What Betty is Doing Now November 2025

Winter is Here

Life on the farm has slowed down as winter is here and I’ve enjoyed the change of pace. The garden is finished for the year. I had great success with tomatoes even though I don’t like them much. The zucchini did fine and I fed myself from the garden most of the summer. I planted strawberries, garlic, and a handful of spring bulbs to set up next year’s beds.

I flagged all the planting locations for the first phase of my silvopasture project. Canopy Farm Management will be handling the install in early spring. You can see their work at https://canopyfm.com

I’m digging deeper into permaculture. I bought Building Your Permaculture Property by Rob Avis, Michelle Avis, and Takota Coen, and I’m considering hiring a designer to help me think through the area around my house. I’d like it to be more ecological, more edible, and better for birds and wildlife.

On the food storage side, I bought Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits and Vegetables by Mike and Nancy Bubel. One of my long-term goals is to grow more of my own food and store it the old-fashioned way. Eventually the orchard trees will produce fruit, so I’d like to be ready.

The sheep have settled into their winter routine. The ram is in with the ewes and he is doing his job. They are spending more time in the barnyard now that the season has shifted.

Bella, my young Mustang, has been doing well with the saddle. She is a quick learner. I hope she fills out a bit more before I officially start riding her.

I visited Silver Tree Beer and Spirits in Paxton for a Land Connection event. It’s run by the Glazik family and it is a great example of keeping the next generation connected to the farm in creative ways. Their story is on https://www.silvertreebeerspirits.com/about

I also visited a bison farm with Grand Prairie Friends. Bison are incredible animals to see up close, but I still think sheep are easier.

With shorter days, I’m back in the house earlier, which is new for me. I started watching TV and movies for fun for the first time in a long while. I’ve been watching the Fallout series and enjoying it. It feels good to have some quiet evenings after a busy season.

I sold almost all of my lambs this year. I may have one more available. If someone local is interested, contact me. Processing is done through Allen’s Meats in Homer.

If you're interested in working together or have any questions, feel free to contact me via email or LinkedIn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettybrennan/

bettybrennan@pm.me