It's a work in progress

The boyfriend and I went for a trail ride with my neighbor (Claude) all over his property a couple weekends ago and let me tell you… it was amazing. It was a great experience for both of us (us being me and my boyfriend, but also me and my horse!) and I'm much more comfortable with my horse now... so much so that Max and I went solo over to Claude's to deliver some light bulbs for his Audi on Sunday!

Max was a champ!

He didn’t quite want to stand still in the driveway to be tacked up but I’m not too fussed about that just yet, it’s still pretty early in the year and he’s been retired since the summer before last. Perfection isn’t a requirement for me anyway. When he was all dressed and I had my delivery pocketed I jumped on (and he started walking… that IS something I’ll be working on, I prefer a horse that waits to be asked to move). When my feet were finally in the stirrups we headed down the driveway. Mum’s horse called out from their paddock but Max didn’t care.

His ears pointed forwards as we headed down the road towards Claude’s place. He’s typically a pretty quick walker (he’s well over 15 hands, it’s to be expected!) but he seemed to slow down a bit and enjoy the strangely warm March day.

Then we approached our first hurdle.

To be fair, I think most obstacles when riding are more something for me to overcome, not my horse. Max does seem pretty chill about a lot of things.

So the first issue on the trail (read: road) was that the neighbour’s dogs were out.

Smack between our driveway and Claude’s is another house with two large dogs that (although I’m sure they’re friendly) like to roam the road (you can tell because with the current melting snow you can see LOTS of dog piles littering the road and ditch around their home). During this ride I could hear them before could see them. A large white and a large black dog approached the road as Max and I passed but thankfully all they did was walk along their lawn adjacent to the road, and barked.

I was worried about what would happen, would they come after us, would Max bolt? Should I get off and walk passed until he got used to those animals? Naturally… he was completely unaffected. I took the hint, let out a sigh and continued on.

Cue the next hurdle: Claude’s dog was off his leash.

I was less concerned about this development because I’d been over to Claude’s place a couple times with Max and he’s met Munchie before, not to mention his reaction to the other dogs we'd just passed. Of course the beautiful Caucasian Shepherd mix ran right down the driveway (Max wasn’t too sure about that welcome but did keep walking with a bit of encouragement), barking and jumping to meet us.

We made it without incident, I delivered my bulbs and more importantly, I think Claude thoroughly approved of my method of transportation. So much so that he asked me to go riding after work on Monday (rescheduled for tonight (tuesday) since I had a meeting after work Monday).

I'm really lucky that my horse isn't heard bound and doesn't mind leaving without his paddock-mate... Mum's horse (Zaira) on the other hand.... I was gone for a little over an hour and when I came home she was dripping sweat. She hadn't stopped running the fence line the whole time we were out.

We're going to have to work on that.

The Bees are Coming!

On Wednesday night I participated in the inaugural meeting of the Cloverbelt Beekeeper’s Association.

A few months ago (and don’t ask me why, but I just did) I had a whim that I wanted to be a beekeeper this year.

I honestly can’t tell you where this idea came from. Yes, I knew a girl I went to school with in high school had gotten herself a few hives, but besides liking the photo she’d posted on facebook I hadn’t given it a second though. Heck, I don’t even really like honey (bring on the masses…). But I do know the benefits of having pollinators on a farm and I know that everyone is always looking to buy “real” honey.

Since I don’t have my own property yet, I really don’t want to start getting livestock yet, what better way to get into farming than 10,000 of my own critters? Some accounts I’ve read have declared bees easier to take care of than chickens so I decide that was my project this summer.

I’ve contacted a bee farm in Manitoba which is probably going to provide me with bees better suited to my cold NOW climate as opposed to bees from Ontario… which means Southern Ontario (since apparently NOW doesn’t exist) and should be able to pick up a couple nucs in May! Just that simple!

Well actually it’s a bit more complicated. I’m trying to do it properly so I’m applying for an OMAFRA license and I’ve joined the Ontario Beekeeper’s Association. I’ve acquired some boxes from a friend (but they’ll take a little work to get ready) and am in the market for hive and beekeeper equipment.

Fortunately almost two dozen people (both noobies and current and past beekeepers) were at the meeting this week so I will have plenty of human resources to pull knowledge from!

I’m pretty excited to start preparing my hives for the new tenants and can hardly wait to get the bees home!

Soil and Crop meeting and much to consider!

This past week I attended a local Soil and Crop meeting and learned just how much more I have to learn about agriculture in this area! We talked about soil pH, tillage, white mold and so many other things, I think my $25 membership will be well spent.

All that talk of land and soil got me thinking…

I did some thinking about the property and decided that (considering all the work that was needed) I wouldn't be putting an offer in there just yet... but don't worry, I haven't given up on a property, just not that property! 

I did go check out another property this weekend. 78 acres with a trailer and a (less than ideal) garage and small shed. I'll be checking out the land once the snow melts more (yes, we still have snow at the end of March...) but I'm not too hopeful, it looked like a lot of swamp… not so good for farming.

I’m keeping my ears and eyes open though (and the community is crawling with my spies!!). I’ve been hearing about a lot of residents and summer residents in the area who are thinking of selling property so if the perfect opportunity comes up, I’ll be ready!

2015 Ideas Forum for Youth in Agriculture

Today I participate in what I would consider to be my first venture into making agriculture a serious aspect of my life. 

An e-conference was held between the agriculture communities in Dryden (where I participated), Thunder Bay, Sudbury and Fort Frances. It was a great opportunity for someone like me (who is interested in breaking into the agribusiness scene) to find out more about the local market and gain invaluable contacts and market research information. As I work towards startup this sort of information will be vital!!

All this learning is so absurdly exciting for me, I can't even begin to describe! And we didn't even really talk agriculture, but business!

Another viewing...

Yesterday (sunday) (my day off) I was up at 8 (ok, that was pretty much sleeping in, but with the time change... not really!) and by 9 I was back at the house. Yep, same one from last weekend.

This weekend instead of just wandering and getting a "feel" for the place, I was all business. I brought Claude (my "farm boss" / architect friend) and my dad (who's a jack-of-all-trades and has renovated two houses) and Claude's girlfriend Tracey (it's always nice to have another female perspective!)... and my coveralls.

I spent a good couple of hours crawling around in the crawlspace, checking out the attic and breaking a path through the snow to the three out buildings.

Still no pictures, sorry! But I don't want to get anyone else's hopes up besides mine! Here's the verdict:

The house's foundation isn't 100% but it's a near miss. The older section of the place (built in 1958) will need to be lifted and shimmed... sounds like a lot but I'm confident I can get it done at minimal cost.

The flooring in that part of the house is nasty old carpet which I'd want to remove anyway... so if I do that and pull up the subfloor... I'll have a lot more room (than the foot tall crawlspace under there) to work.

The bit of black mold by the door isn't as bad as it seems, just bad insulation. The whole roof will likely need work in the insulation department... but apparently that's typical and not worth worrying over too much.

(Just working on some estimates for how much that will cost me!)

Besides that, the out buildings are phenomenal, the property is gorgeous and I am so anxious to put in an offer its absurd.

How was your weekend?