Christmas Adventures - First Big Trip Away From The Farm

Although we have made a few weekend trips during our time on the farm, this year we decided little man was ready to take a big trip East to visit family during Christmas. He did an amazing job travelling, we all had lots of fun, and look forward to future adventures. A big thank you to our wonderful farm helpers/friends who were able to farm sit the critters while we were gone. Thanks for watching!



You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: Jolley Hey Ho - Chimney Givers https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/trP9FX2YVj Joy to the World - Edward Hall https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/vbY8dLaBXm Eggnog Boogie - Chimney Givers https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/OUlaQtJcoV Deck the Halls - Shakeabouts https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/JzWaoNmxQ4 Meanwhile in Boston - Glove Box https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/MG5Bvy8KjO Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm Complete Song

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm - Day 12 (On the twelfth day of Christmas...)

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm - Day 11 (On the eleventh day of Christmas...)

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm - Day 10 (On the tenth day of Christmas...)

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm - Day 9 (On the ninth day of Christmas...)

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm - Day 8 (On the eighth day of Christmas...)

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm - Day 7 (On the seventh day of Christmas...)

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm - Day 6 (On the sixth day of Christmas...)

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm - Day 5 (On the fifth day of Christmas...)

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm - Day 4 (On the fourth day of Christmas...)

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm - Day 3 (On the third day of Christmas...)

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days of Christmas on the Farm Day 2 (On the second day of Christmas...)

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

12 Days Of Christmas On the Farm - Intro and the First Day

We wanted to do our version of the 12 days of Christmas and apply it to farm living. So for the next 12 days we will show you each day of our farm version of the song. Be sure to check each day to see what "My True Love Gives to Me..." A huge thank you to our cousin, Caleb Amos, for singing the lyrics I wrote for the song. And also to Joe LaBarre for helping him produce it. You guys are the best!!! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for watching!

You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Soundtrack: 12 Days of Christmas (Public Domain) No Copyright Music- NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNsHKbUvus&feature=youtu.be Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 16 (Beta)

Baby Goat - Assisting in a Goat Birth (Not Graphic - PG)

During the first freezing temperatures of the season, a first time mamma goat decided she would give birth to her baby. Normally, I will move my goat moms to the birthing room, keep an eye on them, and let them deliver naturally on their own. But this time, mamma needed some help. So I decided I would film and explain the process. (Don't worry I don't show any graphic labor video). I hope you enjoy and learn about another role farmers play on the farm when they own livestock. (Note: There are a few spots in the video where mamma gets a little loud laboring). Be sure to subscribe, share and like the video.

 Thanks for watching!
You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com
https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries

 Sound track:
A New Day is Born - Sight of Wonders https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Pd6iDFfvmt 
Born to Love - Colton Walls https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/pIaWfyuSNI
Born and Bred - Station Story https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/LrbqpcthYU
Bedtime for Babies - Claude Signet https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Q4L16jp9H2

Software Davinci Resolve (Beta)

Farm Prep: Winterizing the Farm for the Goats, Sheep and Baby Goats

As winter approaches, winterizing the farm becomes the top priority list of chores. In order to keep our livestock safe and healthy through the winter, we need to make sure they have access to unfrozen water, plenty of hay, and good sturdy shelters to protect them from the wind, freezing rain and snow. Also, we have a lot of babies due and we need to make sure moms and babies have a warm dry place for babies to grow and acclimate to the weather. In this video, I will prepare the goat and sheep areas for winter. Please enjoy and be sure to subscribe, share and like. Thanks for watching! You can see more farm pictures on our instagram: @sweetwaterdiaries or visit: www.oursweetwaterfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries Editing Software: Software Davinci Resolve (Beta)

5 Things Different Homestead/Farm/Ranch Families are Thankful For This Y...

5 Things Different Homestead/Farm/Ranch Families are Thankful For This Year. (Collaboration Video)

As Thanksgiving approaches, a few of us farm families wanted to get together and collaborate on a video to share what we are thankful for this year. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and have lots of things to be thankful for and for the year to come. A big thank you to all my fellow homesteaders/farmers/ranchers who collaborated in making this wonderful video.

Please check out their YouTube channels linked below and make sure you subscribe to their channels: Sampson Farms - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXUZ... Smith Family Ranch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgSa... Sweetwater Diaries - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxCh... Wall Street Homestead - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKbN... Walsh Farms - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7TO...

