Patricia Early's Comments

Hello Patricia I have to tell you (I am not that computer savvy but this amazed me). I got my 'Animal Health Technician' and 'Equine Science Specialist' Certificates in June. I was wondering what I could do with these since my job of delivering concrete has really died. I was reminded I could look it up on the computer well long story short under the 'EquineScienceSpecialistCerticiate' I found our conversation about our fathers, that we had here on this site. Wow how did that happen? Along with Michael Rutherford and Jim Snyder. It is crazy1 An excerpt from this site!

Judging by the direction you are taking in regards to your farming practices, I would suggest joining Farmers for a Sustainable Future. Jim Snyder started it, and I see that it will be a great resource for the direction I am trying to take with my southeast South Dakota farm. Maybe it will be for you, too!!

Hi Patricia, How are things with your garden going...I see you had trouble with your corn...The weather where I live is warmer, and is perfect gardening weather. We have been getting good rain. It is now causing trouble with our haying and other farm work. Jacki

Hi Patricia, hope all is well with you? I haven't seen you blog anything for a while so I thought I would check on you! I would love to hear how the gardening is going, ours not so good, weather has been cold, so we are planting very late. But should still get something out of it. Best Wishes from SD...Jacki

Wow Patricia, I am envious of your weather there! We had frost in Timber lake, South Dakota on Sunday morning, and my husband was worried about our alfalfa fields. I am just planning to start my garden here at home and plan to do a very large garden for the first time. I ama very excited and am hoping all works out. I will be planting from seed most everything and next year will start all my plants indoors and move them out. My mother in law believes everything has a right to life and ended up with 150 tomatoe plants she didnt get sold one year so she planted them all. She made tomatoe juice, ketchup, and everything else she could make from tomatoes. Its a great story...You seem to have alot of knowledge about plants and would you mind if I asked occassionally for advice.. I will try to not bother you to much. I have so much to learn. And would be very grateful for any advice you can provide me with. I am planning to sell some of my garden produce that is extra, and also give alot to the elderly. I live on a reservation called the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and I live on the South Dakota side in Corson County. Our tribe is in two states, both North and South Dakota. Timber Lake is not part of my reservation, but is the closest town and is where my mail comes out of. I love the pictures and can you put more on as time goes, I would love to see how your produce turns out. I am hoping to be able to someday leave my off the farm job and make what I need to support my living expenses off the greenhouse. My biggest fear is weeds and how am I going to control them without chemicals. We have never had any chemical used on our farm/ranch land. I would like to get an organic designation, and be able to go organic with part of my beef heard also. I am raising black angus cattle. Last year I was able to sell my calves all natural. Which means they are free of hormones and antibiotics. My husband and I believe in eating food that is all natural and we want to know what was used in producing our food. Love to hear from you!

Thanks Patricia sounds like you are off to a good start. I'm looking at growing into a CSA myself.
Have you heard of Georgia Organics? They do great work for small farmers. Its a great place to learn more they offer lots of classes and there are alot of members in youre area that could mentor you and help you with your CSA and advertising and growing and more.
I'm a member but not as many growers around my area unfortunately. There are a few but not many.
Thanks again Mike :)

Thanks for the comments on the photos. I love to take nature photos. I am glad my girls like to hike as much as me and explore. I wish I had more space to grow a lot more vegies and fruits.

Hi Patricia,
Loved hearing your story. About 10 years ago, I found my ag love and left the academic world. Looking forward to connecting with you. Are you from GA? We are in AL.

I was raised in the dirt, and as a child I remember getting upset and saying I would never do it again....lol Look at how we change and grow.
And I certainly know what you mean about being out there for hours and it not seeming that way at all.

Thank you, your blog is very interesting. I am finding this site to be somewhat addictive.
Annette