and two weeks later

I'm debating going outside to feed the horses and bulls before the temperature is above zero (currently hovering at -6).  I did survive the deep cold that hit the valley two weekends ago.  We hit -27 at the ranch, but the river (where the cows were) most certainly was between -30--40.  I think -13 is warm (this morning's temp.).  Our afternoon highs have recently just brimmed up to freezing and yesterday we made the great leap to 39 degrees.  Woot!

Okay, beyond the cool temperatures that I have experienced this winter and now much of the country have weathered, I have some news to report.

Yesterday I accepted a job offer from a tree nursery/orchard in New Mexico.  I visited their operation last Friday and Saturday and had a wonderful time.  It was nice to meet the folks more formally and tour their 10 acre operation.  They happen to be apart of the Quivira coalition network to.  Now, why trees? Many of you all know that I am interested in apples and cider making, but I have always had in my head the importance of knowing how to manage an orchard in a holistic/organic way.  The added-value products that come of the the fruit crop are necessary enterprises to make the bottom line, but if I'm going to feed or fill people up with fruit, it better be healthy--nutritionally and healthy from the lands point of view too.

An apple a day (of different varieties) will keep the doctor away.  The tree nursery does not only raise apples, but also pears, cherries, plums, peaches, crabapples, and a few non fruit bearing trees and shrubs.

I'll head down there in April.  In the mean time I'll continue to focus on cattle and my last few objectives here in CO.

Ice fog sunrise

Moving the cows to a corral to ship out

Loading shoot and semi

Not the best view of the orchard, but that's what I have.

Taking a break from cattle/livestock will probably prove hard and will help me assess how much I love raising livestock for others. 

Oh it's -1 now...