Tales from the Vat
While our main cheese maker Kato is away in Vermont attending an intensive cheese making course, I am back in the creamery full time. ...
top of page
PRAIRIE FRUITS FARM & CREAMERY
"THE HERD" BLOG
Search
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Nov 30, 20235 min read
Sympathy for the elves
In these days leading up to the holidays, we are in full production blitz. Our farm store and farm kitchen have been converted into...
265 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Nov 22, 20236 min read
A farmer's gratitude
On the eve of thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on some things for which I am grateful. As farmers, we derive our livelihood from...
275 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Nov 16, 20237 min read
Next chapter part two and prepping for the holidays
The morning frost on desiccated leaves has been fleeting in these unusually warm november days. The intensity of sunlight is deceiving;...
321 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Nov 9, 20238 min read
autumnal collage
Sometimes, the week's reflections are best captured by a poem and some beautiful photographs. Shout out to Iris Riggs, one of last week's...
261 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Nov 2, 20238 min read
who are the future farmers of america?
This week, we hosted a few hundred high school students from Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. They are all members of "Future Farmers of...
223 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Oct 26, 20238 min read
Shifting winds, vibrant colors and declining milk
Farm News We returned home this week to gusty winds, unsettled skies and fall foliage in full regalia. With daylight waning and nights...
303 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Oct 19, 20237 min read
A century of farm life
This week, Wes and I are away from the farm. We have travelled to Forest Grove, Oregon to celebrate the 100th birthday of Wes' mother,...
399 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Oct 12, 20237 min read
The value of the unbeaten path
As I watch the setting sun's rays break through clouds over a dusty soybean field in harvest, I turn back toward the still-green alfalfa...
279 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Oct 5, 20236 min read
A short walk to work
For the breeding bucks of Prairie Fruits Farm, the halcyon days of leisurely foraging in the summer pastures have ended. Yesterday...
210 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Sep 28, 20237 min read
The bookend nature of fall on the farm
Farm News The autumnal equinox reminds us of the push-pull nature of fall. The alfalfa fields are still growing, begging for a fourth...
214 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Sep 21, 20236 min read
Making matches
Farm News Dateline: rural champaign county, late september. Farm aromas: pure bucks in rut. The seasonal smell of bucks ready to breed is...
282 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Sep 14, 20235 min read
Ode to an heirloom tomato in september
Farm News The seasonal amnesia that clouded our decision to plant way too many tomatoes in spring is gone. The stored heat of august is...
257 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Sep 7, 20237 min read
A pig in the neighborhood
Farm News Several weeks ago, I had driven over to my neighbor's property to borrow some dishes and silverware for our upcoming farm...
412 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Aug 31, 20236 min read
An abundance of apex predators
Farm News Exit august-enter september. There is a distinct change to the repertoire of bird calls in the morning. Melodic wood thrush...
290 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Aug 24, 20235 min read
Cultivating genetics for a changing climate
Farm News The best way to know that your goats are exceptional is to put them in a heat wave. Most dairy goats on commercial dairies...
282 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Aug 17, 20236 min read
Life cycle milestone for the dairy doelings
Farm News In the life of a dairy doe, there are milestones. Being born female is the first important achievement. Next comes weaning. ...
314 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Aug 10, 20236 min read
Deeply celebrating farmers' markets
This week is "National Farmers' Markets Week," aptly timed to showcase the summer bounty of august harvests. What does it mean to...
154 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Aug 3, 20235 min read
Let's talk about grey water
Farm News Dairy farms and farmstead creameries use a lot of water. Water for washing down the milking parlor, water to quench thirsty...
348 views
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Jul 27, 20235 min read
In the company of peers
Farm News Last week, we traveled to Des Moines Iowa to attend the annual American Cheese Society Conference. From resource constraints to...
225 views
bottom of page