Week 34

This weekend we had a visit from the members of Farmers Unlimited, the lifestyle farmers group that we belong to, as well as members of Tree Croppers. The purpose of the visit was two-fold - for us to get some suggestions and advice from experienced farmers, and to provide a fruit tree pruning demonstration for everybody, using our trees as a live example.

The day was pretty successful. We had up to 30 people here, but everyone fit in well. The day started off rainy but cleared up by the time everyone arrived. Had hoped to do everything outdoors but the ground was too muddy so everyone came inside for morning tea and lunch. But the house had plenty of room for all.

First we did a tour of the property, through all the fields. P did most of the talking, while I answered some questions from people. Other than some comments about how the fences needed mending and that you just have to make time to do the things around the place, I'm not sure that we got much in the way of advice.

I missed the majority of the tree pruning demonstration as I was inside looking after the children. However the main thing I learned was that pruning can take place in either winter or summer (I thought it was only winter) and that major pruning shouldn't be done at this time of year as it is too wet and the tree could get fungus/infection.

The next Farmers Unlimited gathering will include a cheese making demonstration, so I am looking forward to going to that one. I may not have time to try my hand at it, but it will still be interesting to learn.

-M