Thanks, Rob, for capturing so well the flavor of spring on the farm. It's a multi-sensory experience! Now, what "variety" is the peach? They look good, but must be hardy to flourish here.
Glad to hear the chicks have arrived. You raise the best-tasting chickens!
I'm currently reading "Whitewash" and it describes the high levels of glyphosate found in Iowa honey (not surprisingly). Do you know of any honey sellers who are located such that they might have lower levels? I realize bees range pretty widely, so chances of avoiding glyphosate are slim, but am always hopeful that you have the answers, Rob.
Glenn, I do appreciate the compliment regarding the chickens. We certainly do our best to do right by them.
As far as glyphosate-free honey is concerned, I can tell you that guaranteeing that in the Midwest is impossible. The only rule of thumb you can use is to identify someone who does honey where the hives are in the center of a larger area that is not farmed/sprayed. However, even then, there are pesticides that migrate to all parts of our state. Nothing here is pesticide free. A sad fact I'd like to see us work on changing.
There's something super special about seeing the tree you planted bloom for the first time, isn't there? We planted an apple tree several years ago and it grew big; we were hoping it would bloom this year. The first two blooms just opened up three days ago - beautiful white/pink. Hard to fathom how the little stick with roots came in the mail, was barely up to my navel at planting, then grew to a big tree at least twice my height, and is now blooming so beautifully... A really special feeling... (A first for us).
Thanks, Rob, for capturing so well the flavor of spring on the farm. It's a multi-sensory experience! Now, what "variety" is the peach? They look good, but must be hardy to flourish here.
Glad to hear the chicks have arrived. You raise the best-tasting chickens!
I'm currently reading "Whitewash" and it describes the high levels of glyphosate found in Iowa honey (not surprisingly). Do you know of any honey sellers who are located such that they might have lower levels? I realize bees range pretty widely, so chances of avoiding glyphosate are slim, but am always hopeful that you have the answers, Rob.
The peach is Iowa White. You can learn more about it here: https://store.experimentalfarmnetwork.org/products/iowa-white-peach
Glenn, I do appreciate the compliment regarding the chickens. We certainly do our best to do right by them.
As far as glyphosate-free honey is concerned, I can tell you that guaranteeing that in the Midwest is impossible. The only rule of thumb you can use is to identify someone who does honey where the hives are in the center of a larger area that is not farmed/sprayed. However, even then, there are pesticides that migrate to all parts of our state. Nothing here is pesticide free. A sad fact I'd like to see us work on changing.
There's something super special about seeing the tree you planted bloom for the first time, isn't there? We planted an apple tree several years ago and it grew big; we were hoping it would bloom this year. The first two blooms just opened up three days ago - beautiful white/pink. Hard to fathom how the little stick with roots came in the mail, was barely up to my navel at planting, then grew to a big tree at least twice my height, and is now blooming so beautifully... A really special feeling... (A first for us).
Agreed! Glad you are seeing some success.