Grant Applied for

Integrated Perennial Weed Management On-Farm Research Mini-Grant Program
http://asap.sustainability.uiuc.edu/org-ag/

Which of the following best describes your farming operation?
Integrated crops/livestock operation

Which of the following best describes your farming operation?
Sustainable (low chemical use)

How large is your farm?
0-50 acres

Briefly describe your farm. Include the following information: How long you've been farming this land, crops and livestock raised (including cover crops), rotations, soil condition and fertility program, and current weed control strategies.
Started 2007. Livestock currently diversified, including goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, guineas, a horse & pony (considering more). Pastures in transition to organic (unregistered, but no pesticides for over 10 years), row crops previously rented - options being researched actively. Interested in testing intensive multispecies rotations.

Which of the following perennial weeds do you see on your farm?
Canada ThistlePlease describe the problem perennial weed(s) on your farm and the approach you've taken to date to control them.
Grazing and mowing & hand burning thistle has has limited success using goats & horses. Considering row crops this coming season.

Just Kidding!

We had our Spring Kids arrive early this year.

So far 2 sets of twins and 1 survivor from 5 born before we knew 2 does were kidding.
The first set of twins we named Hansel and Gretel. They arrived 1/27/09.
The survivor of the group found 2/18 we named Christian. He spent the night indoors.
The group was born in the common area and the cold or the Billies got 4...
We figured after Hans & Christian, the next boy would have to be Anderson.
Early the next morning, twin girl kids were brought in out of the cold.
They were named Saddle & Frostie. You can see them in the tub with Chris...
Now there are 3 momma goats in the house basement, all pretending not to belong to the 3 kids...
We brought in the next momma to be too, hoping to avoid the cold and the lost bonding time.
3 does with milk, and I wake over and over hearing the kids cry... finally gave in and bottlefed them a little...
what would La Leche League say?