build another pen and expand our production. We need some in our freezer too. We're blessed to have a local locker that processes chickens by hand (except the picker). At less than $0.80 a bird, I can't do it myself given the time and capital needed. Maybe in the future. My customers can choose to have their whole birds flash frozen by the locker for an extra $1.50 per bird. We've been selling at $2.00 a pound for our whole broilers, fresh.

The cattle are on their third rotation over our best 6 ac. pasture. We use daily moves (See Salatin's Salad Bar Beef). We have wooded pastures that we use to relieve the open pasture when we need more time to rest it. We don't move them daily on those wooded pastures because it is too difficult to get a standardized paddock size.

My boys and I recovered some old galvanized roofing from a barn that was destroyed by a tornado in 1989 on our farm. We used it to cover our old, leaking garage roof, which we use as a shop. They did a great job cleaning and organizing the shop for usefulness.

We hope to sell our alfalfa hay for cash at a local auction. That helps offset the cost for the custom baling. We hope to set aside the extra cash to buy our own baler.

Successes and failures in the garden. Good crop of peas, but short-lived in the Iowa heat. Tomatoes are doing great this year. Last year we had none. We planted 90 cabbages in an extra plot to see if we can make some quality sauerkraut and can the rest. We love cabbage! Sweet corn is silking, and first cucumbers are on. The spinach and lettuce mix has been good eating. Potatoes, onions, garlic, winter squash, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, asparagus, rhubarb, herbs are all doing well. First green beans were wonderful. Our pepper plans have stopped growing. We're brewing manure tea to try to give them a boost. We're also trying to keep our early cabbages from the bugs. The soap spray isn't working. We'd like to try garlic, but it is not available locally. We may try soaking garlic powder in water and spray it on.

That's the farm news from Shady Larch Farm. If you would like to visit sometime, let us know. We're thinning about putting up a "bunk house" for visitors.

God bless you!

selling your meat to Californians...
Topic: Farm
I received this very nice e-mail from a reader. She asks some very good questions, so I'm inserting the whole text here.

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 11:29 PM
To: jecutler@netins.net
Subject: selling your meat to Californians...

Dear Mr. Cutler,

I found you through Rick Saenz of Draught Horse Press and have been reading your blog since. I am impressed by Shady Larch Farms and have gained much insight on what is going on with animals in the factory farms.

Do you know of any Christian farmers in California who are doing what you are doing? I figured it would be pretty expensive to ship your meat from Iowa to California so I have been trying to find Christian farmers out here. I looked at the "Eat Wild" website but I can't tell if some of those folks are Christian or not. I know you're busy with your new baby, but if you get a minute I would appreciate any help you can offer.

Thank you for your time, and God bless your family and what you are trying to do out there on your farm.

Sincerely,

------My reply-----

Dear...,

Thank you for your kindness. We're still learning and growing as we venture through this "new" way of farming and ranching. I have learned a lot from many others, including Joel Salatin, whom you may have read about on Rick's website.

I am a member of another website, http://www.localharvest.org, which may have some listings in your area. I have not found a Christian organization that publishes this type of information yet. Most of the time, this method of production attracts two types: Christians (Bible-believing) and environmentalist/hippie/naturalist/pagan/new-ager. Quite an interesting mix!

Another option for you is to go to your local organic food store and find out who is selling them their meat. It may, or may not be organic, but it will likely be produced in a similar manner. If it is grass-fed, it's basically organic, unless they spray and artificially fertilize their pasture or hay. One of our biggest concerns is antibiotic use, and vaccines. We don't use them unless absolutely necessary (which vaccines are not). We try to stick to natural antibiotics like colloidal silver, hydrogen peroxide, oil of oregano, garlic, etc.

I believe you will know the Christians, because their purpose for doing it the "narrow way" is to serve God. They will give Him the glory!

We also believe, like Salatin, that local markets are the very best way to deal with our nation's food distribution (at least for most products). It is very expensive to ship meat cross-country. It is being done, however. You could try Niman Ranch. We are considering becoming members in order to move any product we have that our local market isn't buying yet.

