On Sunday, the Smiths took a short trip to Neola, Iowa. Well, everyone except Sam. He spent the day with his aunt as a birthday present. Poor guy missed all the fun!

We have been considering adding a few hogs next year, and one of the breeds we're interested in getting is guinea hogs. They're smaller than many other types, and we found some people in our area who have a few. We arranged a time to visit, and our little pig trip turned into a farm party.

Our new friends Sherri and John have a wonderful farm and huge collection of animals. They really opened up their home to us, and we had a fantastic time. Sherri and Mike barbecued some of their chickens, other friends brought side salads, and we contributed a peach-and-raspberry cobbler and a summer bouquet. Jack and Comet helped crank the old-fashioned ice cream maker for dessert. Great food and new friends... a wonderful way to end the week!

Here are some highlights in pictures:

Jack bottle feeding a calf

Scottish Highland cattleNapoleon the black sheepBrian and guinea hogSummer bouquet

-Brian

This week will be a very busy week on Black Sheep Farms. Besides our regular farm work, homeschooling and other jobs, we have some special events scheduled.

On Tuesday, Kelly and I will go to a one-night screening of Food Fight at Film Streams with Director Chris Taylor. (Want to watch the trailer?) We are looking forward to the Q+A session after the film and hope to field some questions about farming.

Wednesday, we have our third CSA pick-up. I can't believe it's going so quickly! We will also host a farm tour for a group from The Nature Conservancy. They are holding a Staff Enrichment week at the Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. They expect over 160 people from 19 states.

On Thursday, I will be presenting to The Nature Conservancy group on the topic of "Good Food, Good Community, Good Earth." I gave a presentation last year and was invited back for a second year. I'm grateful to my friends at TNC for the ability to talk about food again.

Friday... back to harvesting for Saturday's farmers market.