Our Wonderful Dexter Cattle

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At Agarita Creek Farms, we raise Jacob Sheep and Navajo-Churro Sheep, but we are also committed to establishing an amazing herd of Dexter cattle. We are moving slowly in this regard, acquiring only the highest quality heifers and cows, as we want to build a really special herd. We are breeding for red and dun coloration, leaving the predominant black to others. We just feel that the lighter colors are better for our hot climate. We have had two calves in late 2008 and thus far in 2009 at the farm, and look forward to many more, and an ever increasing herd. Dexters are the perfect small dual purpose cow, and we are committed to raising them in a way that honors them. Check out our Dexter cows on your next visit to the farm, and you will see what we are excited about.

More Navajo-Churro Moms and a Few Lambs

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Here are a few of our Navajo ewes, some with their lambs. We are proud to be the farm that is bringing the Navajo-Churro, the sheep of the Spanish and the Navajo, to the Texas Hill Country. We have registered and unregistered rams, ewes, and lambs for sale -- to reestablish this heritage breed in Texas. Pictures do not do them justice; you need to see them for yourself. We are looking for partners who love these animals as we do, and want to establish their own herd. They are a great meat breed, placing high in all competitions among heritage breeds, are good mothers, and provide plenty of milk and outstanding fleeces. We love them, and are looking for people who love them as much as we do.

Navajo Churro Lambs -- 2009

Conrad, Chloe's ram lam with Santo. Conrad is registerable. He is a two horn Navajo ram lamb. Pure white.

Ysabel and Santo's registerable ewe lamb Equador. Two horned lamb with tan and grey markings.

Renee and Santo's registerable ram lamb, Roberto Clemente.

Nina and Santo's ewe Chocolat.

Amanda and Santo's registerable ewe Constance.

Name that calf!

Today at Agarita Creek Farms we had the second calf of the year. We believe she is a she (although the other cows will not let us get close to her). She is of the long legged variety of Dexters, and is chocolate brown. What to name her? We are turning to our friends for input. Let us know what you think.

Tom

April "Facebook" Special

For those of you who are Fans of AGF on Facebook, you know about our April special -- weekends at weekday rates. This special is only available through Facebook, through the Agarita Creek Farms Facebook page. As always there is a two night minimum. We will be running other Facebook only specials in the future, so the message is sign up for Facebook and become a fan of AGF. You will automaticaly get notice of all of our special, and automatically receive our blog, Musings from Agarita Creek Farms. It is a great way for you to keep up with what is going on at the farm, and for us to communicate with you.

Tom

Progress, at last!

As you may have seen, our new website is up, at www.agaritacreek.com, and we will be able to take reservations over the internet soon. For now you can call us to reserve a cabin or email us to make a reservation inquiry. Our office number is (830) 896-9140, business hours Monday through Friday. Tom's cell is (832) 419-9389. The farm house is (830) 896.9140. We can be reached via email at tcarnes@thomaspcarnes.com -- for now that is the most dependable email.

We hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend, and comes to see us soon.

Tom

And the rains came

The last two days have brought more than welcome rain. I am no weatherman, but I think it is the best rain we have had since July 2007. More supposedly on the way tonight, with a chance continuing into Saturday. Bring it on, we need it.

We have 14 inches of rain all year last year, after having well over 30 the year before. These things are hard to plan for. We hope that we are at the end of a drought, but that is probably reading too much into it.

The lamb count is at 31. We don't really have a Jacob/Navajo, ram/ewe, or four horn/two horn count yet. We are just catching them as they hit the ground. With all we have going, there is not time to do much more. We are happy to report no fatalities, and still only three bottle lambs -- all born the same, very cold, weekend.

The Behrends cabin is plumbed, and will be ready for occupancy when our first special guests arrive Monday, and then again Friday. The Braeutigam cabin is trailing by perhaps a week. They will be plumbed and heated for our first guests. Lest we get too boastful, we did forget to have propane installed, so our first guests will have air and heat, and running water, but the jury is still out on working stoves.

The garden benefitted from the rain. Freeze danger should be over soon. The tomatoes sitting in the kitchen may finally get planted in the next week or two.

Winter is back, although it will be short lived. For the rain, the cold temperatures are worth it. We take what we can get. That is the nature of living out here, and trying to make something of the land.

Until next time,

Tom