“Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed.” ~Francis Bacon There is a rhythm, a reliable cycle to life and I believe that nowhere is it more apparent than it is on a farm. And though Nature sometimes acts up–like last week’s temperatures that bounced around the low 20s and mid-30s for days; like a rainContinue reading “December 31st: closure & reflection”
Author Archives: c ben-iesau
How to prune a pear
This thorough, to-the-point video by Gary L. Heilig gives the how, when, and why of pruning pear trees. He also gives some excellent recco’s on tools as well. While this video is about pruning a large pear the wisdom also applies to other food-producing trees. Enjoy by clicking here!
Open , but by “appointment”
The blueberry season was a bit short, likely due to the heat but we still have lots of local honey and plenty of fresh eggs. Someone is usually at the farm but before you make the drive, check in just in case we’re not manned. You can call or text 985-422-0880 to make arrangements forContinue reading “Open , but by “appointment””
We’re open…
…in spite of the heat, rain, deer flies, & state “bird” we’re open every Tuesday & Saturday, or by appointment, until the blueberry harvest is done. Right now the bushes are LOADED! We also have eggs, and honey–raw, local, pure–pulled from the hives this week. See you on the farm!
Open 4 Biz!
Big Branch Apiary will finally open for picking this Saturday, June 4th, 2022. Today we picked blueberries in real quantities. It took three of us an hour to pick two gallons. Advertised hours have changed: we’ll open 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturdays & Tuesdays. It’s highly recommended you call or text us at 985-422-0880Continue reading “Open 4 Biz!”
Harvest updates from the apiary
Click on the following link for updated information on our anticipated blueberry and honey availability. https://mailchi.mp/%5Bxxxxxx%5D/harvest-updates-from-the-apiary
USDA bulletin on the avian flu outbreak.
Are egg prices fixing to soar? https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFARMERS/bulletins/313953e At Big Branch Apiary we yoke (yolk) our prices to the cost of feed and strive to keep the cost down. A dozen of our fresh, free-range*, organic eggs sells for $5. Have Qs? Email us at bigbranchapiary@gmail.com or text us at 985-422-0880 for more info.
The balance sheet of love.
“Sometimes,’ said Pooh, ‘the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” Today broke peaceful; fog-muted, bathed in pastels. A morning crisp but just barely. A beautiful and perfect day. Except that it wasn’t. Today was the last day we had with Teazel. Teazel is–was–a lionhearted Jack Russel not much bigger than aContinue reading “The balance sheet of love.”
Milkweed & Monarchs
We spotted our last Monarch butterfly about a week ago as it assumably was passing by on the way to overwinter in Mexico. It stopped in to dine on our flowers before heading on its way south. One of the things we still have blooming profusely is tropical milkweed–Asclepias curassavica. Many experts now say toContinue reading “Milkweed & Monarchs”
Pollen feed-frenzy
I can’t stress enough the value of having an experienced mentor when you take on beekeeping. I had never considered putting pollen out for our girls until prompted by my #Hivesforheroes mentor, Scott Steele. At first I put the pollen he gave me out just to be polite, so when he asked if I hadContinue reading “Pollen feed-frenzy”
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