We're operating on the "if you build it, they will come" principle. God will reward our work if He sees fit. We trust Him and will wait upon His perfect time.

Regarding my blog: Do you think it is of value? I wasn't sure if the time I was taking was well-spent. You might be the only one reading, so I would greatly value your opinion on that! I'm not a writer. I'm a farmer and a salesman. I often find that my writing makes people mad. So I'm not sure I should write! Please be brutally honest. I really need to discern if my time should be spent elsewhere, letting the experts like Rick do the writing.

God has been so gracious to us! We deserve nothing, but He pours out His love anyway. Praise Him, praise Him!

God bless you,
Jim Cutler, CEO
Shady Larch Farm
Union, Iowa
www.shadylarchfarm.com

I blew it - again
Mood:  sad
Topic: Farm
Today, while we were at an auction to buy some bred cows, we had a fire. The pile of straw and yard waste we burnt Sunday night was rekindled in a heavy south wind and swept into a fence line that was nearby. The old board fence burnt, along with the dry grass that grew there.

Tragically, it swept into a pen/hut where a bucket calf was confined. The calf had nowhere to run. He died in the fire - surely a terrible death.

Thank God some neighbors saw the fire and stopped and put it out, for it surely would have consumed far more.

I am truly saddened and extremely guilt-ridden. The Lord put that little calf in my care, and I blew it. I foolishly left a fire to smolder while I was away. I carelessly let this calf perish in the flames.

I have been crying out to God, "What have I done? The correction I am receiving is grievous, but You are sovereign and correct those You love. Show me my sins that I may repent, dear Lord!"

Here is what I am convicted of:

Lack of fear of the Lord

Self-direction instead of Spirit-led direction

Inconsistent Leadership

Selfishness

Lack of honor towards parents

Disrespect of others

Undisciplined

Arrogant/prideful

Lack of servanthood

Irreverence toward God

Dishonesty

Inconsistent family worship

No wonder. I should have received far more severe correction. The Lord is merciful! His Grace abounds. I am loved by this God? Why?

Topic: Farm
Eat Well Guide now lists Shady Larch Farm.

More on Food
Topic: Farm
Slow Food USA. Even the world recognizes the benefit of slowing down and sharing a meal.

New listing
Topic: Farm
Shady Larch Farm is now listed on Local Harvest.

Hog Haven
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Farm
If you have visited Iowa in the last 10 years, you have probably smelled the hog confinement industry here. For more than ten years both farmers and large corporations have built these huge confinement operations to reduce the production of pork to a factory-like process.

For those who don't know, these hogs are grown inside buildings their entire lives. No sunshine, no fresh air, no soft earth; just concrete, ammonia-filled air and dim electric lighting. They are pumped up with antibiotics and medications that allow them to live in this unnatural environment. Tails have to be trimmed so the other pigs don't eat them off. Stress abounds, and the workers' health is at risk. Veterinarians are at risk, too.

Another problem is the horrendous smell. Cities of just a few hundred have wastewater treatment facilities, but hog confinements with upwards of 10,000 hogs have little to no treatment. They simply pool the waste and wait for most of the water to evaporate. Then they take that liquid manure out to the surrounding farm fields and either spread it on top of the soil, or till it in. Either way, it stinks up the whole countryside.

Now, I'm not a city-slicker gone country. I grew up on a farm with hogs. I worked in a hog confinement in my high school years.

Neither am I for government intervention of this problem. I moved to this county in Iowa because we don't have rural zoning laws preventing us from doing what we wish with our land without permits or other government intervention. I don't want more government!

What I want is a change of heart. I want our neighbors who grow this pork to change their understanding of good stewardship. Their grandfathers did it differently.

I also want a change of heart in the consumers. If you buy pork from the grocery store, stop it! You support these inhumane practices, and you are the root of the problem. If people would not pay for this ill-raised pork, no one would grow it.

