Heat Wave

The East Coast heat wave doesn't want to let up. Here in the mountains we have been fortunate compared to folks in the lowlands. Our temperatures are a good 10 degrees cooler and our grass has been refreshed by the late summer rains - you can almost hear it growing! Our goal at this time of year is to grow enough grass in the next six weeks to carry us through December. This is done by "building cover" - that is by keeping the grass a little higher after each grazing rotation so that we have plenty later in the year when the grass grows more slowly. To help our cows do their part they are moved to a new pasture every 12 hours. Rick is happy to report that so far our grass production is right on target.

Music is in the air...

...in Galax. The area is known for its old time and bluegrass music, but next week's 75th annual Old Time Fiddlers' Convention, billed as the world's oldest and largest fiddlers' convention, will bring thousands of music lovers to camp out, compete, or just sit back and listen to tunes that have been passed down from generation to generation in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you are in the area come hear some of the best foot stomping banjo, fiddle and guitar sounds around and enjoy some of Galax's other famous specialty - Meadow Creek cheese.