Belle Valley Ancient Grains

Things to do in January when it is ten degrees with a northwest wind....test bake some Emmer wheat (it was as good as ever!), tractor maintenance, enjoy the scenery, check on Leo and Oliver. The tractor repaint started with a flat tire. New rear tires were $700 to $1500 each plus install which would likely add another $500. For a big tractor tire, you call someone to come out with a service truck. The rear tires typically have fluid in them (calcium chloride) for weight, so the fluid has to be pumped out first, then pumped back in the new tire. The fluid is corrosive so sometimes you need a new rim, so the tire replacement can cost hundreds of dollars plus the tire cost. A friend had two rear tires already mounted - $300 for the pair - sold! I just had to mount them. BUT, the rims were orange and not the preferred silver, so I painted the rims, then the inside of the wheels orange. Well, why stop there? So repainted all of the orange. Well, might as well repaint the loader. ...

Moldboard plowing is hundreds of years old but is hardly done at all anymore in favor of no-till methods which are more efficient. One of the local old-school farmers pointed out to me that moldboard plowing can bury weed seeds several inches deep where they will decay over a few years time. Giving it a try on this field which had a lot of weeds this past year. Another tool in organic farming tool kit. Another 35 acres to go before the ground freezes up. The plow sits outside so the shiny plow shares were very rusty. After plowing a few acres they have a mirror finish as seen here..