How to Outsmart a Mink... Part 1

written by

Sandra Ressler

posted on

July 5, 2018

Our latest episode...

The most recent intruder was apparently a mink.  We never actually saw this one, but we've seen them around.  I'll spare you the details, but losing several (sometimes as many as ten or more) chickens every night was becoming discouraging, not to mention expensive! Layers of electric fence (chicken wire and poultry netting) didn't deter him.  Ken finally realized that the grass was so thick near the ground that there was room for the "critter" to sneak under the fence. 

Now, when we're ready to move the fence, we first use the weed eater to clean a line where the fence will go.  No more dead chickens!!! There are many challenges to farming naturally and sustainably, trying to regenerate the soil, and allow for a diversity of plants and animals.  However, the rewards are worth it:  healthier animals, the satisfaction of hard work; the joy of creating healthy, nutrient-dense food; and peace of mind knowing that we did it without drugs, chemicals, or added hormones.

More from the blog

When equipment breaks down...

When equipment breaks down...

When we make maple syrup, the finished product goes from the evaporator into a stainless steel insulated collection container, then through a filter press into a canning box.  The canning box keeps the syrup at the right temp for bottling (180 degrees) as we dispense it into jars and seal them.  It's a continuous process that can't be shut down instantaneously.  You can't turn off a wood fire (in the evaporator) that's burning at 800 degrees or more.Last week one day, our syrup filter press broke, and we had to make an emergency trip to a nearby small repair shop.  It was a bit stressful trying to slow the fire down enough to interrupt the process for a half hour or so!  But we did it and everything turned out fine.  Whew!  Good thing we have a great team!!Then it happened again a couple days later...this time in the evening - after hours for the repair shop.  Now what?!?!  Fortunately we were able to reach of someone from the repair shop and they accommodated us in our emergency.  Once again...we are so grateful for community/neighbors/people who work together and help each other out in times of need.  (Remember "When the cows escaped"?!)  Farm life 🙂!!Pretty sure it's welded good and tight now!!

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Elm Run Farms

  • 16808 Burkhart Road
    Orrville OH 44667
  • 330-317-7283