I noticed toppled grains in seemingly random patches. A poorly organized
attempt at crop circles? As I scratched my head, examining the circles
of fallen stalks, heard hooves galloping towards the field. I looked
towards the sound, which came from between grape vines to the east. Out
came 4 hogs. They halted at the sight of me. I slowly reached for my
phone, but as I lifted my hand to take a photo they bolted back in the
direction they came from. I suspect they intended to romp in the field.
Not this time!
But, I've noticed many missing grain heads. I think deer are eating the grains, or some tall animal. Here's to food security for all, even the animals.
Still, this isn't a buffet and I need to harvest soon. I'm at the bottom of the wait list for Doug of the Mendocino Grain Project to harvest. He's also been delayed because of a recent, unforeseen medical issue. This is why we need more shared equipment and skilled operators. If we want regional food security, we need to grow all the kinds of food we rely on. Grains are a staple, and they are arduous to harvest by hand. Matthew Frey of Frey Vineyards offered to harvest as a back-up, though their combine is quite finnicky. These are some of the reasons why I'm part of the Heritage Grain Alliance: to create more shared infrastructure for small, organic farms to grow heritage grains. Plus, I want to ensure we're growing a diversity of grains, ones suited to this region, ones that reflect all heritages.
Until then, I'll remain at the bottom of the harvest list and stock the animal all you can eat buffet.
But, I've noticed many missing grain heads. I think deer are eating the grains, or some tall animal. Here's to food security for all, even the animals.
Still, this isn't a buffet and I need to harvest soon. I'm at the bottom of the wait list for Doug of the Mendocino Grain Project to harvest. He's also been delayed because of a recent, unforeseen medical issue. This is why we need more shared equipment and skilled operators. If we want regional food security, we need to grow all the kinds of food we rely on. Grains are a staple, and they are arduous to harvest by hand. Matthew Frey of Frey Vineyards offered to harvest as a back-up, though their combine is quite finnicky. These are some of the reasons why I'm part of the Heritage Grain Alliance: to create more shared infrastructure for small, organic farms to grow heritage grains. Plus, I want to ensure we're growing a diversity of grains, ones suited to this region, ones that reflect all heritages.
Until then, I'll remain at the bottom of the harvest list and stock the animal all you can eat buffet.
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