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| Dude Ranch Tourism by Dani Martin Dude Ranches have since become a fixture in the U.S., as American as apple pie and baseball. Many tourists are drawn to Dude Ranches for the same reasons they were at the beginning of the 20th century: a sense of adventure, a desire to experience another way of life, and the chance for a wholesome and healthy good time.The Dude Ranch embodies the ideas of self-reliance, living off the land, and wide open spaces. Forget about the TV and the Internet, and turn that cell phone off. Once on the ranch, these distractions will happily be put aside.Dude Ranches first gained marked popularity in the 1920s. As more and more tourists started arriving from the east, and overseas, many cattle ranches opened themselves up to accommodate the visitors. Some working ranches allow visitors to get a true taste of the cowboy life, with the opportunity to help with the chores required for the daily operation of the ranch. Dude Ranches have also evolved with the times, and many boast every modern amenity one can imagine. Horseback riding is offered for all skill levels, and lessons are almost always available. Although it varies from ranch to ranch, numerous other activities, such as swimming, fishing, hiking, square dances and campfires are usually offered.There are, of course, more modern reasons to spend time at a Dude Ranch. Without the neon lights of the city, you can see the stars at night. Without the noise of the highway, you can hear the crickets and birds. And when you’re sitting atop your horse, you can look around and see land that stretches for miles, without a mini-mall or condominium complex to obscure the view. About the Author Dude Ranch is a comprehensive guide to dude ranches in the USA, providing information on popular dude ranch tourist destinations as well as dude ranch employment opportunities. E-DudeRanch.com presents an accessible interface where users can determine what type of dude ranch experience would be best for them. |
| Best Recipes: Southwestern Mango Smoothie by Donna Monday Best Recipes: Southwestern Mango Smoothie Donna Monday Looking for a great mango smoothie Try a Southwestern Mango Smoothie. The mango goes west for this variation of the popular fruit smoothie drink. Mangoes are becoming more common in the U.S. and other western countries and this is the perfect smoothie for all you mango lovers. This Southwestern Mango Smoothie uses lush tropical fruits. Instead of the mango, you can use either papaya or guava. Add a banana and yum. This is a simple way to get your mango on! Southwestern Mango Smoothie 1/2 cup banana, sliced 2 cups milk 1/2 cup mango, papaya, or guava 1 tablespoon honey Directions Use only one kind of tropical fruit mango, papaya or guava above. Place all ingredients in food processor. Cover and process on high speed until smooth. Strain if using mango.
About The Author Copyright 2004 Donna Monday Easy to make – fun to drink http://www.1st-milkshake-n-smoothie-recipes.com |
| Farm To Market Days by Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes Farm To Market Days Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes Summer may begin in June but, for many parts of the country, gardens don’t reach their peak until August. Modern grocery stores manage to keep us satisfied with produce year round, but there is nothing like the flavor of farm fresh tomatoes, peaches, or sweet corn. And there is nothing like the experience of buying from local growers who are proud of their wares. The first farmers’ markets started over a century before the Declaration of Independence. Since then, it has become an American tradition to buy fresh produce, flowers, eggs and cheese from markets and roadside stands. In the beginning, farmers would brave muddy roads in their horse-drawn wagons. As time went on, farmers made the weekly trek to town in pick-ups, where they’d pile bushels of fruit and vegetables high on the tailgate of their trucks. Today, many lucky city dwellers visit markets that are open every day. My favorite though, is our county farmers’ market held on the courthouse grounds. It’s open only on Saturday mornings, and only June - October. It may sound inconvenient but, for my family, it’s a summer ritual. We wake early and arrive disheveled, rarely taking the time to comb through our hair. For breakfast, we buy scones from our favorite bread stand and snatch up the best looking fruit we see. My son is an expert at choosing “chin dripping” peaches, always looking for the most fragrant and the heaviest peach that can sit in the palm of his small hand. My husband lounges on the grass and watches the people go by as I scribble a list of what is available, anticipating the culinary treats that only summer brings. There is nothing like fresh corn on the cob, cold gazpacho with homegrown tomatoes, or homemade fruit sorbet. We always have a batch of sorbet on hand, each week a different flavor. Sometimes we experiment by combining fruit with fresh herbs, but most of the time we simple puree 2 cups of fruit with a little citrus juice and a bit of honey, and then freeze it in an ice cream maker. My boys and their friends think it’s a decadent treat. Summer vacation is about to end, and our weekly ritual will soon give way to soccer games and birthday parties. Lucky for me, the farmers will be back next year with their trucks piled high, just as they’ve done for generations. MARKET FRESH FRUIT DIP This makes a terrific afternoon snack on a warm summer’s day. When entertaining, serve in a honeydew melon half and decorate the rim with fresh blueberries and mint sprigs. Ingredients 1 Pint Strawberries 2 Teaspoons Lemon Juice 3 Tablespoons Honey 4 oz Cream Cheese, Room Temperature 1 Cup Plain Yogurt Assorted Fruit Slices Directions 1. Wash the strawberries and remove the green tops. 2. Place strawberries in a blender or food processor with lemon juice, honey, cream cheese, and yogurt. Puree until smooth. 3. To make a honeydew melon bowl, cut the melon in half and scoop out the seeds. Slice a 3 inch diameter circle off the rounded bottom of the rind so your bowl will sit flat. 4. Serve with slices of your favorite summer fruit. Peaches, plums, apples, and melons all work well and make a colorful presentation. Copyright 2004 Nine Twenty Press You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is: Printed in its full form with no changes Includes an active link A courtesy copy of your publication is sent to the above contact And the following byline appears at the bottom of each article:
