Living Whole Through Sustainable Agriculture

Newly Formed MS Chapter!!!!

2012-01-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow farmers and gardeners,

I am elated to tell you about our newly formed Mississippi Chapter of National Women & Men In Agriculture Association, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Founded and Executive Director, Tammy Gray-Steele. Our mission is to empower, educate, assist and provide opportunities to underserved citizens of all ages; with an emphasis on health and agriculture.

4-H program recognized for promoting health (03-17-2011)

2011-03-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

4-H program recognized for promoting health (03-17-2011)

Great Pyrenees Puppies In New Homes

2010-09-07T20:25:00.001-07:00

Hello farmers, gardeners, and everyone in between,

I had a really nice summer as you will soon realize as you read on further. So I will begin with my gorgeous great pyrenees puppies born late spring. We have found them new homes in Mississippi. Both puppies were so good at learning their duties as livestock guardian dogs. From this litter and year before last litter we have puppies scattered across the Southeast helping other farmers keep away predators. My Great Pyrenees family keep away opossums, chicken eaters and foxes, yes lamb and sheep eaters. So far so good no casualties well just them. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Take a glimpse at our pride and joy :-)

2010 Fig Harvest

2010-09-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

Well, whole food shoppers and fig fritters connoisseurs may be a little disappointed in not receiving RD & S Farm, LLC tasty figs this year. We decided to keep this years harvest and create natural preserve. I solicited help from an elder in the community to assist me to make sure I don't make a total mess of these figs. Enjoy!

2nd chick to be born

2010-09-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

This is our second chick to be born on the property. We are so excited because these chicks are being born to hens that were given to me at a farm conference. I am so delighted to see nature harmoniously at work daily on our farm. This is the life why not come join in the fun. Create your space to be sustainable to your needs and let nature take it course. Happy Gardening!

Largest Zucchini Yet

2010-09-07T20:07:00.001-07:00

I had to single out this huge harvest that fed my family but mine you it is a small family. I am a proud gardener to harvest such a fine specimen :-0
This zucchini was the backbone for the plant itself because once this one was harvested the plant was on its last leg. Remember: Happy Gardening

Playing Catch Up :-)

2010-09-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I have been doing so many other things so I do apologize for not posting regularly. But now is my time to play catch up with you. These are some pictures of some of our spring/summer harvest. As of Sept. 6th I am still harvesting okra - red velvet to be exact. OOOOooooohhhhhhh! they are scrumptious. I have heard so many comments about local farmers harvest this spring/summer. A few quotes, "My vegetables are taking longer to grow this time around", "I am still getting tomatoes and it is time for me start planting fall crops", "This has been a great season". As you know these quotes came from backyard gardeners, row crop(conventional) farmers, and small natural farmers. My opinion is this is the time for everyone to get to growing something in a container, backyard, front yard :-), rent plots from retired farmers, and create community gardens. Spread the word, Grow your own food!

Whew! Able to take a quick break :-)

2010-06-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I have been very busy on the farm preparing garden plot after garden plot to have enough space to plant the extraordinary variety of vegetables and fruit. I do have to apologize there are not any pictures as of yet. I will be taking some soon. Remember, too busy to even think of the camera. At this time, we have zucchini squash, yellow crooked neck squash, okra, cucumbers, chard, tomatoes, watermelons growing, and of course the others that have not yet sprouted but will be well on their way shortly. So enough with the breather now back to work.

Happy Gardening!!

Spring Vegetables Are Planted

2010-03-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I know that I am a little behind schedule but we all know it will work out. Since I am a novice at vegetable gardening I always plant all sorts of vegetables like beets, sweet pepper, chard, gourds, cucumbers, onions, arugula, watermelon just to name a few ;-) I love planting and watching for the sprouts to burst through the soil. The true essence of nature at work.

New Addition To Our Farm

2010-03-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

I know you are saying, "again". Well, this family love animals and we especially like animals that people don't want anymore. So I would like to introduce to you our Pure New Zealands (two white ones) and our Dutch and New Zealand mix rabbits. Yes, I typed it RABBITS. Now I know you would love this addition to your family as well. All soft and cuddly, the perfect pet. Our purpose for adding these beautiful rabbits are for our children visitors that don't like large animals such as sheep, goats, and dogs but prefer a smaller animal. The rabbit is the perfect match for that youngster.

