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[FranksFarm AT aol.com]

Hi Lisa, and all

Well, I must say that life on the farm is far different from I first imagined 
or intended:)

I thought I'd be growing organic vegetables, pasture fed beef and all those 
other wonderful enterprises like pastured poultry, goats, etc., that we often 
read about.

The realities of life in rural areas can really change plans like that since 
there are often few nearby markets, or customers willing or able to afford 
city prices.

Down hear what's cheapest sells.

Plus, I had about 115 acres of fairly flat pasture land that had previously 
been planted in corn. But I had no interest in row crops. So to keep the 
pastures grazed down I got into the cattle business. 

Boy, was I green? I've learned quite a bit, and luckily prices have been 
fairly good since I first started.
I have a spring calving cow calf operation. In fact calves are dropping 
almost every day now. I have about 125 head including assorted young stock. 
Some of 
whom I'll be taking to market soon.

Most are from registered stock.

Had to build corrals, purchase farm machinery (which I told myself I'd not 
do). But you soon find how little one person can do when confronted with 
acreage 
of any size.

I also had hoped to start an Eco-Village, but despite lots of interest, and a 
whole lot of time answering emails etc. I found that doing such without a 
core group in place was far too time consuming, and fraught with problems 
over 
type of ownership, etc.

And some of the folks who did actually come down had little money, no plan 
for their support, etc.

The last thing in the world I wanted was headaches, and problems. So, I've 
kind of kept the Eco-Village on the backburner. I know the idea is sound, and 
the property well suited since it's in an area of great natural beauty, 
bordered 
by a state stocked trout stream, and is very private yet minutes from town.

I'm content though, glad I got off the merry go round. We live simply but 
well. And the equity in the property keeps building:)

Best to all. Frank in KY