About The Author Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co-authors of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website thats jam packed with family ideas, visit http://togetherparenting.com. info@togetherparenting.com |
| Mosquito Farms Is That What Water Gardens Are by Scottie Johnson Mosquito Farms Is That What Water Gardens Are Scottie Johnson What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The lush growth rising above the water, graceful fish darting about and the soothing sound of the water. These are just a few of the reasons people are drawn to water gardens. But when you think about adding a water feature to your garden, you are torn, because you know that a charming pond can also be a mosquito hatchery. And, everyone is concerned; rightly, about mosquitoes and the diseases they spread. It is true, mosquitoes do need water to breed, but at the same time, there are so many effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in ponds, you should not let that stop you. Water gardeners are in a unique position; they can have wet spaces that can actually help stop mosquitoes from breeding. Just a few simple precautions are all you need to feel safe and enjoy such a wonderful addition to the landscape. If you have a water garden, or want one, try these suggestions. Have moving water in your water garden. Mosquitoes will not lay eggs in running water. The newly hatched mosquito must rest on the water’s surface for a few minutes to let its wings dry. If the water is moving, the female mosquito will not lay eggs there. Get some mosquito fish for your pond. Mosquito fish, or gambusia affinis, are very aggressive predators of mosquito larvae. They are also aggressive to other fish and will also eat dragonfly larvae, or nymphs. If mosquito fish are too predatory for your particular tastes, several other types of fish readily consume mosquito larvae, such as guppies, killifish, and small goldfish. Koi are too large and will not target the larvae. Add Bti to your pond. Bti is a naturally occurring type of bacillus that is eaten by the mosquito larvae, and rapidly kills them. It is not harmful to fish, pets, wildlife or humans. It is sold under such names as Mosquito Dunks, or Mosquito Bits. Add dragonfly larvae, or nymphs, to your pond. They are voracious predators of mosquito larvae, and while the mosquito larvae stay in that stage for only a few days, the dragonfly nymphs stay in the larval stage for up to two years, and can prey on many generations of mosquito larvae. And, when they become adults, the dragonfly feeds on adult mosquitoes too. Invite toads into your yard. One toad can consume up to 100 mosquitoes and slugs per night. They lay their eggs in water, so the pond will attract them. If happy with its environment, a toad can grace your garden for up to 20 years. And the tadpoles will eat mosquito larvae also. As an overall precaution, get a propane powered mosquito trap, such as the Mosquito Magnet, to reduce the mosquito population in your garden area. These are the most effective mosquito killers around, and they will capture and kill the mosquitoes that your natural controls miss. With the growing concern about mosquito diseases, like West Nile virus, malaria, and dengue fever, it is natural to feel reluctance to add any water source around your home. With the right precautions, you can beautify your garden and still feel secure that you are not inviting mosquitoes into your immediate environment. If water gardening appeals to you, just educate yourself, take the needed precautions, and get ready to enjoy the beauty and serenity a water feature adds to your home.
About The Author Scottie Johnson is a life long mosquito warrior and freelance author. For more detailed information about mosquito kill and having a mosquito free life, please visit her website at www.mosquito-kill-net.com. Copyright 2004, all rights reserved. This article may be duplicated for use provided all biographical information and web links are preserved. article@mosquito-kill-net.com |
| Discover Knott's Berry Farm by David G. Hallstrom, Sr. Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland in Anaheim, but did you know that less than ten (10) minuets down the freeway, in Buena Park, is another great amusement park, Knott's Berry Farm.Knott's Berry Farm, America's first theme park, is located at 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620, telephone number (714) 220-5200 and has over one hundred fifty (150) rides in six themed areas: Ghost Town, Fiesta Village®, The Boardwalk, Indian Trails, Wild Water Wilderness® and Camp Snoopy which is the official home of Snoopy and the Peanuts characters. The park is home to the high-flying 3,125 foot Silver Bullet roller coaster which sends riders climbing to a height of 146 feet and soaring back down an initial drop of 109 feet. It has a top speed of fifty five (55) miles per hour and riders will experience spirals, corkscrews, a cobra roll, and overbanked curves. It is also home to the 118 foot tall GhostRider, one of the longest and tallest wooden roller coasters in the world with a 108-foot initial banked drop, 13 additional drops, sudden dips, banked turns and maximum G-forces of 3.14Wild Water Wilderness is home to Bigfoot Rapids which "is a thrilling, outdoor whitewater river raft ride that will bounce, toss, spin and splash passengers as they brave fast moving currents and dodge soaring geisers as they experience the unforgettable fun of shooting the rapids". Towering cliffs, huge boulders, cascading water falls, soaring geysers and trees, shrubs and wild flowers--all indigenous to California--combine to create an authentic setting for Bigfoot Rapids. At Camp Snoopy, the whole family can enjoy many of the rides, "made for the young and the young-at-heart. Ride our new Charlie Brown Speedway, or Woodstock's Airmail (the kid-size version of Supreme Scream®), have the kids take you for a spin at Rocky Road Truckin' Company, or check out Timberline Twister the smallest of our rollercoaster family".The park holds numerous restaurants and shops and has it's own first class hotel, The Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel, which offers a variety of packages to suit your needs, including Snoopy themed rooms for children where Snoopy himself will visit and provide "tuck in" service.Check out Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, where 20,000,000 guests have eaten Mrs. Knott's traditional chicken dinners. "Each dinner is made from the "just-right" plump birds she insisted upon, and the fixin’s still include lighter-than-air buttermilk biscuits, fluffy mashed potatoes, rich chicken gravy and mouth-watering farm-fresh vegetables". The menu features other items as well including various lunch and dinner entrees, soups, salads, sandwiches and a complete Farm breakfast featuring French toast, pancakes, and daily specials.Knott's Berry Farm is an amusement park and resort for the whole family, try it.For more information about the city of Buena Park, California see http://buenapark.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Buena Park, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more. About the Author David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information. |
