January on the farm is pretty quiet and generally allows us to take a small break and travel for a few days. This year, we gave the kids a train ride to Chicago for Christmas. It’s been four years since we have gone anywhere for more than a day with the whole crew. The seven of us on Amtrak train, city bus, and wandering the big city was quite an experience. We quickly learned which of us can’t handle large crowds, navigating public transportation, walking long city blocks, using a selfie stick, and riding escalators. I think we all would agree that the Baier family is better suited for our quieter life in Western Wisconsin versus the hustle & bustle of Chicago, but most of the trip was very enjoyable and it was revitalizing to be out of our element and experience new sights, sounds, and smells.

Of course, me being the planner I am, I brought farming books along for the train ride. January is one of the only months I actually have time to read, so I took full advantage of the hours of scheduled sitting and started working on some goals for the farm in 2017. We are planning to offer more of our current products: lamb, pork, chicken, and eggs. It is both a curse and a blessing that we sell out of these items so quickly! We are also going to be expanding our garden and offering vegetables and cut flowers right here on the farm – watch for more info to come out very soon regarding a CSA membership, Friday Farm Market, and U-pick opportunities to get some great deals on fresh, local produce! Speaking of watching for deals – be sure to sign up for our email newsletter and follow us on Facebook to keep current on all of the farm happenings & special offers. In addition to our 3rd annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch coming up in September & October, we are going to offer a couple of other opportunities throughout the year for you to join us on the farm for some family fun and also offer workshops to learn more about homesteading, natural living, and decorating with nature.

 

I wish you all a happy and productive 2017! As always, stay tuned for bigger things coming from Valley Pasture Farm this year!