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I am Cecilia. A New Zealander who farms in Illinois.

My farms are organic and regenerative and full of stories. I have been writing here about environmentally sustainable farming and food and travel since 2011.

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LATEST POSTS


  • Fruit on the farm

    Fruit on the farm

    My first raspberry crop is coming along nicely.  I am hoping for enough to make good old fashioned raspberry jam.  The blueberry crop is as pathetic as ever. Blueberries really do not like this swamp soil. They need something a bit more acidic.  There are zucchini beginning to grow. This is a heritage variety in…

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  • Tane, the miracle boar

    Tane, the miracle boar

    You will remember that for almost a year now Tane has not been able to walk very well. During last winter he slowed down so badly, that I was asked on a number of occasions whether it would not be kinder to put him down.  He could not use his back legs at all.  He…

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  • Eight and Nine

    Eight and Nine

    Catching up. Poppy’s nine are weaned. The fat little savages. The little piglet with the ripped hoof has become un-findable – she is running just as fast as all the rest and doing fine so I have stopped worrying about her. They are all eating well chomping on their greens and slurping madly at their…

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  • The city and the girl

    The city and the girl

    I grew up on a beach in New Zealand and I live on a farm in Illinois. But I love the city. I LOVED New York City even if I was only there for 24 hours.   Loved it. I hope you have a lovely day. All is well on the farm – lots to…

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  • Pig as Goat

    Pig as Goat

    The tower of hay (which Lady is enjoying eating at her milking time along with her grain treats) has been taken over by a bunch of pigs who think they are goats. My images do not do this justice but here you can see mountain-goat-pig at the top of the pile. He is quite high…

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  • D Minor

    D Minor

    Only that Lady Astor and  the cats and I were listening to Handel when I was waiting for her to get over herself and come in for the milking yesterday evening. TonTon was there but he was not listening. He is a reggae fella  – not so much into classical. Lady Astor always waits to the absolute…

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