I didn’t sleep well last night. Two years ago, while performing a controlled burn, we had the wind pick up in the evening, and our fire threatened to get away from us. I will never forget it. Though we contained the blaze, the memory is a reminder, a warning, of how quickly a controlled burn can move. I know the area we prepared and am grateful that the state is helping us this year.
Sunday is a day of rest in the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee. Life on Coal Creek Farm doesn’t stop, so even though I don’t have chores precisely planned, I still have things to do. It’s an excellent morning to split wood for the fire, and my youngest son has gotten good at making kindling. Afterward,…
I love this time of year. Flowers are popping up everywhere, and our cattle seem to love the Spring weather, too. Our calves look fat and happy as they explore slightly further from their mother’s side. It makes me smile to watch them run, jumping high in the air as they go charging down the…
We got about a half-inch of rain yesterday and expect the same today. The cows make a muddy mess when it’s wet, but the hayfields need the rain, especially as new blooms pop every day. I took the ATV to the White’s Creekside of the farm. Our five thousand acres are divided by two creeks….
After another windy night, I needed to check the fence along Glen’s Road. I rode side-by-side toward the Coal Creek Gorge. I only found a few limbs on the fence. I started at the branches using an electric chainsaw I bought last year. I am still impressed with how powerful the saw is. I could…
My body always feels so good after a day of exercise. A healthy diet and exercise are integral to my life. That’s partially why I like to walk around my farm instead of always driving cars, atv or tractor. A cool spring day like today has the added advantage that there are no snakes and…
It’s cloudy and overcast this morning at Coal Creek Farm. The rain will roll in around lunchtime, so we need a quick start this morning. It’s another good day for the cattle operation as we have eight newborn calves looking happy and healthy. We ran out of time with the Bush Hog yesterday, so today,…