Jumada al-Ula 1437/February 2016

As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullah! We have been extremely busy this past month. Although we didn't accomplish our planned goals, we were still productive.

Snow and Ice turned 4 months in February. They are steadily growing and learning their job as livestock guardians. Our dogs are 3/4 Great Pyrenees 1/4 Anatolian Shepherd. These dogs are naturally nocturnal, so our livestock is protected from coyotes, mountain lions, and and any other predator that may be lurking in the dark.

All of our livestock has been bred, and we're expecting lambs around the first week of May. 

Al hamdulillah, Tess gave birth to a beautiful heifer, named Azalea, on the 14th of February. We're not sure of the exact time, but know it happened sometime right before fajr (the morning prayer before sunrise). Jersey cows are known for birthing ease, and we are very grateful for this.

A new home/location for the rabbits. All 3 of our does have been bred to "Dutch Buck". 

On the 15th, my daughter's father-in-law, Kristopher Delgado came to visit and do some farm work. It was pretty nice to see my son-in-law, Hasan Delgado, even though he didn't do to much work, lol.

Tess is now producing 5.5 gallons of milk per day. She is a superstar. She has nice teats, udder, and is no problem milking. 

Al hamdulillah, we were able to find 2 new cows to add to our herd. Daisy and Freesia are A2A2 Jersey cows. If you don't know about A2A2 milk, I implore you to read about it. In fact, here's a link: https://www.a2milk.com/faq/

For years we have suffered when drinking milk, until we started drinking raw milk, especially A2A2 milk! Now we drink it like there's no tomorrow. 

Although we have a milking machine, we have to hand milk to get the cows to "let down" before we can connect the extractors. Did you ever wonder how we get the milk from the barn to the refrigerators, and what shareholders receive their milk in? We use 5 gallon stainless steel milk cans, and good ol' fashion Mason jars. 

Our cow share program started on the 27th, and now local people can get farm fresh raw milk. My mother-in-law (the real Queen of England) graciously bought us a milking machine, solar refrigerator/freezer, solar panels, and battery. Now, quick extraction and adequate storage is no longer an issue. May Allah bless her with the best blessing and protect her with the best protection. 

 

Lastly, our neighbors let us borrow their tiller so we can start preparing our garden beds. Although we need a tractor for the size garden we plan to have, we are blessed to have good neighbors who are always willing to help us, may Allah bless them with the best blessing and protect them with the best protection.

 

Please check back in a day or two for, "thoughts and feelings from the farm". Barak Allahu feekum.