Managing Manure

Y'all heard from our Manure Manager a few weeks ago.

He announced that he was working his way towards retirement...

which he is... gradually.

Each week he is spending more and more time on the farm.

His time on the farm is full these days...

taking care of managing our berry patches and orchards...

replacing dead plants with new and nurturing them into maturity.

One job that he takes quite seriously, and scientifically,

is managing our manure!

He keeps track of the temperature of an active pile of compost...

aiming for a brief period of high temperatures to kill weed seeds,

and then a prolonged period of temperatures within the green zone...

to allow for beneficial microbes to turn the manure and organic matter 

into rich dark compost that can be used as fertilizer.

When the temperature drops below the green zone, he uses the tractor and turns the pile

to make it more active again... and back up goes the temperature.

By the time a pile is completely cured, there is no odor to it and it is rich in earthworms.

One thing I must say about my hubby is that he always gives every job his very best.

He researches and searches for the "best way" and works tirelessly to implement it.

I am a very lucky woman to be married to someone that I admire so greatly!

And that's no sh*&!

I also wanted to show you the upper entrance to our farm.

We planted flowering crabapple trees along the lane (Bee Haven Lane) a few years ago,

and at this time of year they are just breathtaking!

Beauty must always be shared!

Have a great and beautiful weekend!