Category: farming

Fire Pond

The Fire Pond at the site of the former Heifer International Farm glistens after yet another rain shower.

Agronomy

The American Society of Agronomy tells us that agronomy is a “science and practice that looks at agriculture from an integrated, holistic perspective”.

*Agronomy’s* 1.85 acre vineyard was planted in May of 2014 with half of the vines a red varietal, Marquette and the other half a white varietal called Cayuga.

The Winery is a destination for visiting as well as catered events.

The stencil “A” Agronomy trademark can be seen throughout the grounds.

Relax under a canopied patio near the pond!

Where Rabbits Run and Humans Walk and Reflect

More late summer images from Wachusett Meadow.

Eastern Cottontail Rabbits have proliferated this year at the Meadow.

Raised-Lettering on signs, as well as an audio informational program available at the visitors center, allow the visually impaired to more fully experience the meadow along the All Persons Trail.

The North Meadow is a popular easy hiking area.

Cattails in the North Meadow are vivid harbingers of fall.

A section of the All Persons Trail leads to the South Meadow.

Bas relief sculptures aid in identifying tree and barn swallows.

Visitors to the All Persons Trail can greet Wachusett’s endearing sheep on the way to the South Meadow…

…and then continue on to a sunny resting spot .

Bountiful Baldwin

Baldwin apples, like these in my yard, date back to Massachusetts in the 1700s.

Ten Generations

Members of the Pollard family have been working Ashland Farm since 1730.

Ashland Farms, New Braintree, Massachusetts

Both Old and New

Traditional and modern farming methods blend together at Bemis Farms Nursery in North Brookfield, Massachusetts.

Sorghum?

This local field is usually planted in corn. However, this year I noticed that the plants are more pointy at the top with closely planted rows, and have copious weeds in between . An internet research leads me to believe it is sorghum, which is used as silage.

WordPress farmers, feel free to comment!

A Country Road

North Brookfield and New Braintree, Massachusetts

A willow tree has been upended by a recent storm.

Do you like Butter and Sugar or Yellow Corn better?

Christmas in July

It may not be cold December, but Kip’s Christmas Trees in the small town of New Braintree, Massachusetts are still a beautiful sight.

Just four months more of caretaking until the Christmas season!

Living Local, Part Two

Worcester County, where I live, leads the state in the number of farms.

Within a few miles from me, I enjoy visiting this farm.

How pleased I was to see that it is open!

It’s sweet corn time in Massachusetts!

Aw, shucks, I’ll buy a dozen.

In order to create a super fresh vegetarian meal, I add my own home grown cukes, tomatoes, arugala,

Green and yellow beans,

Swiss chard and kale. Colorful and nutritious. I’m grateful.

Free To Roam

At this time of year, the sheep at Wachusett Meadow wander freely around the Sanctuary. The short video included lends a sense of the space they may graze.