The storm of the decade has just passed over us, dumping between 14 and 20 inches of snow Friday and Saturday. The snow wasn’t the biggest issue. We are having wind gusts of over 40mph. This leads to a whole new set of problems. With the snow, we need to move it out of the way. When the just moves it back in minutes we have problems.
Our biggest issue is keeping our driveway clear. Our milk truck driver needs to be able to get into and out of our driveway safely. If he is unable to get in or feels that he will not be able to get out, he will not pick up our milk. This is a big problem, because our bulk tank can only hold so much. Yes, our tank can hold some extra, but not much and we run the risk of over flowing and dumping milk. So we will do everything in our power to get Patrick the milkman in and out of our driveway safely. This means snow blowing with our tractor over and over if we need to.
Another issue with the wind, is the sheer coldness. Double digit wind chills are not good for the animals. Cattle are just fine with snow, but when they get wet and then the temp drops so does their body temperature. We will keep them bedded with lots of straw and try to feed them in areas where they do not have to be exposed to the elements. The cows will not eat as much if the weather is bad. Our feeder wagons are outside of the “beach” to keep the sleeping areas cleaner. Our calves have the best set up, nice warm individual hutches where they can snuggle in and don’t have to feed out in the snow. We have a few newborns that haven’t learned the bottle holder yet. What shame, I need to crawl in with them.
The only thing this weather is good for is baking. Here is a great scone recipe from Organic Valley.
Farm Friends Simple Scones
- Servings 12
This easy Sunday morning delight wafts savory aromas through the windows of many Kickapoo Valley kitchens. Slather with sweet Organic Valley Butter and serve with a fluffy omelet for a farm fresh breakfast!
Ingredients
- 2 cups organic flour
- 2 tablespoons organic sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3⁄4 teaspoon sea salt
- 6 tablespoons Organic Valley European-style Cultured Butter
- 1 large Organic Valley Grade A Extra Large Brown Egg
- 2⁄3 cup Organic Valley Whole Milk
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a large cookie sheet. In a large bowl, use a fork to mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut (do not stir) butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbles.
In a cup, mix egg and milk together. Stir milk mixture into flour mixture, all at once, mixing just until ingredients are blended. Drop scone mixture by approximately 1/3 cup plops, about 1″ apart on the greased cookie sheet to make 12 scones. Bake 12-15 minutes or until scones are golden brown. Serve them warm or wrap in foil to reheat later. Spread with creamy Organic Valley butter.
Serving Suggestions
Slice open warm scones, watch the steam rise. Scramble up some Organic Valley Eggs, sprinkle with shredded cheddar and make a “Farm Friends Crack of Dawn Sandwich!”
Notes
Kids in the Kitchen: very fun and easy recipe for children to co-create!
Tip#1: Children can grease the cookie sheet with clean bare hands!
Tip#2: Kids love to cut the butter into the flour mixture!
Tip#3: Let children practice cracking an egg in a cup (and have fun picking out the shells), and mixing the milk into the egg!
We hope that your family is staying warm. We are sure trying.
Emily
Zweber Farms is a 4th generation family operated organic dairy. We are proud Organic Valley farmer members and sell our milk under that label. We also specialize in sustainably raised beef, pork and chicken and sell it directly to customers in Minnesota.Visit our website to learn more, www.zweberfarms.com