10 gift ideas for your favorite farmer or homesteader. (Not sponsored)

With Black Friday and Cyber Tuesday just around the corner, we thought we would help you with your gift search for your favorite farmer, homesteader, or outdoor hobbyist.  (Plus there are a few gifts anyone could use too).  None of these products are sponsored.  These are all products that we use regularly and two that we just purchased to use because of great reviews.

We hope you enjoy and check out the links below (Not affiliated) if you are interested in any of them.

 Thanks for watching!
You can see more farm pictures on our instagram:
@sweetwaterdiaries
or visit:
www.oursweetwaterfarm.com
https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries







Links to products:
Light Products:
https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Guard-NG-001-Predator-Control/dp/B0014FGT8C/
https://www.amazon.com/Odear-Searchlight-Rechargeable-Multi-function-Flashlight/dp/B079DKY2RX/
Heating Products:
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232017-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B01DD6C4MY
https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/prima-heat-lamp?cat_id=132
https://www.amazon.com/Brinsea-EcoGlow-Brooder-Chicks-Ducklings/dp/B008HVM56Q/
https://www.amazon.com/SWEETER-HEATER-Infrared-Heater-Overhead/dp/B01CYUS7XK/
https://www.amazon.com/Farm-Innovators-TC-3-Thermostatically-Controlled/dp/B0006U2HD2/

Other Product Recommendations:
https://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Chickens-Everything-Breeds-Behavior/dp/1510745831/
https://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WiFi-Station/dp/B01N5TEHLI/
https://www.amazon.com/Opener-Manual-Soft-Grips-Handle/dp/B081258X1Z
https://www.amazon.com/Presto-04821-Orville-Redenbachers-Popper/dp/B00006IUWB

Misadventures of a Homesteadin Mama:
https://www.facebook.com/ThemisAdventuresofaHomesteadinMama/


Sound track:
All My Gifts To You - Arthur Benson https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/O8HA3xGzrV
When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/JF4cGDL93H
A Christmas Stroll Through A Wintery Town - Martin Carlberg https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Prz3tuTklA
Spend Christmas With Me - The Snowy Hill Singers https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/VqE6U0TsGC
Coming on Christmas - Sven Karlsson https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Djutn19b8L

Editing Software:
Software Davinci Resolve (Beta)

Farm Drone Series Part 4: Red Tail Hawk playing with the drone mid-air (...

This is part 4 of 4 of our 2018 farm drone series. This video shows a hawk playing and flying with the drone.  Nate was filming video of our property and a river close by when the hawk decided to join along and play with the drone.  Probably one of my favorites because it was not expected.  So enjoy this short video of nature and technology sharing the same space and enjoying it.



The series will include the following 4 videos (one video released each week):

-Part 1: Drone footage of the 2018 Hay Drought

-Part 2: Using drones to herd goats

-Part 3: Drone footage of local Civil War reenactment

-Part 4: Red Tail Hawk playing with the drone mid-air



Thanks for watching!

You can see more farm pictures on our instagram:

@sweetwaterdiaries



or visit:

www.oursweetwaterfarm.com

https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries

Farm Drone Series Part 3: 2018 Civil War Reenactment

This is part 3 of 4 of our 2018 farm drone series. This video shows a local Civil War Reenactment from the view of our Drone.  This was taken in 2018 and possibly the second to last reenactment to take place by this group.  This year being the last.  Just a cool short video to check out if you enjoy history and Drone footage.



The series will include the following 4 videos (one video released each week):

-Part 1: Drone footage of the 2018 Hay Drought

-Part 2: Using drones to herd goats

-Part 3: Drone footage of local Civil War reenactment

-Part 4: Red Tail Hawk playing with the drone mid-air



Thanks for watching!

You can see more farm pictures on our instagram:

@sweetwaterdiaries



or visit:

www.oursweetwaterfarm.com

https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries









Software Davinci Resolve (Beta)



Tracks:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/a0cDf3r0DL

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/HqfeSuSpRB

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/JdPTPJTqP4

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nOMzNoUlty

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/8nGHn5OQSj

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/iP2e85okGV

https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/fKjCy7fQfP

Bonus Video: Fall Family Fun - Pumpkin Patch & Pumpkin Carving

Enjoy this bonus video full of our fall adventures and pumpkin decorating and carving just in time for Halloween.  We love to visit the different local pumpkin patches to support our fellow farmers.  Always great choices of pumpkins from the farms.  Hope you and enjoy and this Sunday our Farm drone footage series will continue. 



