Description

Stories in this issue:

• The Walpini: Danielle and Sean Londrigan build this “place of warmth” on their Illinois farm. The first in a series of articles, this one concentrates on designing the proper angles and depth for this in-ground “greenhouse” to maximize ultimate growing temperatures and sunlight in your walpini.
• Sleigh Rides and Spudnuts: What began as a few of the kids’ friends coming over for a Shire driven sleigh ride and a family recipe for spudnuts has lasted 15 years. This Moulton family tradition has drawn many people to their farm during the holidays for community, family, food and fun.
• Wendell Berry Farming Program: Karen Kirsch introduces uces us to the Wendell Berry Farming Program, a collaboration with Sterling College in Vermont. This program at The Berry Center allows students to attend their Junior and Senior years at this Kentucky working farm and receive a BA in sustainable agriculture. She explains the programs philosophy and some of the classes and introduces us to a few members of this year’s class.
• Traditions & Simplicity: Stacy Lyn Harris shares some of the holiday food traditions that were passed down by her parents and grandparens as well as some new ones she and her husband have added.
• Fine Dining Country Style: Try out some of Stacy Lyn Harris’ scrumptious recipes this holiday season! Seven of her holiday favorites are provided here with some great photos.
• Sleigh Ride Photos from Readers
• Winter: A Season or State of Mind?: Ralph Rice reminisces about a picturesque winter day with his grandparents, a sleigh ride, bonfire, frozen pond (and fingers) and a snowy picnic. He encourages us to embrace the winter days.
• Priorities: Katrina Julian tells of her family’s Christmas traditions and of one special holiday in which they were able to leave their dairy farm to celebrate with extended family.
• One Man’s Holidays 1899-1914: Jenifer Morrissey takes entries from her great grandfather Glenn’s diaries to weave a picture of holidays in his time (late 1800s-early 1900s). He details gifts given and received, meals shared, work and travel. As always, vintage photographs help set the scene.
• Holidays at Willowtrail Farm: enifer Morrissey’s tells of the changes in traditions as one’s life and locations change. From her childhood home in Oregon to her various Willowtrail Farm homes, she shares her holiday traditions of gratitude…and a poem!
• Managing Your Farm’s Most Important Resources: Ralph Rice explains all the ins and outs of manure composting. He tells how he makes it, where to make it, how he spreads it and how it increases his soil fertility.
• Draft Powered Opportunities Northland Sheep Dairy: Donn Hewes presents an opportunity to work/live on their farm as well as an internship available for next spring-fall.
• And they ask me…Why?: Draft powered farming isn’t for everyone. Ralph Rice explains why he does it and what it takes, in the kind of person you are and in the way you want to walk though life.
• A Few Minutes with Rob Flory: Rob Collins sits down with Rob Flory to discuss his life and experience with draft animals. Rob works at Howell Living History Farm in New Jersey. They talk about oxen, draft power, plows, and plowing with oxen and more