Author Archives: kmhitzeman

Saying “so long” to Allis

Posted on October 12, 2011 by kmhitzeman

Today marks the end of an era – we officially retired Allis, our Allis-Chalmers 190XT tractor (the banner on this page and the mascot of Innisfree Farm). Up until recently, she was the go-to tractor for just about everything. But … Continue reading →

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Chicken tractor

Posted on August 17, 2011 by kmhitzeman

After much consternation, parts that didn’t fit quite right, and a bumpy ride to its new home, the garden-shed-turned-chicken-coop is now in position and home to our 70+ chicks.  They are quite enjoying their much larger pasture area as well!

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What don’t they eat?

Posted on August 10, 2011 by kmhitzeman

Goats eat.  A lot.  And with 5 of them, they can demolish a lot of greenery in a short period of time.  Here’s an example – we have the goats on our west hill, which hasn’t been mowed or grazed … Continue reading →

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Rain.

Posted on June 20, 2011 by kmhitzeman

Rain is a curious thing for farmers.  We need it, but at the right times, and in the right quantities.  Too much rain is usually a bad thing overall, but a lot of rain spread out can be good, especially … Continue reading →

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Animals and their games

Posted on June 8, 2011 by kmhitzeman

To the casual observer, animals probably seem pretty simple.  The cows are munching grass in the pasture, the chickens are clucking around the chickenyard looking for bugs and worms.  Once you spend any amount of time around those animals though, … Continue reading →

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A farm birthday

Posted on April 30, 2011 by kmhitzeman

Today happens to be my birthday, which isn’t that big of a deal anymore.  Dinner out at LeDoux’s in Troy OH (excellent Cajun food) with the family and in-laws last night, presents, and key lime birthday pie from my mother-in-law. … Continue reading →

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Spring exercise

Posted on April 2, 2011 by kmhitzeman

Warmer temperatures (or at least no snow/standing water on the ground) mean it’s time to “open up” the garden for planting.  For most people, this means dragging the garden tiller out of storage, or renting one, to churn up the … Continue reading →

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Our newest addition!

Posted on March 12, 2011 by kmhitzeman

This little bit is our second calf of the year.  Both babies are doing well (so are the mama cows!).

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A change of pace from the snow…

Posted on February 1, 2011 by kmhitzeman

Woke up to a phone call that school was cancelled, and a lovely coating of ice on everything.   The chicken door was completely iced in its track, but a couple of good kicks broke it loose.  Chicken feet don’t … Continue reading →

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Human: 25, Chickens: 0

Posted on January 29, 2011 by kmhitzeman

Today was chicken moving day.  The “baby” Rhode Island Reds aren’t so “baby” anymore, so it was time to move them from the peep coop (where there’s a heat lamp to keep chicks warm) across the driveway to the chicken … Continue reading →

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