Thanks for watching!

Toddler Chooses Dads Halloween Costume

Welcome back to our Halloween edition of Toddler Time.  In this video, our toddler will choose dad's Halloween costume with mom at the store.  Dad will have no idea what he is wearing until he tries it on for the first time on camera.  Plus mom has a surprise up her sleeve too.  Watch this hilarious video to see our great Halloween costumes this year.

Also please check out Lad Baby & Sons which inspired this video.  Super cute family and video.  Click this link to check them out: https://youtu.be/V3sNtKvnzwY

Thanks for watching these fun videos we like to do along side with our farm centric videos.  Since farming is a 24/7 job, we like to find ways to have fun and thought we would share.  Have a great day and thanks for visiting Sweetwater Diaries.





You can see more farm pictures on our instagram:
@sweetwaterdiaries

or visit:
www.oursweetwaterfarm.com
https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries



Software Davinci Resolve (Beta)

Audio:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Da8RnoUOz1
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/HG8r3p0Y1e
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/64Jv9WUtaS
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Di0MxBB6UI
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/EPtP0aRDTh



Playlist:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/oUdcr3iZoC
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/9SWKNFqeyA
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/do5kgqdXD9

Farm Drone Series Part 2: Herding Goats Using A Drone

This is part 2 of 4 of our 2018 farm drone series. This video shows how we use drones to help herd our livestock (goats & sheep) between fields. The goats respond to the noise of the drone and can be directed into different fields. A cool video that shows how modern technology can be used in farming.

The series will include the following 4 videos (one video released each week):
-Part 1: Drone footage of the 2018 Hay Drought
-Part 2: Using drones to herd goats
-Part 3: Drone footage of local Civil War reenactment
-Part 4: Red Tail Hawk playing with the drone mid-air

Thanks for watching!
You can see more farm pictures on our instagram:
@sweetwaterdiaries

or visit:
www.oursweetwaterfarm.com
https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries

Software Davinci Resolve (Beta)

+Note for future self: I was just starting a cold when I was shooting the intro/outro for this series.

Farm Drone Series Part 1: 2018 Hay Drought

This is part 1 of 4 of our 2018 farm drone series. This video shows drone footage of our hay fields during the 2018 drought. Besides cool aerial video of a baled organic hay field, you can see how the drought affected the fields.

The series will include this video, plus these 3 video in coming weeks:
-Using drones to herd goats
-Drone footage of local Civil War reenactment
-Red Tail Hawk playing with the drone mid-air

Thanks for watching!
You can see more farm pictures on our instagram:
@sweetwaterdiaries

or visit:
https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries

Meet Our Four-Legged Crew: Our Sweetwater Goats & Sheep

Sit back and enjoy our video featuring some of the superstars of our farm, our goats and sheep.  In this video, you will watch snippets of a day in the life of our goats and sheep as they help maintain our organic hay fields.  Plus you will see two brand new lambs that were born the very day I filmed them.  The little girl "Gwendolamb" ended up being reject by mama sheep.  So now she is a bottle baby buddy with Shakira the goat and they are O's best exploring buddies.  We hope you like this introduction to our herd and plan to have more videos explaining more about goat and sheep information, care, and lessons we learned.

Toddler Tries Pumpkin Spice Snacks for the First Time - Will He Like It?

Fall has arrived (Sort of), hay is put away, time for some Pumpkin Spice Fun - Check out our latest YouTube video and see if a Toddler will like Pumpkin Spice Treats or rather stick with cheese sticks and goldfish crackers?

HAY NOW! How goats and sheep help make organic square bale hay.

Community and Farming

As I write stories and adventures in Sweetwater Diaries, you will read a lot about Nate, Ollie and me. That is to be expected since I am journaling about our experiences farming and raising a toddler in today's time and culture. But the truth is, our successes and growth have not always been or will not always be done by the 2 1/2 of us alone. We have come this far because we have been very lucky to have each other, the support of our families and some really great neighbors.