| A To Z Of Successful Agricultural Farming by fermage dagric |
| Biocontrol Agents for Organic Farming… the terminology by A.O. Kime The following article is available for publication on websites, ezines or newsletters. Permission is granted to anyone to reprint for free provided the Resource Box at the end of the article accompanies it and the links within it remain active hyperlinks. I would appreciate simple notification of such use… send to allen@matrixbookstore.com Article Title: Biocontrol Agents for Organic Farming… the terminology Author: A.O. KimeCategory: farming/gardeningWord Count: 1,180Format: 65 characters per lineWebsite Source: http://www.matrixbookstore.bizArticle URL: http://www.matrixbookstore.biz/biocontrol_agents.htm Author's Email Address: allen@matrixbookstore.com------------------------------------------------Biocontrol Agents for Organic Farming… the terminology: by A.O. Kime If you haven’t been keeping up on the latest developments in biocontrols… wait a minute, what are biocontrols? Oh, shoot, you know, ‘environmental friendly’ products which aren’t agricultural chemicals that are used for controlling crop pests. If you haven’t, then this article may surprise you. During the past 15 years, the latest in biotechnology, along with ancient pest-control methods, now provide a respectable arsenal of weapons in, well, you know, ‘biocontrols’. What are biocontrols exactly? Is it stuff you use for organic farming, like ladybugs, sulfur and maybe soap-spray? Right on folks, but much-much more. Things change fast nowadays, ya know. The biotechnology which produces many of the relatively new and growing list of biocontrols for the American farmer (and gardener) has ushered in the next era of pest-controls… at least as a viable alternative anyway. It’s growing so fast however, it’s the new terminology, not the technology, which you have to contend with first. I think we need a quick review. To begin with, the term ‘biocontrols’ is slang for ‘biocontrol agents' and defined as “biological derived or identical to a biological derived agent”. That means the term covers all types of environmentally safe products. Watch out though, some of the terminology might get confusing. ‘Biological control agents’ is a more specific term… meaning only beneficial insects, nothing else, although these bugs are often just referred to as ‘beneficial insects' or 'beneficial organisms’, somewhat slangy terms. Within that, there are sub-categories, insects which might be classified as ‘predators’, ‘parasites’ or ‘weed-eating invertebrates’ which are “living organisms used for controlling the population or biological activities of another life-form considered to be a pest”. If you noticed, the industry prefers to say ‘control’ instead of ‘kill’… a hedge maybe? Today, there are about 30 commercially available predators, like spiders, mites and beetles, which seek out and kill other bugs. They are hatched, raised and sold by companies called ‘insectaries’. The number of parasites put to work has grown also, about 60 of them critters, the likes of tiny wasps, flies and a myriad of other parasites, parasitoids (host-killer parasites) and also a few protozoan. Parasites live on (or in) various ‘hosts’ (their victims) which impede the host’s development or generally causes them injury. A protozoan, however, is a ‘microbial control agent’, a different kind of agent, which are not to be confused with biological control agents. There are about 25 biological control agents (good bugs) which control weeds although they’re often just called 'beneficial insects', the most common slang term which farmers use. By whichever term, even though they don’t eat or live off other bugs, they go around doing good deeds by controlling weeds. Anyway, these weed-destructive bugs consist of moths, weevils, beetles and flies. A fungus or two are also available for the control of weeds and fungus, like a protozoan, is also a ‘microbial control agent’. As you might suspect, the honeybee is also considered a beneficial insect but since the Africanized bee began infecting some of their ranks, they can also cause problems. I remember once when all bees led a dignified life within their beehives but today many are terrorists and live in weeds. In addition, the industry has identified about a dozen different beneficial nematodes, which, if you didn’t know already, are tiny little wormlike-looking creatures that live underground. Nematodes usually just eat roots and are normally considered destructive but these little guys like to eat other bugs. The industry has no interest in employing any vegetarian nematodes that are non-selective, they just want bug eaters. From here on, it starts to get more complicated and scientific sounding. Microbial control agents, like fungi and protozoan, also mean other teeny-tiny microscopic things like bacteria and viruses. Farmers use about 25 different kinds to control undesirable bugs and fungi. The use of viruses and bacteria can sound kinda scary but don’t worry, microbial control agents in Arizona are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Environmental Services Division of the Arizona Department of Agriculture, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Plant Quarantine Act (PQA) but you still need permits from the State of Arizona, USDA, APHIS and from Biotechnology and Environmental Protection (BEEP). Only then can a farmer apply the stuff… if his crop ain’t already ate up. We’re not done yet, we still have ‘biochemical control agents’. These are semichemicals such as plant-growth regulators, hormones, enzymes, pheromones, allomones and kairomones which are “either naturally occurring or identical to a natural product that attract, retard, destroy or otherwise exert a