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Here at Ortman Farms we are in the process of combining our soybeans. However, in typical North Country fashion the weather went from bone dry to soaking wet. The first snowfall at the farm occurred around Veteran's Day. The finicky weather is delaying our combining of the soybeans because they need to be dry in order to harvest. Our corn will be harvested later once the beans are done, with everything occurring in the proper sequence.
In the meantime we are always trying to keep up with our breakdowns. As well as, also performing the necessary maintenance and repairs so our equipment will be ready for the spring planting that is not so many months ahead of us.
We also will be on the lookout for a "No till" graindrill. This particular piece of equipment will allow us to plant without having to disturb the soil, as opposed to when you traditionally plow and harrow. This method is a real time saver too!
"No till" means you do not disturb the soil because every time you plow or harrow it causes the organic matter to break down, which produces the byproducts of CO2. This needs to stay in the soil and not be released into the atmosphere. Thus, "No till" drilling helps to keep the nutrients in the soil which subsequently helps the plants grow better.
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Ortman Farms Monthly Membership
If you haven't joined yet, our Ortman Farms Membership Program is a great way to stay connected and enjoy local, farm-fresh products year-round. For just $20 a month, members receive two free products each month plus exclusive deals and discounts available only to our farm family members. It's a great way to support local agriculture and enjoy the best of what our farm produces. Learn more or sign up at ortmanfarms.com. Annual Membership plan available as well!
In addition to harvesting our grain fields, we're still busy on the farm milking our dairy cows and feeding and managing the pigs. December in Upstate New York brings short days and crisp, quiet mornings, but the work continues around the clock. As the temperatures drop and the first real snows settle in, our focus shifts to keeping the herd comfortable, the barns warm, and the animals well-fed through the winter weather. It's a demanding season, but also a rewarding one, as we prepare the farm for the colder months ahead and reflect on the year's hard work.
We want to welcome our newest team member Charley, our fourth rescue dog and second Blue Heeler, also known as an Australian Cattle Dog. This breed is very smart and athletic. Charley was found abandoned in one of our fields that we grew our grain on. He is happy to have a home and he is such a sweetheart.
We want to wish everybody a wonderful holiday season. If you wish to celebrate and enjoy a Christmas ham at your dinner table instead of a turkey please remember Ortman Farms. We sell numerous delectable cuts of pork and beef, in addition to a traditional ham roast.
Also just in case you need help picking out a gift for the holidays we can help you tailor a box with exactly the items you are looking for. We can also work with you to create a box to send to someone special. Just contact us directly to discuss options to customize.