The 2026 Kentucky Farm Launch Cohort through the University of Kentucky has been going really well, and I am incredibly grateful for the experience. I have built some really meaningful relationships through the program, toured farms that I probably would not have had the opportunity to visit otherwise, and learned so much from farmers who are already doing the work. Every farm tour and every conversation has given me something new to think about. The NETWORKING has been the best part though! For someone who works in Business Management- all of the resources and technical information we have received has been a dream come true! There is a lot of stuff I already know as not a beginner farmer, but it is all fantastic information. I would highly recommend any beginning farmers apply for the next cohort.
The fall tomato project is officially underway!! I planted 30 tomato plants in the greenhouse this week, and now I need to get the actual shade cloth installed. It was SO hot! The main thing is making sure these seedlings don’t cook. The sides are rolled up and I have temporary shade over the top right now, but the permanent shade cloth needs to go on.
I am not going to pretend that I am excited about doing that part by myself. Putting shade cloth on a greenhouse is one of those jobs that looks significantly easier when someone else is doing it. I know I can figure it out, but the idea of wrestling a huge piece of shade cloth over the greenhouse by myself is a little daunting.
I am excited to see how the fall tomatoes perform, though. This is something completely new for me, and I am looking forward to learning from it. It’s definitely not… normal or ideal but I’d rather get things done than not!
The blueberry project is ALSO officially happening. I have 50 blueberry plants from Bluegrass Blueberries scheduled to arrive this fall. They are still babies, so they will be staying in pots for now while they grow. I know I am going to have to be patient because it will take years before they really start producing, but that is part of what I love about this project. I am planting for the future!
I am also planning to propagate my Limelight hydrangeas now that the patent has expired 😉 so be sure to keep an eye out for those starts in the spring. I’ll aLao be propagating our established elderberries, thornless blackberries, and goji berries.
It will also be time to plant garlic soon. are y’all ready? We are just now finishing off our garlic from last season! I was in such a rush to get them in the ground last year that I have no idea what varieties have lasted this long! Hopefully I can figure that out to share with y’all next year. I feel like I just finished planting for the current season, and somehow we are already planning for the next one.
Aspen, my Nigerian Dwarf goat, had triplets a little while ago and she is currently in milk. I have not been milking her regularly because she is still nursing her triplets. I have enjoyed getting milk from her when I can, but she is still busy being a mama and I am happy to let her take care of her babies.
Then there is the part of farm life that has been sitting in the back of my mind… moving.
That is hard to think about when I have so many things growing here. I have invested time and money into this farm, and I have so many plans for what I want it to become. I have 50 blueberry plants sitting in pots waiting for their future home. I have a greenhouse full of tomatoes. I have animals and perennial crops and a whole list of things I want to try.
Whatever happens with a move, Raised Wild Farm will continue. I am still going to grow things, raise animals, learn as much as I can, try things that might work and probably try a few things that absolutely do not.
For now, I am enjoying the process. There is a lot to learn, a lot to grow, and a lot to look forward to! 🖤 Anna