pesticidal activity”. Impressive, huh? But that’s still not enough already… the EPA wants to push a stupid term called ‘biorational pesticides'. And this is where they get picky… you can use the term if you’re (1) not talking about bugs or (2) not talking about synthetic-made stuff they don’t think is identical enough to a given product of nature. Anyway, I hate that term, there is nothing rational about causing more confusion. In all, there are over 200 biocontrols of which some have multi-use applications which equates to about 300 specific uses and there are at least 400 of these 'products' on the market. Competing companies supplying the same product accounts for this discrepancy. A lot of biocontrols have hard-to-pronounce, stuffy-sounding scientific names, which, I think, are thought-up by laboratory-shackled scientists who jealously hate farmers and like to see them get tongue-twisted and embarrassed. One such case is ‘bacillus thuringiensis’, a bacteria widely used and marketed in different variations but to spoil their fun, farmers just call them ‘B-Ts’. Another thing farmers can use are made of ‘nuclear polyhedrosis viruses’ but they don’t sound very environment-friendly to me. What I really think is dumb are those goofy brand-names the distributors use for these biocontrol products such as ‘Doom’, ‘Condor’, ‘Futura’, ‘Grandlure’ and so forth. I think they hired the same marketing guys that work for the car companies… they think brand names gotta sound ‘cool’. Farmers also use juvenile hormones and behavioral modifiers. Juvenile hormones keep bugs from maturing, thus denying them their adult and reproductive cycle. It should be obvious what behavioral modifiers do... it makes them less destructive. Agricultural firms sell plant-growth regulators too, made from cytokinins and gibberellic acid. There are also sex hormones on the market to confuse and attract bugs. Confusion and bugs I don’t need. In summary, these biocontrols are incredibly diverse but they don’t include genetically engineered plants which have disease or insect resistant qualities, but that’s another story. See Genetically Modified Food (external link) or else genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (external link) Well, that sorta brings you up-to-date, so consider yourself ‘bio-informed’. Remember though, you can’t go around saying ‘biological’ anymore because people might think you’re talking about bugs. If you’re still confused, talk about something else or you could end up getting mighty embarrassed. Some words might even sound organic when they're not. I knew a farmer who, when he first heard the term ‘entrepreneur’, asked… “What kinda manure is that?” (A.O. Kime is a former licensed pest control advisor)------------------------------------------------Resource Box: © A.O. Kime (2003) A.O. Kime is an author of two books plus some 70 articles on ancient history, spiritual phenomena, political issues, social issues and agriculture which can be seen at http://www.matrixbookstore.biz --------------------------------------------------- end --- About the Author Resource Box: © A.O. Kime (2003) A.O. Kime is an author of two books plus some 70 articles on ancient history, spiritual phenomena, political issues, social issues and agriculture which can be seen at http://www.matrixbookstore.biz |
| MOSQUITO FARMS? IS THAT WHAT WATER GARDENS ARE? by Scottie Johnson What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The lush growth rising above the water, graceful fish darting about and the soothing sound of the water. These are just a few of the reasons people are drawn to water gardens. But when you think about adding a water feature to your garden, you are torn, because you know that a charming pond can also be a mosquito hatchery. And, everyone is concerned; rightly, about mosquitoes and the diseases they spread. It is true, mosquitoes do need water to breed, but at the same time, there are so many effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in ponds, you should not let that stop you. Water gardeners are in a unique position; they can have wet spaces that can actually help stop mosquitoes from breeding. Just a few simple precautions are all you need to feel safe and enjoy such a wonderful addition to the landscape. If you have a water garden, or want one, try these suggestions. ØHave moving water in your water garden. Mosquitoes will not lay eggs in running water. The newly hatched mosquito must rest on the water’s surface for a few minutes to let its wings dry. If the water is moving, the female mosquito will not lay eggs there. ØGet some mosquito fish for your pond. Mosquito fish, or gambusia affinis, are very aggressive predators of mosquito larvae. They are also aggressive to other fish and will also eat dragonfly larvae, or nymphs. If mosquito fish are too predatory for your particular tastes, several other types of fish readily consume mosquito larvae, such as guppies, killifish, and small goldfish. Koi are too large and will not target the larvae. ØAdd Bti to your pond. Bti is a naturally occurring type of bacillus that is eaten by the mosquito larvae, and rapidly kills them. It is not harmful to fish, pets, wildlife or humans. It is sold under such names as Mosquito Dunks, or Mosquito Bits. ØAdd dragonfly larvae, or nymphs, to your pond. They are voracious predators of mosquito larvae, and while the mosquito larvae stay in that stage for only a few days, the dragonfly nymphs stay in the larval stage for up to two years, and can prey on many generations of mosquito larvae. And, when they become adults, the dragonfly feeds on adult mosquitoes too. ØInvite toads into your yard. One toad can consume up to 100 mosquitoes and slugs per night. They lay their eggs in water, so the pond will attract them. If happy with its environment, a toad can grace your garden for up to 20 years. And the tadpoles will eat mosquito larvae also. ØAs an overall precaution, get a propane powered mosquito trap, such as the Mosquito Magnet, to reduce the mosquito population in your garden area. These are the most effective mosquito killers around, and they will capture (and kill) the mosquitoes that your natural controls miss. With the growing concern about mosquito diseases, like West Nile virus, malaria, and dengue fever, it is natural to feel reluctance to add any water source around your home. With the right precautions, you can beautify your garden and still feel secure that you are not inviting mosquitoes into your immediate environment. If water gardening appeals to you, just educate yourself, take the needed precautions, and get ready to enjoy the beauty and serenity a water feature adds to your home. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scottie Johnson is a life long mosquito warrior, freelance author and organic gardener. For all the information you need about killing and repelling mosquitoes, visit her site at http/www.mosquito-kill-net.com |