Throughout the centuries farming has relied on community - from barn raisings, bartering, and getting in the field to help a neighbor harvest a crop before something threatens its success. Often the only reward being a good home cooked meal and the knowledge that the neighbor you are helping will be there to help you when you need it. Certainly, payment is still a standard part farm help, but most farmers are happy to pay good reliable help (within their means of course because small scale farming is a slow growth business).

Every hay season, I am reminded of how lucky we have been to find great neighbors, who are always ready to work for us and help us load and stack square bale hay. Let me be clear, this is HARD work. Lifting 400+ itchy square bales that weigh around 50 to 80 lb each out of the field and stacking it in the barns during 100+ heat is not easy, even for the strongest folks.  Although we have a Stackliner that helps pull bales out of the field, sometimes it needs maintenance or we are working against a pop up storm and have to get bales out of the field quickly. It is such hard work, that turnover in hay help is pretty common. This is where we have been lucky because we have two families that have always been ready and willing to help throughout the summer (if they are available). They know what to do, work hard and boy we sure appreciate it. (I'm looking at you "P. Family" and "M&M").

But it doesn't stop with just them, we have a great community of neighbors (including the ones mentioned above) that help each other.  Of course, Nate and I help where we can, whether it be providing small farm jobs to help during financial/job changes, equipment/auto/electrical suggestions, helping with fields when equipment is down, watching critters, providing supplies and water, just to name a few.  And they help us and each other finding lost or loose critters (or returning naughty goats who sneak out of fences), checking on each other during crazy weather, coming together to deal with dumped animals, trash and automobiles.  And even helping during times of personal need, like when we lost our pregnancy or when Ollie decided to make his arrival a month early.  It is a great community of neighbors that makes those curve balls that life throws a lot easier to handle.  Farming can be hard and extremely frustrating.  Some days you feel like every step forward and all the hard work you put in to a project or animal was all for nothing.  So having good support, not only in your partner, but your community and family is such a wonderful asset.

 

Ollie - One month early and cute as a 5 lb button.

I cannot end this post without mentioning our families.  It was a leap of faith on both Nate and my part to start our farm and we definitely have had days we wanted to throw in the towel and call it a day.  It's hard work and can be a lot of strain on anyone.  It is full of great moments and successes, but it is also full of a good many failures and disappointments.  We have faced things we never expected, wouldn't wish on anyone and losses we will carry always, and yet here we are still standing.  A good portion of the strength we needed to carry on we found in each other and our families.  Our families have been physical, emotional, financial and positive pillars ready to hold us steady when we looked like we needed it.  They have been there for us physically cutting down trees, painting, building, pouring concrete, helping with hay, building structures and caring for critters.  They have been there for us emotionally, providing advice, moral support, an ear to listen to problems, hugs and lots of laughs.  We are truly grateful for all their love and support.   Ollie is so lucky to be surrounded by so much love and support both near and far.

With each year we live here our community has widened and we have met so many wonderful and interesting people.  So thanks for being part of community, supporting and following us along this journey.

Always Nate, Lily, Little O, & Our Critter Crew

www.oursweetwaterfarm.com 

https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries/
SweetWater Diaries 

(Ollie Pictures courtesy of "Sophie Ann Photography 2017")

Balancing Summer Time & Toddler Time On The Farm

 

For most people, Summer time is a time to relax and sneak in family trips and adventures during the nice weather.  Of course most people still work too, but the kids are off school and we all try to keep them entertained and enjoy the Summer weather as best as we can.  This year as Ollie approached two, I had grand plans of lots of play dates with his friends from his weekly class and adventures around the area.    I even grabbed a bunch of numbers at the beginning of the summer to set up those play dates, but alas I only was able to sneak in a few play dates this summer.  And although we had a bunch of adventures, I had to reevaluate the reality of Summer Farm Time and Toddler Time.

You see the reality is, summer is our busiest time on the farm.  We have to prep the fields, cut and bale fields, arrange/manage farm helpers for storing hay, be available on a moment’s notice to sell the hay and deliver the hay, and sell some of our goat and sheep herd to maintain healthy genetics and population control.  Plus most of the hay and field work is based on the weather, so we cannot plan designated hay days.  We have to look for a minimum of a 3 day dry weather window to cut/bale/store the hay.  We have to deliver the hay on dry days.  Usually this all occurs in 100+ heat.  So often our plans can shift on a moment’s notice in order to meet the demands of the farm.  Plus we cannot exclude, all the machine prep and maintenance that Nate must do in order to be ready when a weather window presents itself.  Making square bale hay is rough on equipment and it needs constant maintenance to create quality organic hay.