February Lambs

2010-03-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

We are progressing everyday here on the farm. We have two new lambs born in the month of February. If the births are similar to last year we will have some more in March on into April. So I would like for everyone to see the beautiful lambs.

Baby Chicks Have Arrived

2010-03-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

We have new baby chicks on the farm. So our numbers are increasing before long we will have enough laying hens to produce enough eggs to share. So stay tune for the announcement to pick up your carton of eggs at a whole food grocery near you.

Youth Garden Workshop

2010-03-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow bloggers,

It has been awhile since I have given information about the farm. Well, I was really hibernating now I am coming out of the warm house to the warmth of the outside to get to work. Of course, I had to work in the cccccooooollllddd weather this winter but I am so glad to see the sunny days. Our Spring Break Youth Garden Workshop was a hit with all ages. We had a ball learning how to market our produce from our garden and also learning to turn that produce, fruit, and herbs into a value-added product. Then we went to work on our Lasagna Garden which is basically composting in a bed.
1. Newspapers/Cardboard to suppress the weeds.
2. Food scraps from your kitchen but no meat products.
3. Leaves, grass clippings, mulch.
4. Composted manure
5. Soil from the area if needed to cover up excess food scraps.
I am looking forward to doing this on a continuous basis during the spring and summer so give me a call if you would like for me to do a workshop for your youth.

Fire Pit Project

2009-11-25T14:37:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

I want to first thank two friends, Michael and Ms.Cine' for inspiring me to do this project. I was able to see a beautiful fire pit on Ms. Cine' property and because Michael suggested I fill in my low spot on my garden plot. I decided to use the soil I was digging out to fill in. One project but two uses. To remind everyone I am using some Permaculture principles:
(1) Each element performs multiple functions
(2) Turn problems into solutions
You see the fire pit project helped our fall garden with very rich and full of life(earthworms)soil. Thanks to the both of you for being truly sustainable farmers.

Jackson Air Show

2009-11-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

Another family outing recently to the Jackson Air Show. Wow! We always have a ball at air shows. This was the first show for my youngest so you know he had a blast. Here are just a few pictures to give you a glimpse of our day. Enjoy :-)

Our Ship Island Trip

2009-11-11T16:40:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

Just another update on a day trip we took recently with other families. This is Ship Island which is located about 15 miles off our Gulf Coast. It is a four generation family that owns a charter boat company that takes you to the various islands located on the coast. You can spend a day or half day trip.
Enjoy the pictures.

Freshly Planted Fall Grasses & Mustard Greens

2009-11-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

We have two breeds of sheep, Kathadins and Gulf Coast Native. As you can see, they are enjoying themselves so much with the newly planted fall grasses and mustard greens. They will be here for a few days and will be moved on to a new plot. Yum, Yum, Yum :-)

Fall Garden is Getting Prepared

2009-11-11T16:10:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

As you can see I have been diligently working on my fall crop. I have a large array of vegetables so I am having to increase the size of the garden plot. Also we will be adding another area for the spring/summer garden which will be even larger. Hey, I am learning and with learning growth will occur. I am so excited about everything that has happen this year. I will keep you abreast of the future of these seedlings.

Newly Harvested Sweet Potatoes

2009-11-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

This picture is a fraction of what was harvested. We have already sold some and have selected our best for a value-added product coming out soon. So be watching for a delicious treat to be added to your area whole food store. This was so amazing for our family. Of course, most of you know that this was my first time officially vegetable gardening so to produce a harvest like this was fantastic. I cannot wait to come up with many recipes for these scrumptious delights.

BBC Filming a Documentary at Jackson RoadMap to Health Farmers Market

2009-11-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
This was a fascinating day with the Staff of BBC, Staff of Jackson RoadMap to Health Farmers Market, and fellow farmers and community residents to be able to talk about the impact this farmers market has done for the community that has no grocery stores in the immediate area. Residents would have to drive at least 20 minutes to the nearest store. This documentary is suppose to be comparing the lives of two obese British citizens and two United States citizens to show reasons how they got to this point in their lives. I hope the project is successful and we get to see it soon in our own living rooms.
Stay tune :-)

Preparing Property To Increase Farm Operation

2009-11-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here is my oldest son cutting trees on our property to open up the canopy for the sun to reach the ground so grass can grow. This project will take us the fall/winter season to complete. As you can see we have a lot of work to do on cutting the smaller trees that are being smothered out by larger trees. So wish us luck and if you want to help please give me a call :-) We could use more chainsaws and able bodies.

