Last week I was cursing the rain because it was washing my soil into the Gulf of Mexico, but this week we celebrate the abundance of grass that the rain provides (silver lining). Earlier this year, I planted a few acres of sorghum-sedan grass. Sorghum-sedan is a high calorie hybrid grass that promises exceptional growth and boy did we get just that. Even after being grazed a few times already, some stalks are well over 5’ tall. It doesn’t take long, however, for the cows to devour the leaves and leave a sea of stubs. Unlike sorghum, this hybrid is admirably adapted to grazing and will fully recover in about 3 weeks.
For you long time readers, you’ve been with us for our dog saga, but as a quick recap…
Late last summer we lost several turkeys to a predator attack. Having been twice bitten, I finally caved in and decided to get livestock guardian dogs (LGDs). We found a local breeder, but the young dogs they were selling were not “chicken trained”. So, we struck a deal where we would borrow two of their older dogs (Bonnie & Princess) while they “chicken trained” the younger pups. Well springtime rolled around, and we went calling on the breeder. Unfortunately, they had a hard time with COVID and were unable to “chicken train” the dogs. Having set out on a quest, I wasn’t about to change courses, so we brought home Toby & Loki. It didn’t take long for me to realize Toby was not going to be receptive to training, but Loki was just so darn eager to please. Four weeks,10 dead chickens, and several jolts from the shock collar finally convinced me that I can’t train dogs (it’s not Loki’s fault). Several of you recommended tying a dead chicken to his neck and I resisted thinking he’d just eat the thing. But by this point he was just killing them and leaving the carcass, so I figured I’d try my luck. Three days later he was the most pathetic dog you can imagine. Totally distraught and smelling of rotting flesh I took pity on him and cut the thing off. He’s still very timid and I’m not sure if this lesson will stick, but so far no more dead chickens.
This Week's Markets
Pfarmers Market returns for regular season with a new location
The Pflugerville Pfarmers Market is returning with pfresh produce, meat and homemade goods, starting May 11 on every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. through October 26. Due to construction on Old Austin Hutto Road, the market will be located at Pflugerville First United Methodist Church (500 E. Pecan Street) throughout the regular market. Just enter through the main entrance, and we will be set up in the back parking lot.
The Elgin Farmers Market is a year-round market that will remain open every Thursday. Pre-orders are encouraged.
The Taylor Farmers Market is a year-round market that will is open every Saturday. Pre-orders are encouraged. Live music most Saturday's from 11 -1.
NEW AT THE MARKET!
Black Diamond Authority is offering classes every Saturday ranging from painting to ceramics to comic book illustration and shoe art.
