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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
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Where are the pigs bowls…
Sheila my big fat pig still picks up her pigs bowl and takes it to bed with her. Hiding them. By the time I find it – it is buried in the straw in her hut. Her version of breakfast in bed. It means that at least once a day I have to crawl into…
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Pregnant Pigs?
How do you know when your pig is pregnant? Well, for a start she will not come into heat again. The signs of heat for the big Hereford Pigs are very obvious but for the Kunekune? Well I cannot tell when Tima is IN heat let alone if she misses one. But Tima is definitely showing more belly. And…
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Butter made from clover
Amazing that an animal grazing on spring pasture can turn that grass and clover into glorious milk that I can share. Thank you Lady Astor for letting us milk you so I can let the milk chill and stand then skim the cream, then put the cream in the butter churn and whip it into…
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Screaming Mistress Wind
The day started off so nicely. It was not warm but the calm was nice. The animals woke up slowly. But soon after breakfast Mistress Wind arrived – her black cape flapping – unpacked her bag of demon daughters and they let loose with a terrible wind that blew like hell itself for the whole day.…
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A milking stanchion
AND so he built a milking stanchion. Because no self respecting body, except for the odd cow, wanted to be out in the gardens or the fields yesterday. The wind was horrible. Later in the morning the rain cleared out and back came Mistress Wind and she was in a Howler of a mood. Sending us all scuttling for cover.…
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Rain
It rained almost all day yesterday. Lovely gentle warm rain. I came in from the evening chores soaked to the first layer and happy as a lark. The trees are blooming. Here are two of my favourites: Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ This is the most wonderful little tree. She just bloomed yesterday, will not bloom for long,…
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