Roussane Grapes and Bunch Rot
Bunch rot – we never thought we would battle this fungus in our vineyard. After all, we live in west Texas where it is dry and has ideal grape growing conditions!
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Veraison and Cluster Counts = Ripening Grapes!
The grapes are ripening and the race is on the find the ripest ones before anyone else does! We are taking a quick break from tucking the vines (canopy management) to do cluster counts. This is exciting because we find out how many tons of grapes to expect at harvest!
Wire Raising in the Vineyard
It is hard to believe that June is here! Thankfully, we have been spared from hail which frequently accompanies our thunderstorms and the vineyard is…
Maybelle, the New Calf is Born!
Our wait is over – Margie finally had her calf and we get our fresh milk supply back! Margie has been showing signs that the time for calving was close for over a week now but not until Friday morning did we know it would happen without any problems.
Ducks for the Farm
I only meant to bring home a couple of ducklings! But, they were just so cute. So, six ducklings later, I made it home – I guess it is a good thing there were only three colors! Move over chickens…here come the ducks.
Home Butchering – Homegrown Grass-fed Beef
Warning: This post contains pictures of the actual butchering process – they are real life and may be considered by some to be too gruesome…
Spring Vineyard – It’s Coming Alive!
One of my favorite times in the vineyard is spring. After appearing to be dead through the winter months, it suddenly comes alive with beautiful green buds. With the beginning of the growing season here, we are already looking forward to harvest and a good crop!
No More Milk – Yeah or Boohoo?
Drying off a family milk cow is always a bittersweet deal – you are glad for the break from milking but really miss the fresh milk! No more ice cream. No more fresh cheese. No more drinking milk to your heart’s content – or should I say stomach’s content?
2016 Vineyard Pruning Complete!
It is finished. Pruning that is. All 32 acres. I love how clean the vineyard looks this time of year and all the potential that this year’s crop has. It is only April and freezes are still very possible – which could destroy this year’s grape crop. But, late pruning delays bud break and protect the grapes.
Pellenc Precision Pruner TRP
Our new vineyard toy promises to cut our hand pruning time in half if not more! We are now able to prune at least an acre a day which is way faster than before the precision pruner! Our hands are already thanking us!