We’ve been at Paradise Valley Ranch for a full week now and we’ve already learned so much! Here are a few experiences to highlight:
- We witnessed a mama rabbit give birth to 12 kits.
- We’ve chased wayward sheep back into their fences multiple times because sheep are dumb. Sheep aren’t super fast, but you get your cardio in for the day!
- AC and I helped in catch, slaughter, and gut roosters–something that will definitely come in handy on our homestead!
- AC has learned how to drive a tractor and a Bobcat (both on her “internship to-do” list).
Due to my work schedule, unfortunately, my daytime participation on the farm has been limited (and the FOMO is killing me). I assist with morning chores and have volunteered to take on evening chores alone most nights. On the other hand, AC has been working 8+ hour days. This week AC spent time in the green house and garden learning about planting and vegetables, she helped paint a barn, she learned to use a chainsaw and was able to cut down small trees, and she spent time picking up irrigation pipes to prepare for winter.
We’ve also made a few decisions for our future homestead, including:
- We will not have pigs. They tear up the land and they’re just too big. I got pushed around by a couple full grown Berkshires while I was trying to feed them and did not love that.
- Because sheep are so stupid, we probably will not have them either. TBD. Goats are still on my list, but we’ll learn more about those in our California stop in October.
- Rabbits and chickens are definite additions to our ‘stead. They’re both really easy and don’t require much land.
- Cows are also really easy! But they require way more land than smaller livestock (duh). Down the road, I would not be opposed to getting a dairy cow and a couple of meat cows if we have the space. The highland cows (meat cows) they have here on the ranch are really fun and have personalities!
Wednesday, for my birthday, Karla and Olivier hosted us for dinner. They served a true farm-to-table meal. Olivier grilled both Highland and Hereford steaks and we did a blind taste test. I liked the Highland more and AC preferred the Hereford, but either way, both were delicious. We also had salad, beets and carrots and onions with goat cheese (so good), grilled chicken, and baked potatoes. To top it all off, Karla made me a gluten free angel food cake for dessert (my favorite)! It was so great to spend time visiting with everyone and so nice of them to host a birthday celebration for me.
Until next time,
Charli