Spring is here and new beginnings are all around
Grady Rouse Farm
It has been a long, unexpectedly cold winter with not one, but 2 storms that are unusual for our area. The flowers are finally blooming and it is looking like spring has finally arrived after all. Winter brought loss and reflection, but with spring comes the promise of renewal and hopes for the year ahead.
We were dealt a blow in November when we lost the reason and inspiration for our endeavor, and we miss her dearly still. Linda Faye Rouse (Grady) was the force behind our ability to re-invent the family farm in a way that is personal, back to basics, and healthier both for the people we serve and animals that we keep. She was a nurse, mother, grandmother, and animal lover that valued preserving farm land and keeping it family oriented. We are forever grateful for her example of what can be done with determination and hard work, and are honored to call her parents’ farm our home.
Everything starts with an idea.
Working with the tractor was a favorite. :’)
The holidays were far less bright in her absence and the winter storms that followed were challenges to be met and overcome. We faired well despite frigid temps, snow, and ice that are not very often seen here. The chickens did quite well with their accommodations and despite cold, dark days, we had a consistent supply of eggs through the winter. The girls started ramping up production in early February and were the first sign that spring is on its way.
3” of snow fell in our area 1/21/25
The ice storm was next on 2/20/25. Truth be told, the snow was the better of the two but at least the ice left quickly!
We welcomed 4 new Marans chicks to the flock in mid February and while it is too soon to tell for sure, it looks likely that we will get a highly anticipated rooster or three out of this brood. Our current plans are to pair any roosters with our current BCM hens and will look to breed our first farm bred BCMs in the fall of this year if all goes well. We are continuing to offer farm fresh organic eggs for sale and will be vending on Tuesdays at the Lenoir County Farmers Market or by appointment only out of our farm location.
Our chicks are now 3 weeks old and have graduated to the big kid brooder with space to learn how to perch and spread their newly feathering wings. They are having a blast! Since they were hatched around Valentines day, they are the “French Terms of Endearment” brood: Mon Tresor, Ma Truffe, Mon BonBon, and Ma Cherie
We are currently incubating a run of our BTS Rhode Island Reds and Black Sex Linked (RIR x PBR) with an expected hatch date of 3/18. Dependent on how the hatch goes, we anticipate having some chicks available out of that hatch later this month, so check back periodically for details!
Mon Tresor and Ma Truffe
Mon BonBon and Ma Cherie
Lockdown starts 3/15! Stay tuned for any announcements…
Spring is also a busy time for setting up the garden. We do not currently offer produce for sale but maintain a garden for home use. This spring has been mainly focused on reconstructing and refiguring our raised bed area. New low tunnels have given us a jump start on spring crops despite the chilling temps and seedlings are already started in anticipation of the last frost date. We grow our garden and raise our chickens organically, which can be a challenge in our climate! Once we have established and perfected our growing practices, we may have limited seedlings or produce for sale. Keep checking back to see our progress and any announcements if they become available!
Even the ice storm couldn’t put a damper on our collard, spinach and broccoli beds! We’ll see how everything holds up once the heat of summer challenges the garden, but so far much better than last year’s garden.
With longer day length comes more time outdoors and a feeling of renewal. Here’s hoping for an extended springtime of good temps and good times. Happy spring, y’all!
