Jewel Basin Farms

Baby ducks loving their new outdoor space!

Pigs got to move to their big pen today, and man were they excited! So much space to run around, roll in the mud, and dig in the dirt.

It's been a busy winter and spring outside of the farm, but babies are here! The snow is Finally melted enough to say it's spring, and it's time to turn our focus towards outdoor projects. Gotta love all the cute faces! ❤️

We finally got everything wrapped up from our first year of 4-H and participating in the NW Montana Fair. We want to thank Nomad GCS for purchasing Bryce's pig, and supporting the hard work these kids put in to raising quality animals!

Gorda's official weight going into the fair is 283 lbs. She's in top shape, and ready for the showmanship and market classes on Wednesday. Come see her and Bryce at the NWMT Fair!

Gotta exercise to build up those hams even more! 3 more weeks until these two go to the fair. 🙂

And today with temps pushing 80, they are happy to be back in their muddy pen!

Though we are not in the flood risk areas in the valley, this rain is proving too much for the ground to absorb and keep up with. The challenges faced by our little hobby farm seem unending with the continuous unpredictable weather this year.
1. The pigs have been flooded out of their pen and shelter, so they have been moved into the horse trailer.
2. Ravin hasn't gotten her shelter built yet, and the trees weren't enough to get her a break, so tarp tent it is! Yes, it's a bit redneck, but it's working.
3. Henry and C**t (the goats) watched all the crazy from the comfort of their dogloo which is doing a great job at keeping them dry. (Thankfully, or they would have been moving back inside. 🙈)
4. The chickens look like drowned rats, and must not be too pleased judging by the lack of eggs today. The ducks on the other hand have had a blast all day, and Stevie finally gave us an egg after months of molting!

Meanwhile, the humans finally got to get warm and dry, and are hoping this system moves thru without wreaking the havoc it's threatening in the valley. There's only so far creativity and stubbornness will get you against Mother Nature.

In between the rain storms, we were able to get the garden worked up. It's too wet to plant outside, but the newly recovered greenhouse is keeping the growth going. The really late winter and struggling spring are not helping to get some of this kicked off, but we'll get there eventually!

A walk outside in the cold is best followed by cozying up to the fire. 😴

Flowers are popping up! Freezing temps outside don't get to stop this show. 🙂