May 30, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized
The first couple of weeks at the farm have been busy!
We’ve been making beds, planting, transplanting, weeding, hardening off plants, pulling and pounding posts, and basically trying to keep up with the craziness of spring farm work!
transplanting eggplant in the greenhouse
Much of the garden was started before I arrived on the farm. Peas, beets, carrots, and other early starters were already in the ground, and many of the other veggies were started as seed under the grow lights in the basement. Now that spring is in full swing, It seems there is so much do to and it all needs to be done now!
seedlings hardening off in the greenhouse
I’ve been enjoying the long hours outdoors in the sun, the dirt under my fingernails, and the satisfaction of physical work. The spring sunshine is a welcome sight and the warm air feels wonderful on my skin after such a long, drawn-out winter (we recieved our last snow just a month ago!).
Today I had a close encounter. While clearing tomato trash (the dead plants and vines left in the field from last year) from a row we planned to till, I caught a glimpse of something in the trash I was clearing. As I peered down, the tan and brown shape burst out of the trash and into the air–it was a mother pheasant! The hen had been using the tomato trash to nest in. We left the nest undisturbed in hope that the mother hen comes back for her eggs.
It’s spring on the prairie and life is good 
May 13, 2008
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Hi everybody!
Heidi here. Thought I’d take a moment to introduce myself. After spending four years away from South Dakota earning my degree at the University of Montana and working for a year in Minneapolis, I’ve returned to my rural South Dakota roots. I’ve seized the opportunity to return to my home state and become involved in the good work of sustainable farming. During my apprenticeship here at Prairie Coteau Farm I’ll be learning the ins and outs of market gardening, raising chickens, and operating a small-scale organic farm.
Today was the long-awaited First Farm Day. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t as upbeat as I, and the rain and cold forced us to spend the day inside starting seeds under the grow lights and putting tomatoes and peppers to pot. The inside work gave Kristianna and I a chance to get acquainted and to chat about what the farm season will look like this year.
First farm day accomplished, many more to come!
May 13, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized
Prairie Coteau Farm
Hello from the farm!
Prairie Coteau Farm is 40 acres of rolling prairie, trees, fields and wetlands where wildlife abounds, located on the Buffalo Ridge in northeastern South Dakota. This is our fifth year of operation, and after several years of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), we’ve decided to shift gears and grow for the local farmer’s market. We produce a wide range of vegetables, melons and herbs. Heirloom varieties are a focus, as are specific crops such as melons and gourmet garlic. About 50 laying hens freely roam our pastures, and we sell their eggs through a small co-op. We’re committed to sustainable, organic growing methods that preserve the ecological health of our farm as we strive to be good stewards of the land.
tractor and farm dog
greenhouse and moveable chicken coop
This blog is authored by Heidi (The Intern) and occassionally by Kristianna (The Farmer). We hope to share our experiences in small-scale organic farming and give people a window into life on the farm.
Enjoy and stop back often!
