Filling in Cover Crops & Monitoring for Predator Damage

Village Farm Team,

The team ordered thirty pounds of New Zealand White Clover seeds this week to plant as a cover crop on the North Farm and in the vineyard. Though we planted some on a portion of the North Farm back in November, we’re working to fill in any existing gaps. Clover is a member of the Leguminosae (legume) family which has the ability to fix beneficial nitrogen to the soil. In addition to the soil health benefits, the clover will attract favorable insect life and work to prevent soil erosion. White clover in particular is more heat tolerant and can handle foot and tractor traffic better than other varieties.

The safety and health of our farm animals is of the highest priority. Our pens were designed to keep predators out and our animals comfortable and safe. Wild dogs, coyotes, bobcats, and even raccoons can pose a serious threat to our animals. The team regularly monitors both the chicken and goat enclosures for potential damage or signs of weakness in the perimeter fencing.

Our veggie wagon is back this Saturday, February 3rd, from 8am to noon. It was closed last week so our team could participate in the first aid training course with residents at the Farmhouse. Since the training both a first aid kit and an AED (automated external defibrillator) were installed at the farm office.

Don’t forget we’ve got Farm Fun Day coming up on Saturday! Depending on the weather, we will either be gathering to work in the greenhouse or spreading clover seed. Make sure to keep an eye out for the e-mail update so you know where we will be meeting.