[Ed Thayer]

We had the best run yet Monday and Tuesday, gather 660 gallons on about 550 taps. Still way down from where we should be. Made about 45 gallons so far and hope the weather continues to moderate slowly.

Had maple open house last weekend and had a huge crowd. Hitched the horses and did 9 trips on Saturday and 6 on Sunday, lots of good people attended. Horses struggled a bit early Saturday as the snow started softening in most places, and it was deep. The more they churned it up the better it packed.

good luck to ya all,

Ed

• This reply was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Ed Thayer.

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[Ed Thayer]

This is a link to a short video describing how I hook the spreader to a pioneer forecart. I have since added another horse and pull this arrangement with two horses now. The spreader is a McKormick Deering model 100 and holds about 40 bushels heaped. Easily pulled by two horses.

I like the two wheeled spreader and think they work well, though I have no experience with the DB.

ED

[Ed Thayer]

Going to be tapping our tubing lots on Saturday and Sunday
Lots of snow to bust through but we need to get started. Good luck everyone.
Jay if you need help with something let me know.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

Evan,

We had a similar problem but it wasn’t the CSA that gave us trouble it was the sugar house component.

We have bundled everything from auto, home and product and animal liability through Farm Family as well. We have never had any trouble with this company and have had them for several years however it is pricey but a necessary evil.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

That is some serious eye candy Erika 🙂

[Ed Thayer]

The three drafts here at our farm are always outside. We have two 12×12 box stalls and a separate 12×16 run in for them, but they hardly ever use them. They will stack themselves up against each other when it is really windy and stand next tot he shed.

I feed 1 bale to each horse a day and free choice water and a couple cups of grain. They also get a mineral block. They seem to be fine. I check them Dailey as Erika described to see it hey are keeping up their weight. They have all been idle for a month now with the heavy snow and drifting.

I did blanket mine for two of the blizzard like storms to keep the snow off of them but removed them immediately after the wind subsided. I am still conflicted about the blanket debate. They have never been shut in the barn overnight. Not sure how they would react to that?

Stay warm everyone,

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

Wow, Thanks for the info and the flyer. Do you know where I can get replacement shanks?

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

Interesting topic, I think this is a complicated issue and do sympathize with struggling beginning farmers. With today’s economic woes and other external forces (high prices for agricultural land), beginning farmers have more of a challenge in front of them than a generation ago did.

I also believe in working for what you want, but would caution us as a community to look at someone who inherited a farm or other ag enterprise as someone who was given something for nothing. Generational farming is becoming a thing of the past but has a strong tradition in our agrarian history.

It is important to provide opportunities for young farmers wherever possible. Many on this site can relate to the struggles of affording an education. Working in a related field or elsewhere while paying for an education is common and necessary. I think it is valuable to understand the complexities of trying to provide a free education while balancing the need to achieve one.

I am a 5 generation owner, farmer and was basically given the property and buildings my ancestors used in the past. While most needed restoration, the land was ready to till and farm. I viewed this as the most important part of the property. I could not be where I am now without this gift.

A young farmer working at a CSA as an employee is going to be hard pressed to save a bunch of money for a down payment on a farm or even make college tuition payments. But that experience coupled with drive and willingness to farm should open doors and opportunities for those willing to work at it.

[Ed Thayer]

The house looks very nice, I admire all your hard work completed with the transition. Best of luck.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

I appreciate Carl’s perspective and frankly acquired both my horses in almost the same way. I joke that I got exactly what I paid for which was almost nothing. But honestly it comes down to expectations and what you do with what you have. My first draft was 10 when I got him and not in very good shape, under weight and infested with mites. I could not even lift his feet for more that a second or two. Once the medical issues were straightened out, the two of us eventually got on the same page I could not ask for a better working partner.

My second draft is a sawdust head and a work in progress but he listens, stands and pulls. He was also free. After almost a year with him we are doing much better and I suspect may even end up where I am with his teammate. What else could you ask for?

I had limited draft experience when I got started and have a lot to learn still, but I made the best of what was available and affordable and would look to do exactly the same in the future.

I have nothing against someone who wants a broke, bombproof team, I just couldn’t afford one. Knowing what little I do now I would still take the project horse and accept the challenges that comes with that.

Great topic

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

Jay,

So sorry to hear this, please know Jane and I are thinking of you and Zeke.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

Yikes, glad that worked out OK George. I have not seen that before either. Another item to pay attention to.

[Ed Thayer]

Brad,

George and Mark have good advice. I prefer Mig for general fabricating on most projects. My unit is a 220 volt 200 amp Linde, An oldy but goody. I also have a 300 amp Miller Big Blue stick welder that I use for heavy work on materials greater than 1/4 in.

Both have their advantages. The 6011 rod George refers to is a great rod for dirty iron that can’t be cleaned properly before welding and for out of position work. But if you are welding or fabricating, it is important to prep the weld surface properly and make sure it is clean for the mig process.

The real benefit to the stick is its simplicity, but it will take practice to do it well. I practiced 8 hrs a day for a month When I went to school to get my AWS certification in welding. You need different rods for different jobs. Some only work on AC, vs DC current. Some rods will only work in flat position vs overhead.

You should be able to find a welder on Craigslist very reasonable. Good luck,

ED

• This reply was modified 10 years, 8 months ago by Ed Thayer.

[Ed Thayer]

I put it up on the web and DAPnet calendar last night as well.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

George,

Glad that no one was hurt. I have yet to have an evener break completely, but while cultivating this Spring a stamped metal evener folded itself in half startling one horse for a moment. Lets just say it was an interesting ride back to the barn.

It was completely my error by not inspecting the evener thoroughly before use. It looked fine on top, but the underside was completely pin holed with rust from the water sitting in the channel of the single tree when not in use.

I always use the but rope when hitched, it connects to the inner britchen ring like described by others here. I used the long rope from hame to hame initially but that seemed cumbersome for some reason. I do have a quick release snap on one side in case there is a need to disconnect it in an emergency. I am not sure why I continue to use it because our team is very good about stepping over the pole.

Ed

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