In this episode, Master Gardener Volunteer Nicole Schmitt joins Tim and Jean to talk about her mini farm where she raises goats, chickens and hogs amidst an active flower farming operation. Small-scale farming is experiencing a resurgence, and Nicole has hands-on experience to share. Nicole describes how she came into Hannacroix Hills Farm, her ten acre farm based from a nineteen thirties farmhouse, by chance. Since assuming the property, she has been able to fulfill her dream of escaping suburbia and knowing exactly where her food comes from. She is also striving to have the farm support itself in an ecologically responsible manner.

Her descriptions of the herd of Nubian goats, dozens of chickens, and a small group of pigs tell about the ultimate uses for each type of animal. The goats are dairy goats, and their product is for personal use, with surplus being fed to the pigs. Some of the kids are sold for livestock as 4-H projects. The pigs are a seasonal endeavor, being bought as piglets in the spring, then allowed to forage in a special fenced area until the fall, when they are sent to be butchered and sold as half and whole shares, custom butchered. All her animals are raised as near organic as possible, although regulations make it too cumbersome to qualify as officially organic with the state. Each type of animal serves as a factor in the cycle of life on the farm. Surplus dairy product from the goats feeds the chickens and pigs. The chicken waste becomes fertile compost, and the pigs roaming their fenced area are rooting up the soil and serve as disruptors to improve the ultimate quality of the soil for other farm uses.

Nicole admits to being fond of her animals, more than she probably should be, but counts her emotional well-being as part of the benefits. Her chicken flock is dear to her heart. There are no favorite breeds, as she finds them all beautiful, each in their own ways. One group of hens is dedicated to egg production and another to meat production, both essential to the financial survival of the farm. In answer to Tim's question about maintaining general healthy conditions among the animals, Nicole explains that twice daily flock inspection for egg gathering keeps an eye on conditions among the birds. Likewise, the goats and pigs are monitored daily at feeding and milking times. To date, this vigilance has headed off any surprise disasters.

As usual, the conversation went astray, with random questions flying. A brief discussion focused on Nicole's current stint as manager of the Coxsackie Farmer's Market. The episode closed with Nicole giving a thoughtful comment on what she would like to see in the near future with her experiment in farming and livestock rearing.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Nicole Schmitt

Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas