I find it hard to believe that is has been almost 3 months since my last entry! The family had a nice vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii. While we were there we visited a small, single family run aquaponics farm, Coastview Aquaponics. It was great to learn about how the farm came to be, and learn from their successes and struggles. We also enjoyed eating the kale and lettuce we bought from the honor fridge!
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Two new chicks have joined our homestead mid-May. Their names are Sunshine and Autumn. They currently spend their days in a small pen next to the big chickens. That way they do not take too many lumps as they learn their place in the pecking order. They will join the Flower and Louise soon, as they are almost big enough to withstand the hazing. They will add to egg production in about six months.

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The big chickens gained a new run to spend their days in. They no longer get free reign of the backyard. They wreak havoc on the garden sprouts. I keep it interesting for them by throwing leaves, grass trimmings, and some vegetable scraps. 
To the left, I am digging out the base for a concrete slab for the greenhouse that will house our sprouting and first aquaponics system! Thanks to Carson for coming over to help dig!

Last Thursday, we picked up meat from our quarter share of a grass-fed, free range, happy cow in Petaluma. The cuts range from all manner of steaks, ribs, roasts, ground beef, and soup bones. Our deep freezer is full of this bounty. We will make a significant dent at a BBQ with friends and family in August. 

Zoe and Willow went in to the butcher shop with me as I paid for the meat. While we were in their two butchers were processing cuts of meat, and the carcass of a pig was hanging from a hook. Neither of them said anything. I asked Zoe if she noticed the pig, her reply was simply, "yes".

I know it is not always possible, but look into local ranchers in your area. It does cost a little more. But, like everything in life, you get what you pay for! Eating meat that you know where the animal came from, what it ate, and how it was processed is healthier for the animal, the rancher, our community, and ourselves.
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Finally, I just launched the website for our business venture in the making: pirate produce.com

This website will continue to chronicle our adventures in homesteading. Please, visit the new site to see the development of our sustainable agriculture business. 

If you would like more info, or want to get involved, there is a contact page on the website.




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