| New Hope for Old Farmers: Americans Long for Life 'Down on the Farm' by LeAnn R. Ralph Imagine my surprise when I read an article in the April 2005 edition of Reader's Digest informing me that membership in Future Farmers of America (FFA) has hit a 22-year record high.Since 1994, the number of farmers' markets around the country also has more than doubled, the article said.I find these two bits of information especially interesting because small family farms have been disappearing from the countryside at an alarming rate over the past 30 years. According to statistics from the U.S. Census of Agriculture and the American Farm Bureau Federation, since 1969, the United States has lost 85 percent of its dairy farms.Why do I care that the United States has lost so many dairy farms? I grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, which has always been known as America's Dairyland. Except that today, in areas where there used to be farms all up and down the roads, there isn't a single farm left. During the same time period in which the United States lost 85 percent of its dairy farms, Wisconsin has lost 70 percent of its dairy farms.So what is going on here?Family farms have disappeared. Subdivisions have taken over what were once cornfields and hayfields and pastures. Creameries have been abandoned or converted to other uses. Feed mills have been torn down to make room for parking lots. And yet -- FFA has the highest membership that it's had for the last 22 years? And in the past 10 years, the number of farmers' markets has more than doubled?The Reader's Digest article speculates that the reason for the increases in FFA membership and farmers' markets is that as the United States has lost more and more farms, and as more and more people live in cities or suburbs or subdivisions, farm life has become a fascinating subject for those who have never experienced it.I have discovered through my own research that agricultural tourism is on the rise, as well. It used to be that if you wanted to visit a farm, you had to have a grandma and grandpa or an aunt and uncle who owned a farm. Now all you have to do is go to the Internet, type in "farm tours" on Google, and websites come up that direct you to farms which have been converted to bed-and-breakfasts, farms that conduct tours of their day-to-day operations, farms that have been made into museums, and farms that give hay rides and have pumpkin patches and corn mazes.Through a series of political, cultural and social decisions, Americans created an atmosphere that forced small family farmers to go out of business. Although now that the family farmers are all but gone, Americans have decided they are interested in knowing more about life on the farm.What's next? One-room country schools? Or how about little white country churches?Be that as it may, the increased interest in farming could mean new life for the small farms still in existence. Perhaps the adult children who left because there was no future in farming will return -- not to farm the land and milk cows, but to turn those farms into bed and breakfasts, museums or to grow pumpkin patches, construct corn mazes and give hay rides.********************* About the Author LeAnn R. Ralph is the author of the books "Christmas in Dairyland (True Stories from a Wisconsin Farm)" (trade paperback; July 2003) and "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam" (trade paperback; October 2004) and "Preserve Your Family History (A Step-by-Step Guide for Interviewing Family Members and Writing Oral Histories) (e-book; April 2004). http://ruralroute2.com |
| So You'd Like to. . .Learn More About Living on a Farm by LeAnn R. Ralph Forty years ago when I was a little girl growing up on our dairy farm in west central Wisconsin, I thought everyone lived on a farm. Then again, many of my kindergarten classmates lived on farms, too, so maybe I wasn’t completely off base. Later on, however, after I had graduated from high school and started traveling around the United States, I was hard-pressed to meet anyone who had ever been on a dairy farm, much less lived on one. People would ask me where I was from and when I told them Wisconsin, they’d say, “I suppose you lived on a dairy farm.” After a while, it became clear to me that for people in other states, ‘Wisconsin’ and ‘dairy farm’ were synonymous. I would explain that not everyone in Wisconsin lives on a dairy farm, and then I would find myself answering questions about what it was like growing up on a farm. Today, most of the small family dairy farms like the one where I grew up are gone. My parents milked 20 cows, but farmers can no longer make a living that way. Milk prices have essentially stayed the same since the 1970s, and many small farmers decided to sell their dairy herds when their business expenses ended up exceeding their gross farm income year after year. Even though most of the small family farms have disappeared, the evidence that they once existed remains—in the empty dairy barns scattered around the countryside—in the pastures that have been turned into residential subdivisions—in the creameries that have been abandoned or converted into other uses. And in my stories about growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm. My books "Christmas in Dairyland (True Stories from a Wisconsin Farm)" (July 2003) and "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam" (October 2004) each contain 20 true stories about growing up on a family farm 40 years ago. Christmas in Dairyland includes a number of family recipes (lefse; sugar cookies; bon-bons; Christmas bread; fattigman; and several others). Both books are appropriate for readers of all ages. Christmas in Dairyland -- Celebrate Christmas during a simpler time 40 years ago when happiness was baking cookies, decorating the Christmas tree, or even just getting out of wearing snow boots to school. Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam -- Stories set on a small family dairy farm in Wisconsin 40 years ago at a time when small family farms still dotted the countryside and summertime meant learning to drive the tractor, making ice cream, and riding a pony to the hayfield. Here are what some of my readers are saying about the books: I have to tell you I feel a little sad. Just read the LAST page of "Give me a home where the dairy cows roam." I enjoyed every word. . .I wish your book went on forever . . .now, bring on "Cream of the Crop!" I'll be waiting! Anita(Wisconsin) I really have enjoyed both of your books so much! As I mentioned before, this is my life between the covers of your book and it really takes me back to the good life we had growing up. Your father sounds like he was a very compassionate and caring individual, as my father was and I think most small-time farmers were: always putting their family and cows first. I also loved all your haying stories, as I could also relate to all of your events. Well done and I look forward to your next book! Carol (Massachusetts) I have read both of your books ("Christmas in Dairyland" and "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam")and thoroughly enjoyed all the stories! I think my favorite is the one when you FINALLY got your horse, Dusty. What a wonderful writer you are, as I feel like I'm right there with you on all of your adventures! My mother-in-law loved the books, also. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to more books! Danielle (Indiana) I'm in the middle of reading "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam." I also enjoyed reading "Christmas in Dairyland" You know how to make the reader feel like we are right there. When is your next book coming out? Carol (Nebraska) Visit http://ruralroute2.com to find out how to order "Christmas in Dairyland" and "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam." More Books About Farms: Books that are appropriate for younger readers (ages 4 to 8) include: "Living on Farms" (Allan Fowler; 2000) "Moonstruck: The Story of the Cow Who Jumped Over the Moon" (Gennifer Choldenko; 1997) Another book that tells more about the country lifestyle is "Country Style: Living the Farm Life" (Doris Stensland; 2004) Here are some other classic books of true stories that relate to country life and farm life: "All Things Wise and Wonderful" (James Herriot; 1998) "All Creatures Great and Small" (James Herriot; 1998) "The Lord God Made Them All" (James Herriot; 1998) "Every Living Thing" (James Herriot; 1993) "James Herriot's Dog Stories" (James Herriot; 1990) "James Herriot's Cat Stories" (James Herriot; 1994) "Once Upon a Farm" (Lois Stark; 1992) "Farmer Boy" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "On the Banks of Plum Creek" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "By the Shores of Silver Lake" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "Little House on the Prairie" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "Little House in the Big Woods" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "The Long Winter" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "Little Town on the Prairie" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "The Land Remembers" (Ben Logan; 25th Anniversary edition; 1999) "One Room Country School" (Jerry Apps; 1996) "Barns of Wisconsin" (Jerry Apps; 2001) "Humor from the Country" (Jerry Apps; 2001) "Rural Wisdom: Time-Honored Values of the Midwest" (Jerry Apps; 1997) "Every Farm Tells a Story" (Jerry Apps; March 2005) Country Ways and Country Days: From Windvanes and Tractors to Auctions and Outhouses: Remembering Rural Life (Jerry Apps; July 2005) "Cheese: The Making of a Wisconsin Tradition" (Jerry Apps; April 1998) "When Chores Were Done" (Jerry Apps; January 1999) ABOUT THE AUTHOR LeAnn R. Ralph is the author of the books "Christmas in Dairyland" and "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam." http://ruralroute2.com |
| What is Organic Farming? by Jeremy Pickles Organic farming is the production of food using all natural methods - avoiding all synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms. Its' core philosophy is that of sustainability or 'zero impact'. The organic farmer seeks to leave the earth in its' natural state after the harvest. The focus of organic methods is on soil quality. Crops are grown without artificial fertilizers and pesticides, and livestock is reared free of drugs and hormones. Proponents of organic food believe it produces food with higher quality and nutritional value than conventional chemical-based methods. Many countries including the US and the EU have certification programs to control the use of the term "Organic". This benefits the consumer by ensuring best practice has been followed. This varies from region to region but includes things like the minimum length of time a field can be left free of chemicals before it is allowed to be used for organic farming. There are many different styles of organic food production but they all adhere to the same principles: * no artificial fertilizers or drugs * no genetically modified organisms * prevention of soil depletion * 'bio diversity' - the growing of a range of crops not just a single species. One recent researcher found that vegetables in the 1950s contained more than eight times as many trace elements as modern crops, which he attributed to the excessive use of nitrate fertilizers. You can read all the latest research at http://www.ge-free.com/ Organic farming has come about as a consumer reaction against the chemical based methods that have been used so widely in 20th century food production. Really though it is simply a formalized definition of traditional agriculture as it has been practiced for thousands of years before 20th century chemicals were invented. So far, organic farming has been limited to small businesses growing for local markets. Organic farming methods are very expensive compared to their chemical counterparts, and the production yields are low when compared to 'conventional' farming. Consumers of course are willing to pay a premium for the improved flavor and nutrition value of organic produce but it remains a premium market. This will change as more large scale organic producers enter production. Most countries now have 'all organic' type food stores in the larger cities. So long as there are people who enjoy healthy living and an alternative to the chemical ridden norm, these businesses will continue to flourish. Jeremy is the owner of http://www.ge-free.com/ and publisher of Organic News. His site reports on all the latest news and research articles to do with Organic Food. |
