Lambing Week-end and New Website

Winter Happenings from Mint Creek Farm

Round two approaches in the world of lambing, kidding and calving at Mint Creek this February 2011. Round one started in late October as we have had in excess of several hundred lambs and a much lesser number of kids and calves. We planned to have January off from birthing but the animals have a way of amending those best laid plans, though the numbers have been lesser.

This being our seventeenth year of helping bring animals into the world each one is unique in its challenges. Life is a wonderful mystery and to see it manifest in the birth of an animal is both a treasure and a miracle. Too see this in action hundreds of times a year can leave one less in awe and more in the world of practicality of let's get on with it, next. Occasionally I need to pinch myself and wakeup. What just happened here?

Much of the efforts in our world of livestock husbandry can be defined in a struggle to survive. It's the super bowl of life versus death. New life manifesting at birth leaves one with a fiduciary responsibility of care, love and nurturance to assure the success of the life forces at work. Certainly quality of life is enhanced with good nutrition and healthy environmental practices that good shepherding can make possible. Trust me, it's a lot of work, work, work and more work! Yet we still fall short in our efforts and at times death overcomes life and one has to stave off depression and loss.

To expend all this energy in aiding life and then to sacrifice that life for one's meal is the most difficult task I do as a farmer. This is not a callous enterprise. It has to be a labor of love as the hours are too long and the income too sparse to be worthy otherwise. So why engage in this effort?

Harry

Lambing Week-end

Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20

Come celebrate the lambing season at Mint Creek Farm. What better way to ditch that gray, winter attitude than to hang out with hundreds of cute as can be, newly born lambs. If the timing is right, you may even witness a lamb birth. In addition to the newbie lambs there are young calves, kids, piglets and all the lambs born late last fall.

At 2 PM the fun will begin at Greenhouse Bed and Breakfast just a little down the road from Mint Creek Farm. Once you are settled into your room Harry Carr will begin the tour. After some quality time with all the 4-legged creatures, you can say hello to the chickens and collect a few eggs. Back at the B&B enjoy a relaxing evening starting with a delicious dinner created by Chef Guia Hoffman. (Please feel free to bring your beverage of choice.) In the morning load up on the hearty, hot breakfast 'cause you'll need energy for helping with farm chores.

Of course all of this is weather permitting with a rain date set for April 16-17.

Cost is $300 for adults and includes all meals, lodging and farm fun. Children 3-12 are $200 and there is no charge for children under 3. Due to the intimate nature of this event and the limited room availability at the B&B don't wait to register. Call Julie at 708-828-4325 for more information and to reserve your spot.

Our new website is up and running. Be sure to visit mintcreekfarm.com

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SPIRIT IN ANIMAL AGRICULTURE

by Harry Carr

I aspire to life and the spirit behind it

but feel remorse at the loss of life when harvesting animals

Into the deep wellspring at the gathering place of the eternal

I await recompense and formulate redemption

An onerous burden we carry

Receiving blessings yet consuming endings

The dark toll of my carnal respiration

In these guilt ridden corridors lie remnants of righteous conscience

Yet for life to reach its full exaltation sacrifice abounds

We are but one link in the long chain all connected

Food needs to be alive to have spirit

That spirit must move thru us as we continue the movement

Vibrating in wait for our time with the eternal

Mint Creek Farm

1693 E. 3800 N. Road

Stelle, Illinois 60919

815-256-2202
www.mintcreekfarm.com
mintcreekfarm.blogspot.com
hcarr@mintcreekfarm.com