Instead, find a local farmer who grows pork on dirt. Some concrete is fine, but they should at least have fresh air and access to dirt and green stuff. They should be non-medicated. Medicated hogs means unhealthy conditions.

If you don't know anyone growing pork, find someone growing beef or lamb, or even chickens. Let them know you would buy pork from them, and see if they will raise it for you. Offer to go into cost sharing. Buy shares in their operation. Support clean food!

When we decide in our hearts that God has made this world, and that these animals can be raised in a humane, healthy manner, we will not support an industry that adulterates and compromises. We will get to know our friendly neighborhood farmer, and respect his work. We will pay a premium for this pork, because we know it is the right thing.

Then, we have the joy of knowing our grocery money is going to support people who care for the animals the way we would. We feel better, knowing that the people who do this for us benefit financially. Their lifestyle is important too.

Lastly, we honor God because we do not take for granted that which He has so abundantly supplied. We glorify Him through the good stewardship of His resources.

To Market, To Market...
Topic: Farm
Well, we loaded up the bull that is ready for butchering to take to town tomorrow. He was purchased in the summer of 2003 as a bottle calf.

Bottle calves are separated from their mother due to either being a twin or some other unforeseen problem. This one got separated during a herd move, and since it hadn't been identified by the owner with its cow, he couldn't get the two back together in time to keep the calf alive. So we provided milk replacer for eight weeks and then grew him on mostly grass/hay.

We kept his testes intact because he was from a very good Black Angus herd. We thought we might get a good herd bull for our own breeding use. However, we had him tested this fall after finding he was only breeding 50% of our cows successfully. His test showed why. We marked him for slaughter since he was still under 18 months. (We'll see if the advice we've received is correct. Supposedly bulls under 18 months are just fine for beef.)


This picture was taken so the people I work with, who always see me in a suit, would see the other side of my life. This is the bull in question.

Moving and sorting cattle can be stressful. We try to stay calm, but I guess having done it with my father when I was young taught me to be impatient and soon angered. The Lord has been teaching me, and I have learned; except in this circumstance. I still struggle to maintain my temper when moving cattle. Some sins die hard.

Sugar Time
Topic: Farm
Well, today was the day. (Actually, yesterday was the day, but I didn't get to it until today.) We put out eight taps in some of our Maple trees. This is our first attempt at making our own Maple syrup.

I also am cutting down several walnut trees that are too close to our garden. Black walnut tends to cause other plants problems. I hate to see them go. They are such lovely trees. They'll contribute their heat to our wood burner next winter!

God's economy is wonderful. Praise His Holy Name!

Farm Vision I
Topic: Farm
Part of the reason we bought this farm in 2003 was to produce our own clean food. But the principle reason was to provide the tremendous opportunity for teaching that a farm provides. As home educators, we are always looking for teachable moments, but sometimes (I think) we need teachable lifestyles.

Our farm, if successful, should be able to produce a future for our children and grandchildren. How can 65 acres do that? It starts with contentment. (1 Timothy 6:6-19) But it also uses the Old Testament model of the family economy. How did God prosper the patriarchs? Did the children strike out on their own with independent households at 18 or 22? What expectations does our culture set, and how should we set our children's expectations?

At first, I thought we should give an enterprise to each of our boys. They would run the business with my help, but it would be theirs. We got a checking account for my oldest when he began running our broiler operation. But after building a tidy sum in an independent account, God's Word changed our minds.

We want to encourage the children to serve others, not themselves. Certainly we are motivated to feed and clothe ourselves. But do you work even harder as a father to provide for your family than you did when/if you were on your own? Why not foster that spirit of service from childhood?

So now the boys are still operating their enterprises, but to the benefit of the whole family. Each of us contributes to the economy of the family. I'm brining home most of the capital at this point from my outside job. My boys are building up the farm with their work and my management assistance. My wife and daughter contribute to the economy of the household by producing a garden full of vegetables, homemade household goods and clothing, etc.

Perhaps the best way to put what the future might hold is this: A farm where everyone contributes, including adult married children and their families.

More to come...