My youngest raising snapping turtles experience has come to an end

2009-11-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

The fantastic adventure of my youngest raising snapping turtles has come to an end. We let the turtles go a week ago into the reservoir so they can grow even larger. He really loved this experience and for a toddler he took care of them like a professional. It has to be in the blood, loving all animals. He enjoyed feeding, watering, and watching their habits to enlighten him about snapping turtles daily routine. Stay tune to another animal adventure. My oldest has spoke about raising rabbits for an addition to the farm animals. I will let you know when the official homecoming will be.

2009 4-H Livestock Show Season Begins

2009-10-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

The first weekend of show season has begun the opening of the Mississippi State Fair is the key. Well, it started off on Friday, Oct. 2nd as a very hot day seem like August because all of us were sweating our shirts wet. On Oct. 3rd, you know it now very cold such a drastic change in a day but as always it started off very early.

6:45 a.m. Check In for livestock judging team
7:30 a.m. Competition begins
12:30 p.m. Competition is still going but coming to a close
1:00 p.m. Hinds County Livestock Judging Team has received 2nd place:-)
1:05 p.m. My child has not eaten all day, well he is not a breakfast person I bet he will start if he keep up these kind of hours.
2:00 p.m. The 2009-2010 Show season officially begins
4:00 p.m. R.D. competed in showmanship and received 2nd place after the judge had to contemplate about the placement for him to be 1st or 2nd. Now that he is taller once he set his lambs and stand up the lamb relaxes. The judge expressed that to him and his friend that are much taller and look like grown men now.
7:00 p.m. Time to show his Hampshire lamb afterwhich we loaded up and headed home.

One show down and many more to go after a 14 hour day.

Also this day Barnyard Crew 4-H Club walked in the Annual Memory Walk of the Alzheimer's Association at Trustmark Park at 10 a.m. This event was well attended and we were glad to assist such a wonderful organization.

http://trackerblog.instedd.org/2009/09/26/the-farm-next-door/

2009-09-30T20:31:00.001-07:00

http://trackerblog.instedd.org/2009/09/26/the-farm-next-door/

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Fall Garden Is Growing

2009-09-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

I am so happy because I planted on Sept. 4th. The day the almanac states would be the best planting day. I planted quite a bit which I showed everyone earlier and as of the third day those seeds were coming up. I am so excited. Everything is coming up. This is phenomenal. Take a look and as always enjoy. You can see I am quite an amateur when it comes to being a vegetable grower but I am so elated to be learning and eating healthy, nutritious food while learning.

Our Farm First Composting To Vermicomposting

2009-09-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

After attending a workshop with Will Allen from Growing Power, Inc. I have been inspired to do a better composting system using pallets, screen of various sizes and masonry blocks and of course everything to make compost. Shortly, I will be adding worms to create a worm bin which was my initial goal but I got some veggie scraps so I needed to bury quickly. This is the beginning of our newly forming composting to vermicomposting area. Enjoy :-)

Fall Planting is On The Way :-)

2009-09-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

I am so elated to have such a better vision of vegetable and herb growing now leading into my second half of my first season of growing myself. I am learning each and every day the essence of growing food. My children and I are having so much fun learning, planting, watering, and harvesting. The fall garden I somewhat went crazy with buying seeds and I plan on buying more but don't fret they will not be wasted. Through this journey I desparately have to learn how to save seeds. This is something my ancestors did but of course I have forgotten and now have to reteach myself. Welcome to our journey of vegetable and herb gardening.

Lambs For Sale for Meat

2009-09-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

RD & S Farm, LLC is coming to a plate near you with our lamb meat. You special order your cuts up to 25lbs. when you come and view a lamb or online, pay a deposit with signature and in a few days you have perfectly cut meat to your satisfaction and taste. These two are our first lambs for sale. If you are interested please give me a call.