| What to look for in a farmers market by Shauna Hanus It is time for farmers markets. They are popping up all around the country. They can range from a true farmers market with farm fresh produce locally grown and sold by the farmer to more of an arts and crafts show. When shopping at a farmers market the consumer needs to be wary of anyone selling fruit or vegetables that are not locally grown or are out of season. It is becoming common practice for some marketers to purchase the same produce that is available at the grocery and sell it in the farmers market venue. Here are a few tips on what to look for in a farmers market.•Fresh local fruit and vegetables, no commercially grown produce.•Good prices, the price should be comparable to the grocery store. You may find that in some areas the farmers market is a bit higher but this can be well worth it if the produce is local and fresh.•Look for moist fresh looking produce. If the corn was picked yesterday it will begin to dry out at the bottom. Look for signs that the fruit and vegetables have been harvested within the last day. Do not be afraid to ask when the produce was picked. If it is the farmer you are talking to they are likely to take pride in their selection.•Stay away from produce that has been dumped out on a table. The display should say that someone took time to care for the produce and ensure that no bruising has occurred.•Look for clearly marked prices. If it is hard to find out home much that apple is you may be dealing with lesser quality produce. •Avoid farmers markets that have a lot of crafts. This may be a sign that the area is not based in agricultural and the farmers market may contain mostly commercially produced fruit and vegetables. About the Author Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating gourmet meal plans. She has extensive experience cooking with easy to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She is also the publisher of a no cost bi-monthly gourmet newsletter. Her newsletter is always fun and informational packed with tips and trivia you can use everyday. http://www.gourmayeats.com |
| The Best Way to a Farm Loan Success by groshan fabiola Makeing a succes loan and ensuring your mortgageThe most important and difficult part in farm mortgage shopping is to compare the farm loans of different lenders. To understand better you have to know that the farm mortgage contains more than interest rates like quoted rate, points and closing costs. Now you have to understand each part, so the points equals the percents of the farm loan amount. These percents are used to make a higher rate of the farm loan. You will notice that you are able to choose a large mass of points and rates for only one loan product. So, the best solution when comparing different lenders is to compare the associate points. The final amount of the farm loan consists almost everything, title, farm loan related fees, escrow fees.One other thing when building a farm loan is to investigate the different lenders and compare all farm loan features like the farm mortgage insurance payments, or the requirements of credit and cash, etc. A special attention should be paid to prepayment penalties and, of course to the availability of conversion option.Although, you still have to compare the lock-in period, that means the period when all the quoted points and interest rate will be guaranteed. The usually lock-in period are 30 to 60 days, but you can find some of them offering only a short period of 15 days. You have to have in mind, the longest lock-in period, the highest price of the farm loan. The lock-in period should cover enough time to allow for settlement.One final thing good to know is to compare the interest rates of the same day, because these kind of rates are changing daily. So, the best way to compare farm loans from different lenders is to compare farm loan products of the same type. It really doesn't make sense to chose from different types of farm loans program.There are still some fees you have to pay in connection with the farm loan, these fees usual containing the farm mortgage insurance, the tax services, the wire transfer or any other fees given by the lenders. A good fact is that these fees can include discounts based on points, so the higher the number of points, the higher discount of the total fee. About the Author This finance article was written by Groshan Fabiola, who is a proffesional writter since 1990. If you want to know more about farm loans and farm mortgages please visit http://www.farmloans.com/ |
| Country Pastimes 3: Impromptu farm concerts by Simon Mitchell Since the demise of foxhunting and hunting with dogs in the countryside, there are thousands of dispossessed toffs wandering around with nothing to do. To compensate we offer here the new shape of country activities. I was in the garden playing a guitar that attracted the attention of a small bird. It positioned itself overhead in the willow tree and proceeded to drop caterpillars from the leaves onto my head - feeding me as a reward for the music. It made me wonder how much wild or farm animals might like music. The photographs here evidence an impromptu harmonica concert given to a field of bullocks. I played No Place Like Hometo the lead bullock, who warmed up gradually and called his mates over for a gander. I positioned myself safely in the hedgerow, well out of reach in case they should mob me in their fervour for the music. Slowly the moshing pit formed as they edged in to listen. They nodded along to Frere Jacques keeping surprisingly accurate tempo with their tails. It was not until I played Going to Alabama with a Banjo on my Knee that a couple of them started dancing, doing a little shimmy with their front hooves that was very similar to the dance Hank Marvin and the Shadows used to do. With As the Saints Come Marching On one of them peeled out for a little canter round the field. Yes it was getting hot and the temperature was rising. These wonderful bovines were so appreciative of music and gave me a bigger audience and better reception than I received in the village. When I played a Blues Train Coming piece a couple of them started mooing, providing startling animal lyrics in accompaniment. I played some music from a 'Simply Red' song and they rushed forwards aggressively, pawing the ground. Farm animals really enjoy music and even if you play the simplest instrument you will find an appreciative and uncritical audience with sheep, cows, bullocks or horses. Just remember to position yourself carefully out of reach or you may get mobbed. Flushed with success I performed the set again by the pond on the way home and attracted a crowd of what must have been 100,000 gnats who swirled in time, particularly liking the D#, so much so that they flew into the harmonica, blocking the notes. No responsibility for any injuries incurred by anyone undertaking this activity are accepted by this author. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Secrets of Creativity is a revolutionary new ebook from top internet author Simon MitchellThis ebook provides you with a concise, structured course to improve personal creativity.Preview Secrets of Creativity at this address:http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/secrets.html |
