On a day like today--sun shinning, sprouting green foligage, rushing creeks, a pasture full of thriving animals of all shapes, shades, and sizes-- we say to ourselves, "How can anyone not want to be a farmer?  Is the grass greener on the other side of the fence?  Let's swing open the gate and go find out..." 

We have had a busy spring so far this year.  Quite a few new experiences have been added to our "personal resume".  Three of our gilts farrowed their first litters elevating them to the staus of SOW.  Seven piglets are now being weaned and will soon be departing to their new homes in Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio and beyond.  My husband and I now talk of Health Charts, DNA, Brucellosis, and bloodlines like old timers.  It is amazing to me the sence of self statisfaction it lends.  Everyday it is reiterated more fimly that experience is the best teacher.

New experiences have come hand in hand with new relationships.  Some amazing people have become invaluable to us.  Lori Enright, Shelly Farris, and Cyndi Berry have freely given advice on every kind of pig crisis that you can possibly imagine--shipping fever, swollen hooves, pneumonia, nutirtion, weaning, breeding, farrowing... Shelly talked me through pulling my first piglet at 2:00 am, over 1700 miles away.  Dr. Shawn at Dairyside Veterinary Services in Martinsburg, after several months of begging, has agreed to write Health Charts and travel papers for me.  His wealth of knowledge (even though not specificly in the field of swine) is quickly becoming one of our greatest assets.  Dr. Anderson who does all of our farm visits and unltrasounds has also proven herself to be indispensable. 

Bonnie and Eric Swinehart have been our sounding board, farmhand assistants, and above all friends through every situation. Jessica Frye of Wholesome Living Marketplace deserves commendation for her promotion of our county's local agrarians, as well as all things "whloesome". She has opened up the store to host meetings and at every opportunity works toward connecting local entrepreneurs.

Yesterday we had a wonderful afternoon with the Bradleys of Brandywine Maryland.  They came to drop off Charlotte, their black and white Jenny gilt, to be studded to Wendell, our Tonganui boar.  It gives us great joy to be able to share with them the chance to participate in the promotion of the KuneKune breed.  The Bradleys have, I feel, opened up a new door for us.  What is life after all, if it cannot be shared? 

This week we will begin breeding back our sows on their weaning cycles as well as Allegheny our Wilsons Gina gilt.  The immense interest we have been receiving is heartening!  Kunekunes are becoming more widely recognized by the day.  As Reginal Coordinators of The American KuneKune Breeders Association (AKBA), it is one of the goals closest to our heart to promote the breed and assure it a lasting future.  We will be helping to promote AKBA at The World Pork Expo, June 8-10th in Des Moines Iowa this year.  Several of our pigs, including Cornelius, will be on display at the booth.  We are excited to be able to discuss various issues with several leading athorities on swine that Lori Enright has persuaded to meet with us after hours at the Expo.  

Even more exicting than all the events, past and future, will be the construction of our home this summer.  Call me crazy but I cannot wait for the day when we can hang our sign at the end of our lane.  Black Valley Farm!  Along with our home we will be constructing individual pig houses paterned after the English example.  There is quite the challenge ahead of us...Taking six blank acres and transforming it into the vision we have for it.  It will require intensive planning for fencing, planting, and placement of structures. We will be taking full advantage my aunt and uncle, Mike and Laura Jackson's wealth of knowledge of indigenous plants, shrubs, and trees.

So as spring progresses into summer, as we homeschool our children, build our home, opperate our Agricultural Undertaking, (all in the midst of Brian working full time) we can do nothing but praise The Maker of all things for the opportunity to bring glory to His Name as we foster a livestyle that is a daily reminder of His power. 

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created. He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away. Psalm 148: 5&6