The Last Update with Tadpole Adventure

2009-09-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

My life has been so hectic lately with an abrupt family situation but of course I am handling it the way I do. Keep smiling and move on. The day the last tadpole left was an amazing day. I woke up early and walked into my greenhouse makeshift room within my house to sit and look at my flowers and meditate. I noticed the last little tadpole on the side of the container drying a little and getting ready to make its first jump. I immediately got my youngest son up from bed to take a look because I knew when he actually gets up the frog would be gone. He was still half sleep but he walked over and looked and made a few comments but went back to bed. When he finally got up the frog was gone but he got hysterical because he didn't really remember that he viewed it earlier. Screaming "Where did he go?" I explained that he is gone to start living its life in the wild catching bugs and being a true frog. That did satisfy him but everyday a so I get asked to go back to the Tougaloo-Rainbow Garden to get some more tadpoles to start this adventure all over again. So look for the Second Tadpole Adventure coming to a blog page near you. :-0

Our Vegetable Garden is Producing :-)

2009-08-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

I am so proud of myself and my son for taking the initiative to start a vegetable garden. It is very important to learn how to truly be a sustainable farm so I am elated in the outcome. Of course, we have much more to learn but the work put into it this year will just be multiplied for years to come. I would like to thank everyone that gave me transplants for my garden. You definitely know who you are. Thanks so much for caring about us enough to give a helping hand. I would like to express to everyone please start a garden it will benefit you and your family forever. The importance of connecting to nature and the benefits of producing your own food. Remember: You can garden year around and August is the time to plant for your fall garden. Grab an almanac and get started. Here are a few pictures of our gardens. Enjoy!

One of our fig products! Hmmmmm

2009-07-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Our first fig product cooked was our fig fritters. We have had a great response. We did several taste testing samples and one event which we sold the figs as well. Our response was Hmmmmm! Hmmmmmm! Good. Some of the comments: What are these?, No, this cannot be figs, Fig Fritters?, Can I get another? I was elated on the response so make sure you put your order in early for a baking showcase at your next year event.
Here is a view of the fig fritters. Enjoy :-)

My youngest caught his first fish!

2009-07-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

He was so excited about this feat. He went to an event earlier that day where we could fish but mommy forgot the fishing rod so I promised him we would go fishing once we got back home. Of course, we did and this is the result of being on the pond bank for about 10 minutes. I always knew my children would love nature but they have taken to the next level. Their love for large animals like our farm animals, small animals like the tadpoles, ants, and rolly pollies, our first vegetable garden, hunting, fishing, muddin' on the lawn mower or 4-wheeler is good living to them. I am glad we are able to provide this type of atmosphere to them so they can explore whenever. Loving Nature makes you feel good. Try it you will like it!

Out of State Guest Farm Tour

2009-07-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

This was very exciting to have visitors from out of state interested in natural raising of livestock and fruit. Our guest wanted to know the importance of raising animals and fruit naturally would benefit them eventually. Some very good questions but of course that is what our society is moving towards as we speak. The children enjoyed the animals as well especially the dogs. This was an exciting day for RD & S Farm, LLC and we are looking forward to many more visitors in the future. Our goal is to educate the masses about the importance of healthy living through healthy agriculture. No Farms, No Food is the motto today. Here is a peak at our guests.
Come join us one day for a quick tour.

Pet Friends are Growing :-)

2009-07-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

Our extended family of pets as you all know are the tadpoles and frogs. Both animals are doing great. My youngest is having a truly grand experience taking care of the animals and watching them grow. At this time, we have acquired more tadpoles because he had such a fun experience with the first we went and gathered more to have a great frog world beginning day. I know it will be a good transition because my son cannot wait for them to become frogs. My childhood tadpole raising experience was great because when I let my frog go he stayed around the house catching insects for a very long time. I am hoping for the same experience for my son. Here are some pictures to let you in on our world of pets.

My youngest newest pet addition

2009-07-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

We have a new pet addition to our family. Today, we gave him a small turtle. I expressed to him that we will watch him for a few days and put him back into the pond.
It is all about learning the behaviors of animals and experiencing the care for them.
He is having such a grand time being in charge of something. Watching him is so enlightening for a parent because you all know I love nature. So to see your child mimic your behaviors but do it sometimes even better is so satisfying. Here is a glimpse through the eyes of my four year old. Enjoy!

RD & S Farm, LLC is moving up!

2009-07-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, RD & S Farm, LLC has officially entered into the world of retail. Our fruit has been placed into a local whole food grocery store. I am so excited about this new endeavor but you know it took work to produce a product for that industries satisfaction. We will pursue placing other goods in this store and many others. So be on the look out for products with our very own Head Ram In Charge picture/logo at a store nearest you. Thanks for all of your support.

Tadpole now has back legs

2009-07-15T20:39:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone,

Just giving you an update on my youngest son journey of raising a frog. Our tadpole now is displaying the back legs which means we will soon be letting it go. It has been very rewarding to watch my four year old feed, check on, and just sit and watch his new found pet. I feel like this experience helps him to learn the responsibilities of raising an animal and of course the beauty of life itself. The rapid changes beings go through on a daily basis that are not necessary negative but a life circumstance but every being is equiped to withstand those life changes. This journey for him really has given him a new outlook on responsibility, care, nurturing, and of course separation. Take a look at the new legs:-)

First Official Day of Fig Harvesting

2009-07-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

July 11, 2009 was our first day to harvest our certified organic figs. This was really a very busy day because it was also my family reunion but farm work is never done. The figs had to be picked because they were well you guess it, ripe. I have not officially weighed them but I can estimate 10 pounds easy. I had an encounter also with one of the birds swooping by my head wanting me to leave their favorite meal of the season alone but no can do these figs will be for the wonderful customers of RD & S Farm, LLC.
Take a look at what we have to offer.

2009-07-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

What is Sustainable Agriculture?

2009-07-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

Sustainable agriculture is a way of raising food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances rural communities. Sustainable agriculture or alternative agriculture is an approach to agriculture that "deliberately integrates and takes advantage of naturally occurring beneficial interactions."

Sustainable agriculture is not a singular approach to production agriculture, but rather a range of practices--a system-- including:

integrated pest management,
organic farming,
crop rotations,
crop selection,
planting practices that reduce soil erosion.

Sustainable agricultural practices are also applied to the production of livestock.

The term sustainability refers to economic development that takes full account of the environmental consequences of economic activity and is based on the use of resources that can be replaced or renewed and therefore are not depleted.

(Source: Michael Allaby, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Ecology [Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1994], 376.)

In 1999, Americans spent $618 billion for foods originating from the U.S. farms. Of that only 20 percent was paid to farmers, the rest covered expenses for transportation, processing and distribution.

Source: Farm Service Agency. www.fsa.usda.gov

There are many websites that explain and suggest techniques of sustainable agriculture or farming.

One company that I would like to reference is Growing Power, Inc. heading by the CEO Will Allen of Milwaukee, WI. This organization with the leadership of Mr. Allen is sustainable agriculture. He has implemented many of these techniques which is feeding the North side of Milwaukee and teaching worldwide these techniques for anyone to re-create anywhere.

Check it out:

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k39D2myzRFQ

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NutSMk2mpdM&feature=related

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kENge18wIqg&feature=related

Filmmaker Bonnie Bucqueroux and her dog Schmoopsie look at the sustainable agriculture movement, including a visit to Michigan State University's Student Organic Farm, where Dr. John Biernbaum discusses the options people have to grow their own food or to buy from local growers.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqNBeSp1MRw

My youngest learning about a frogs life cycle

2009-07-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

As you read on the earlier entry of our days journey of sustainable agriculture day. We also brought back a little friend for my youngest. Well of course he made it his friend. A tadpole from the swale at the community garden that he had to fill back up with water because of our 100 degree heat lately and for all of his hard work the garden manager caught a tadpole for him and put it in a cup. Now we are taking care of a tadpole at our farm as well. Here you will be able to see the first day of a frogs life cycle. Stay tune!

Celebrating Sustainable Agriculture

2009-07-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

Today started off pretty early with a trip to our community garden, Tougaloo-Rainbow Sustainable Garden where my youngest son and I planted pumpkin seeds. We help to water the two garden plots and left with a treat cucumbers and tomatoes. Next, the journey led us to Belhaven Market where I was looking for my farmer friends from Sweet Magnolia Farm to get some squash and swiss chard but they were not there today. So we ended up making business connections with some old friends and again left with a treat tomatoes and butternut squash. Lastly, our journey led us to the High Street Farmers Market where again saw some old aquaintances and purchased some squash (finally) and peas and the treat from this stop was some beautiful art for my sons. So you see our day was most fulfilling now I am getting ready to cook a fabulous vegetarian meal for the day we are celebrating sustainable agriculture.

Local 4-H Club uses Web Conference for Meeting

2009-07-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight was I first ever web conference meeting for our monthly meeting. I think everyone enjoyed it especially the parents because guess what, NO DRIVING. I am looking forward to many more meetings like and of course we do have face to face meetings. The children were especially elated to hear and see me on their computer without leaving home. We have a great special assignment that needed to get out their to the 4-H'ers so I could not wait to next months meeting.
I love technology :-)