| Used farm tractors by Chris Over 100 tractors in stock on . Find the finest tractors in our stores. Reliable quality assurance./ http://www.kofo.nl/ About the Author #18, Nijverheidsweg Loas NL / US/767132 +31-546-564926 /hmsblrnub005@yahoo.com |
| Draaksbad Ranch in Lassen National Park by Pam Draaksbad Ranch in Lassen National ParkRead Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.comhttp://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cabinweb/drakesbad/drakesbad.html"There are no keys at Drakesbad," says Billie, our hostess, while introducing us to the lay of the land. "We're on the honor system." This applies to everything from the sodas and beer in the ice buckets to the items in the concession store. Candy bars, sweatshirts, and books about the history of Drakesbad - you sign your name and room number on the roster and settle up upon your departure.Not that you'd be in any hurry to leave Drakesbad Ranch. The guests that have visited year after year for generations know that Drakesbad is a place you'll want to spend some time.It's not easy to get to Drakesbad, but that's part of what makes it so worthwhile. Hidden in the southern side of California's Lassen Volcanic National Park, the ranch is accessible only by a narrow country road that winds over three one lane bridges before losing its pavement before turning up a gravel track. The last few miles are unpaved, but easily navigable by careful drivers. Nope, no need for four wheel drive.We arrived in time for lunch and dined on a buffet of fresh salads and deli fixings. Meals are included with the price of your stay. The staff understands that you might want to spend the day hiking in the surrounding splendor; they will pack a sack lunch for you if you sign up the night before. The kitchen is happy to accommodate any special dietary needs if you let them know before arrival.After dining al fresco in the afternoon sunshine, we headed out to Devil's Kitchen. The lodge sits on the edge ofLet's Soak in Volcanic Hot Springs an expansive meadow frequented by dragonflies, mule deer, and red winged blackbirds, to name just a few of the remarkable denizens. We crossed the meadow to the forest and hiked up a moderately easy trail shared with horseback riders. (The ranch maintains a corral of horses and offers rides for all skill levels.) The two-mile hike ends in an array of steam vents and boiling mud pots. Deposits of sulfur coat the rocks and the air is filled with steam. Yes, there is a strong smell, described to us in advanced by two little boys on the trail: "It's really stinky up there!" This is just one of a number of hiking destinations and the ranch even keeps a canoe at one of the nearby lakes - but you have to take advantage of that early in the season. The lakes are formed by snow melt and evaporate by the end of summer.When we returned to the ranch, I poured myself a glass of cold lemonade that's available all afternoon outside the dining room. Then we explored the possibilities the ranch offers for the most essential of vacation activities: doing NOTHING. A covered porch offers comfortable seating and a shady place to rest. There's a hammock hanging above a circle of wild trillium. My favorite place was the bench swing on the edge of the meadow where the deer came to graze. And of course, there's a pool for lazy soaking and sunbathing.It's not just any pool, though. It's fed by the hot springs up the valley. For over 100 years people have taken comfort in these healing waters.Accommodations at Drakesbad are rustic but very clean and comfortable. Our room, paneled in knotty pine, had its own half bath, but for showers, we used the bathhouse down by the pool. A few of the cabins have full baths, and seasoned Drakesbad guests were heard to suggest that taking such a cabin would be "copping out" on the Drakesbad way of life. Mind you, the same guests were heard to suggest that brushing your hair for dinner was also copping out.Drakesbad is plenty kid friendly, with games and puzzles in the common lodge, a ping pong table, and a terrific tire swing in the shape of a pony. Even swimming pool toys are provided.The dinner bell rings promptly at six, but there's no hurry. Show up any time before seven and you'll be fed, and fed well. We dined on tilapia and fresh vegetables, prepared with an Asian flair. Our hosts, Ed and Billie, made the rounds, welcoming the new guests and sharing pictures from previous years with the regulars. The youngster at our table bolted his food and rushed out to join the sunset horseback ride with the other kids while his mom enjoyed her meal at a more leisurely pace.The kids returned as evening settled in around us. Dusk hours at Drakesbad are quiet but still social, with families playing board games in the lodge or sitting around the campfire. Drakesbad generously supplies the makings for s'Mores, but you'll want to get there quick if there are a lot of kids around - any that weren't on the ride had rushed to the campfire to build their own toasted marshmallow treats. The lights go out around 10 p.m., leaving you to the starlight and the glow of the kerosene lanterns. You can soak in the pool under the stars or curl up in the comfort of your room.Gourmet Dining at Drakesbad - Ranch StyleBreakfast follows the same routine as dinner, with a bell to let you know that it's time to fuel up for the day. We had 'scrambles' just the way I like them (and I'm fussy about my eggs!). Ed poured hot chocolate for our young table mate with the flair of the finest of European maitre 'ds. The sack lunches, ordered at dinner the night before were stacked on the stairs, ready for hikers and riders.To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cabinweb/drakesbad/drakesbad.htmlPam, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com About the Author Pam, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter. |
