Truck bogged

It was meant to be dry today but murphys law kicked in as we were trying to load oats from the grain bag in the field into a truck. Shrek came along and saved the day

Greenvale Meats and the Grape Escape

The Grape Escape held in Halls Gap with the scenic backdrop of the Grampians mountain ranges was a two day event held on the 2nd and 3rd of May which showcases the regions local wine and produce. Over the past two or so months since we lauched Greenvale Meats we exceeded projections selling over 2.5 tonne of beef and this week we have just started to also offer lamb in the same way, that being boxing up the whole beast into portions so everyone recieves the same cuts.

Fast Ed is a TV Celebrety chef who stars on Better Homes and Gardens. Ed was providing the cooking demonstration and showcased our lamb in several dishes on the Sunday. Orgasmic noises came from Ed as he shoved piece after piece in his mouth. Not being backward in coming forward Amanda took this opportunity to get up uninvited to the stage and talk about our lamb to the welcome of Ed.

"...fantastic..." and ".. some of the best lamb I've tasted..." were two endorsments from Ed.

Treat for the Pigs

Our pigs this weekend recieved a real treat as did our farmstay guests. We found a couple of apple trees on the road past Greenvale which were full of apples, they looked ripe but they were very very tart. So we picked bucket loads of apples over the easter weekend for our farmstay visitors to feed to the pigs and boy did they gooble them up.... They tell me apple really complemets pork ;-)

My Patiented Creep feeder

Hours of design and constuction went into my new Patiented device that allows small piglets to get to their feed and stops the larger pigs from butting in....

No huffing and Puffing

With straw prices at a low we found an economic use for our large bales. Safe in the knowledge that there are no wolves to blow the house down we erected some pig houses.

New Berkshire Sow is first time mummy

Last week we took possession of two 10 month old pregnant sows and a 4 month old berkshire boar. Brother Scott undertook the 7 hour drive to Adelaide to pick them up. As with our Wessex Saddlebacks the Berkshires, or Berkies as owners of these breeds sometimes call them, are also considered Rare Breeds.

This morning Ben and I went out to feed the pigs at around 8:30 and were surprised to find one of the sows walking around with a little one that couldnt have been more than an hour old wriggling through the thin layer of hay. I was surprised that the sow was up and about and at the same time concerned as a first time mum, I wasnt sure she knew what had happened and what her responsiblities were. After tucking down some food however she went and nestled down and proceeded to pop out 8 more. There was a 10th which she had trouble producing and I tried to help every time I saw the feet come out and retract back in. After about 5 minute I caught the feet and helped bring the piglet out however it was dead on arrival.

Throughout the day all 9 remaining piglets were trying to find teats and get their first dose of mums milk.

The other sow should have her piglets in the next day or so......

The Wood oven finished

The final touches were put on our wood oven that we had built today.

We tried out a portable wood oven over Christmas and cooked some succulent pork, lamb and beef roasts and then for New Years eve some very tasty pizzas including a desert pizza made with a base of butterscotch snaps and blueberry sauce and topped with banana and pineapple and a slither of fresh mint.

Now we have the permanently erected oven our guests who stay at Greenvale will be able to cook up their own succulent roasts (maybe from our own beef, pork or lamb) and tasty pizzas for them selves.

The cement slab bares the little hand and feet prints of Natalie, Ben and Giaan.