I often think Christmas trees are green with envy because they take center stage just one time per year while sugar maples play leading roles twice; at fall foliage and again during sugaring. The sugar maples on display by our driveway, at field’s edge, and along the stonewalls is a true natural wonder. During this time of year maple trees are a joy to behold. Later this winter, we’re not so carefree as we walk through stands of maples. When the new year arrives with snow and cold winds, we’re spurred on through the woods with a clear sense of purpose. Downed limbs are lifted off tubing lines, tubing installations are checked for tautness, and drop lines are replaced or...
Each year the NH Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee organizes a breakfast event for NH policy makers and young leaders in agriculture. This event encourages communication and discussion on key topics the state is facing with regard to agriculture. On Wednesday May 16, we were proud to host this annual event. The morning began with a breakfast featuring many locally produced goods (and our own maple syrup of course). Introductions and remarks from the Young Farmers Committee were followed by good discussion on a variety of topics including how farmers work with landowners, tax policy regarding agriculture barn structures, maple syrup labeling changes being proposed by the FDA, and a host of other topics. Special recognition was given to the...
Each year when the Christmas parties fade behind us and a new calendar year arrives, our attention at the farm focuses in on two primary things: the arrival of baby lambs and a new sugaring season. This year has been no different and as we enter the final days of February a lot has transpired in the first two months of 2018. Almost all of our expecting mother sheep have given birth to this year’s baby lambs, many of which are now multiple weeks old. These lambs spend their days exploring the barnyard and testing their running and jumping skills in small herds of youthful exuberance. A select few of this group will get to meet all of the farm’s...
Autumn at Windswept Maples is often a time for thankless jobs like cleaning and storing equipment, doing maintenance on buildings, and getting barns ready for the animals returning from pasture. These jobs aren’t flashy but they’re critical tasks for ensuring our equipment and structures stay in good working order and function as needed in the coming year. Doing these types of jobs now enables us to maximize our time on other more visible things that make the farm go the rest of the year. Amidst these thankless jobs this fall, Jeff took home a highly visible recognition of all the hard work that goes into running a diversified family farm. At the recent NH Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, Jeff received NH’s Young Farmer Achievement...
