An April Visit

Last Wednesday we had  the opportunity to share a day at Wedge Oak Farm with two guests, Chef Brandon Frohne and photographer Ron Manville. We spent time with the chickens (broilers and layers), saw all of the pigs, and rode 4-wheelers around our wedge of Wilson County.
Chef Brandon prepared some super devlish eggs and cobblers to be photographed by Ron Manville. When the shoot was complete, we enjoyed the beautiful, sweet and savory items at the picnic table behind the old shop.
After feeding the pigs and turning the garden for spring, Brian Ferrell  joined us and Anne arrived from WOF deliveries. Both got there in time to enjoy the delicacies that the hens did not eat while our backs were turned. Tricky chickens...

 

Check out Chef Brandon Frohne's blog for more details of our day and to discover what he finds noeworthy about food and farms.

Nashville Urban Gardeners

Peonies

From the yard...

Wedge Oak Farm is busy this Spring!

These Mangalitsas enjoy their perch above the tree tops.

Check Anne and Karen out in the Local Table

Little Poland Chinas are the newest addition to our passel of pigs.

Gator, our guardian of the brooder, loves to follow the 4 wheeler on morning work. He trails behind with his ears flapping and tail wagging as he greets the other farm residents daily. At night he sleeps by the little chicks and keeps the hungry at bay.

We processed our first batch of pastured broilers for the season this week! Call 615-547-4222 or email if you might like a few for your fridge or freezer. wedgeoak@gmail.com

Little Bruno

This Mangalitsa loves his new creekside view of Wilson county!
This little boar is being raised for the purpose of creating little Brunos and Brunas. Right now he is relaxing and enjoying visits from the wild turkeys and the springtime singing frogs.

Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar + Molasses Drizzle

We started this process 21 days ago. The recipe called for apple peels, cores and water. Alva and I peeled and cored a bag of apples. We shared the apple with chickens, pigs and the 2 ducks.
I have tried to remember to stir the concoction every day but know I missed a few along the way. In this old farm house the temperature range has likely varied more than the 65-70 degree range suggested. But after just 21 days this bowl has the whole kitchen smelling like vinegar! Success!
This apple cider vinegar will be mixed equal parts with black strap molasses and drizzled on every animal's food it the course of several days. All of our livestock loves the mix. All the benefits of vinegar with the delicious minerals and nutrients of the black strap molasses.
Sounds tempting, no?

Chicks in the Brooder-Tweet, Tweet

These chicks are 5 days old in this picture and they survived the 12-16 degree nights of the past weekend. When the weather is super cold we utilize an Ohio style brooder it really cuts the cold out. Add a cardboard "skirt" around the entire thing and the chicks can decide where they want to be. It is just like the summertime under the brooder and more like spring out and about. Everybody loves options!

Ingrid enjoyed the sun today