New Zealand

The Middle of Middle-Earth and Settling in at the Dairy Farm

I’m taking advantage of a lengthy break to write. Things are quiet on the farm for me, as calving season just began. I take care of the calves: giving them colostrum, feeding them, making sure they are clean, making sure we have plenty of pens and milk for them, and other duties as assigned. Once I’m done in the morning, I head back to my rental house until I need to feed in the afternoon.

I took the train from Auckland to Wellington on July 7, then spent a few days on a Shropshire and Ryeland sheep (both of which are considered rare breeds in New Zealand), Red Poll cattle and Clydesdale draft horse operation outside the city. I returned to Wellington and enjoyed the company of 15 other 20-somethings during a dinner at the flat where I was staying. It’s been nice finding those places and people where I feel at home.

Now, home for a few months has an astounding view: Continue reading “The Middle of Middle-Earth and Settling in at the Dairy Farm”

Character, Farm, Food

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Ideas, Passion and Spirit That Shape a Family Dairy Farm

WP_20150509_12_47_39_Pro — Kate Yegerlehner.

I first heard of the Yegerlehner’s dairy farm and shop when I was in high school. Dad came home from work one night with small blocks of cheese and told me excitedly that there was a farm just outside of Clay City that sold milk and cheese made from their own cows in their own shop.

Ten years later, I attended the Southern Indiana Grazing Conference and heard Kate Yegerlehner speak on the family’s business model and philosophy on raising livestock. There were times during her presentation when I wanted to stand up and shout, “Yes, yes!” Her presentation contained much I had needed to hear.

After the conference, I decided to spend more time with Kate and learn from her farming operation. Continue reading “A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Ideas, Passion and Spirit That Shape a Family Dairy Farm”

Food, Transitions

Groceries

Sliding doors glide open. Coolers hum. Glass chimes in sweet melodies. My fingers tug at a blue plastic ring to pull a half-gallon jar toward me. In one swift motion, I take it out, swing it by my side, slide the door shut and turn toward the cashier. As I walk toward the register, I let my eyes wander toward the display of cheeses, eggs and whoopie pies and the shelves of grilled stickies in boxes declaring, “World famous!”

I linger at the grilled stickies, picking up a blue box, thinking of the first time I ate grilled stickies, having never heard of them before, bought after a football game from the campus creamery. The taste of the cinnamon roll lingers and I fumble off my gloves to reach into my pocket for the cash. Count the change. Decide I have enough to add a box to warm up the night. Check out. Pay. Crunch through the snow to my car, laying the milk jar gently on the floor and placing the stickies on the passenger seat beside me.

Continue reading “Groceries”