Our goats have demolished the blackberry thickets that were encircling the barn. There are hardly even any twigs left. Now that the berries are gone they are moving on to the poison oak. Its nice to turn weeds into nourishment.
I’ve heard people say that drinking the milk of animals that have been eating poison oak can strengthen your immunity to it. I hope its true because I’ve been getting a bit lately. I believe it because raw milk is being used to treat other seasonal allergies as well.
With the longer days and the warm evenings we’ve been doing most of our cooking outside and its been delicious. It’s hard to crave bone broths and stews when its already 80 degrees by 11:30 though. Once the veggies start kicking maybe I’ll start making some cold soups.
Since our goats have multiplied exponentially they are eating faster than I can move a fence and I could use a hand getting chores done. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about goat and sheep husbandry for a few hours a week then come check out our farm.
You don’t need to know anything about goats or sheep but you have to be interested in learning about them. The ideal person is extremely reliable, loves animals and food, is able to lift 50 pounds, feel comfortable using power tools and isn’t afraid to get dirty. People with sensitivities to poison oak are not recommended.
Some of the tasks include milking, processing milk, moving electric fencing, shepherding, cleaning up nanny berries and loving up the animals.
I would love for someone to come 1 to 3 times a week from 7am to noon and once a month in the evening. If this sounds like it might work send me an email!
In the recent hot afternoons here in Nevada County I’ve been sipping on chilled goat milk as a pick me up. It’s been so refreshing and nourishing to taste the land I live on. Our animals spend their days eating brush and grass and I can taste the difference. When we first started raising goats we were following the rules we had been told by other people 1 flake of alfalfa/goat/day and 2 pounds of grain for so much milk. Sooner than later we did some critical thinking and analyzed the situation; What do goats in other parts of the world eat that don’t have access to feed stores and what did goats eat before anyone had access to a feed store? They eat and ate brush…with gusto. So now instead of us bringing the food to the goats I bring the goats to the food, except for the handful of alfalfa they get as a treat when their on the milk stand. I love being able to experience the land through all of my senses and can feel more connected with the seasons by savoring the different qualities of milk.
Almost a month and 2 acupuncture sessions later its day 4 of my cycle and I’m feeling better. There hasn’t been any vomiting or nausea and I have more energy. I think that’s reason to keep me on my diet.
After my second round of acupuncture yesterday, Anna gave me some more nourishing ideas. She suggested that I eat more bitter greens to help digest all the fat I eat and combat my sugar craving. A tablespoon of turmeric a day for fighting cooties and more raw eggs. Also goot, which is a paste made from olive oil, garlic and coconut oil to rub on my feet to also build up my immune system. And of course lots of warm water and gelatin everyday.
Last week I was really good about having bone broth on hand then I made a batch of beef knuckle broth that didn’t agree with my body at all. Chicken feet broth does make me feel great so there will be lots of that in my life.
Since my hair has been growing back I haven’t had any of the same complaints as when I was a child. Brushing my hair was a terrible activity because my curls would be so tangled and with dry ends. Now I can even brush my hair without getting it wet! All I do is neglect it. I love it dearly by only using the goat milk soap that I make and some apple cider vinegar every so often and it feels great. It’s much less tangly and doesn’t get as frizzy as fast. I wish someone had told me about these strategies when I was younger, there might have been less tears and pain.
There will be a spring clean volunteer day at the Sierra Friends Center followed by a feast and contra dancing. And of course petting baby animals. Bring work gloves, tools, dancing shoes and snacks to feed goat and sheep mamas. Hope to see you there!
For more information you can visit http://woolman.org/events/2012/spring-clean-volunteer-day
This is one benefit of being a coproducer of Milk Mama Goat Farm, holding baby animals. I am excited to start offering shares of our herd to people. Owning goats communally is great because we can share knowledge and work and all receive our daily dose of goat kisses. If you want in on the community goat action you can join our herdshare.
We bought two Heritage Breed Guinea Hogs. Pigs are everything that you think they are; adorable, disgusting, friendly and aggressive. Right now they are about the size of a medium dog with really short legs. It’s exciting adding to our collection of critters.
