Corn Smut

Now growing corn in Virginia is hardly newsworthy in the Country where it is the main crop.  However, after two previously unfruitful attempts, that included not getting a stalk never mind a cob, we were pleased to see two healthy rows of corn complete with cobs.  I initially spent some time watching over them, as one does with a new born, but a freshening cow and a plethora of new rescue horses drew me away; watching paint dry might be more rewarding than watching corn ripening, but it is a close call!  So imagine my disappointment on returning to the corn rows, expecting to see bounteous fruits ready for picking, only to see some of these:

 Corn Smut

Aghast, I call on our chief researcher (Jorg) to identify the offending horror, and find out what new blight has descended on our veggie plot.  This year the rain has been the main offender, as many of the bugs of previous years seem to be in limited numbers, and rain it seems unleashed this fungus on the corn.  Huitlacoche, pronounced WEET-LA-KO-CHEE is well know in Mexico, and by corn growers all over North America.  The latter have been trying to eradicate it, without success, for many years.  The Mexicans, however, love it, and the article in the link under my photo gives a number of good nutritional reasons to try it.  It also transpires that a crop of "corn smut" sells way over the price of regular corn!

Well, Jorg and I have always been willing to try new dishes, and as huitlacoche is supposed to be packed with lysine a nourishing meal of corn smut is on the cards.  We'll let you know how it goes, but that evil looking corn cob might just have a saving grace.

Back Again

If you had been wondering if Triskelion Farm was still going strong then let me assure you we are alive and well, and running like the wind (the snow has gone but the mud remains)!  The year passed us by really fast and we find ourselves once again with two pregnant cows, but with a little more experience!  

Bessie and Rosebud are due in August, and we are hoping for their usual charming additions to the bovine world.

 Bessie                                                                                                       Rosebud

 "The Bug Patrol" (photo courtesy of Kate Follett our Intern)

Following on from our last post (geez was it May last year!) the Guineas have gotten bigger and look ready to combat the might of the crittur world.  Hopefully no more ticks, and a few less veggie eaters in the garden!
We have continued to add to our fruit trees and in addition to apples, pears, peaches, and cherries we have blueberries, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and chestnuts (hybrid Dunstan for disease resistance).  In a few short years (and critturs permitting) we should be getting a veritable cornucopia to grace our vegetarian table.

Well back in the saddle (or yoke, depending on your animals) again and hopefully posting more frequently.  A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New year to all you cow and horse lovers out there, from all here at Triskelion Farm.

Bug Brigade

The Bug Brigade

To avoid last year's bug invasion, which basically halted veggie growing over the Summer (after a great Spring start) we have brought in a secret weapon - the "Bug Brigade".  A heavy duty, highly active (as can be seen from the photo above) dedicated group of bug destroyers - The Guineas!  This year we are not messing with the little critturs who demolish our carefully landscaped vegetable garden.  It's total war!  Non-chemical and wholly organic, our little friends will be sent out to off anything alien that dares to set foot on our pristine leaves.  There is nothing as frightening as a Guinea with a mission.  That is, provided we can persuade them that our garden is a better home than our neighbors, or the farm down the road!  Ah well, every solution has a drawback, and we are always optimistic.