On Tuesday, April 12, we spent the morning with Kathy Ruhf, from Land for Good. Her organization helps to connect agricultural land owners with farmers who need land, be it through leases or sales. It was interesting to hear of all the different ways that land can transfer hands or be made useful to those who want to farm. She offered statistics on the great majority of farmers nearing retirement age and how many new and up-coming farmers would like to be on that land. How do families pass their farms on to their next generation or to people not in their families. How can land owners and farmers work together to write leases that address everyone's concerns, protecting each and supporting all to make the land productive. It was inspiring to hear about this good work.
In the afternoon, our group was on farm work. There were a variety of tasks--completing preparations for thepiglets, shoring up the grown pig shelter, clearing the dung pile between the horses and cows and making the gate between those two paddocks.
 |
| pen for the piglets--water is ready |
 |
| Emily and Caitlin examining the pig roof which needs repairs |
 |
| Caitlin applying roofing screws |
 |
| Brian putting away the tractor |
 |
| Emily tractor-scooping the manure |
 |
| Olivia and Emily wrapping up the electric twine and the work day |
 |
| Caitlin, taking a tree-climbing break |
No comments:
Post a Comment