So this means plans with Ollie for play dates and scheduled events can be challenging.  Of course we spend A LOT of time outside playing and exploring the farm and we LOVE to do this every day.  BUT, on 100+ temperature days with humidity, we have to limit how long we can be outside.  So we have been finding ways to make inside play fun too when we are stuck on the farm for the day.  I'm not ashamed to admit, we watch our fair share of PBS kids, Signing Times, & Peppa Pig, but all of us, including Ollie, can only take so much before we feel brain numb.  So I follow some cool kids groups on facebook and try some of the ideas they suggest and show  (Fun with shaving cream in the bathtub, texture play with foods, blocks, puzzles, lots of books and songs...oh and dancing...we love to dance).  Recently, grandma sent us a cool dinosaur egg that we spent four days observing and helping the egg hatch and grow.  It was so much fun, and Ollie loved checking on the egg every day.  He was able to observe how an object can change in water and practice patience.  It has been over a week since we did this project, but he still talks about the Dino Egg all the time.  Plus it was a fun way to help expand his very active and growing lexicon of words.  You can check out the video below to see this cool little science project and Ollie's reactions.

So this is one fun activity we have found to do during the summer when we are housebound and it is just too hot to be outside for a very long time. I hope you enjoyed this video and please be sure to subscribe and like our Youtube videos and channel, Sweetwater Diaries.  I plan on posting some fun and interesting videos about goats & hay.  Plus we have a lot of projects happening on the farm that I am recording and hope to post on our Youtube channel soon. If you have anything you might be interested learning more about the farm, please send me a comment or a message.  Maybe I can turn it into and interesting video.   Until then, the three of us will keep finding a balance between farm, family and fun.

Always Nate, Lily, Little O, & Our Critter Crew

www.oursweetwaterfarm.com

https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries/

SweetWater Diaries

5 Years Later...Lots of Updates

Hello Folks!  We're back with lots of updates.

Now we are three with little Ollie!  (Nate is still silly as ever)

I cannot believe it has been five years since my last post!  A LOT has changed in those 5 years:

• We bought our own 80 acre farm across from the old family farm.
• The family farm was sold.
• Nate and I got married on our farm! Yay!
• We met and lost our 1st baby (Thomas) at 20 weeks.
• We had our second baby successfully (well he did do it on his own schedule) a year later. We love our sweet, smart, silly Ollie more than words.  
• Nate started his own successful electrical business.
• Over the 5 years since we moved on the new farm, 
• We have redone 40 out of 80 acres of 15 year old fencing. Goat proof chain link.
• Made major improvements on a very unfinished 5 bay garage/workshop- Now a dream workshop with guesthouse.  
• Currently renovating the old farmhouse.
• Planning for our future house on the hill.
• Continue to produce and sell high quality organic mixed grass hay and have established an amazing clientele. (Plus a big shout out to our regular hay crew...best crew around!)
• Continue to raise goats (and now sheep).  We have a herd of a hundred goats and sheep who help manicure our hay fields - weeding and fertilizing during the off season to help produce quality organic hay.  
• Lots of dirt work and cleaning up of our farm which was unlived in for 15 years and just used for cattle before we purchased it from a lovely neighbor couple.
• Happily been added to the modern times with fiber internet this past year thanks to our neighboring county and Nate digging a very long trench to our house.  Boy, you don't know how good you have it - being forced to live on satellite internet is ridiculous - no bandwith, slow speed, and high price.  
• Plus lots and lots of other things I know I am forgetting...but it has been 5 years worth of stuff.

In upcoming posts, I hope to provide more detail and pictures as I did in my old posts.  Just wanted to get you up to speed here and say welcome back to Our Sweetwater farm. Be sure to checkout our new Youtube channel: Sweetwater Diaries for video updates.

Always Nate, Lily, Little O, & Our Critter Crew

www.oursweetwaterfarm.com 

https://www.facebook.com/SWFarmerdiaries/SweetWater Diaries