Category Archives: VVR

Piggy Love

Written by a Vernal Vibe Rise WWOOF Volunteer

An amazing part of the Vernal Vibe Rise is that it empowers the heritage breeds that are critically endangered by offering them a sustainable home where they can live happily and reproduce in peace. There is an incredible variety of livestock as you walk across the fields, from sheep to rabbits to baby piglets: every one of them with a fantastic personality. Some of them get along better than others, but all of them coexist, living their lives happily the way they so desire.

But the pigs though.
These pigs are something else.

A shoutout must be given to the momma pigs. These powerful ladies were born to do what they love and love what they do with the most inspiring positive intention. An honory mention to our wise giant, the fabulously voluptuous Marfrance. Glamourously grazing with a cooperative smile, this Gloucestershire Old Spot momma packs a lot of love.

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Estelle the Berkshire is always clowning around with her tongue out. She’s always ready to greet you and talk about her day any time you pass by her.

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Then there is the fabulous tamworth Tamara, who is surely about to pop a new litter soon. You might recognize this lovely face by her stage name, Sherry Boom (Boom) or as she calls herself sometimes “Sheritta”. She’s recently decided to abandon her singing career as a pop sensation in order to take some time to nest up a family.

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But really, it’s all about Rosa. Fully aware of her stunning good looks with the whole pig neighborhood drooling over her, she prances along indifferently and always gets what she wants in life. As the true Ossabaw she is, she is quite feral by nature. She makes sure to take any opportunity to prove that she’ll outsmart anyone around her.

Those who fall under her spell end up with a serious heartbreak, and she’s already got a lot going on her playing field. She seems to have a pretty serious relationship with Ossabaw Jack although recently crossed paths with the infamous (Doctor) Xavier, who fell hopelessly and foolishly in love with her. It is no secret the the enchanting Xavier has been secretly attempting to take over the farm all these years, and Rosa seems to be in cahoots with him on this idea.

This secret love affair has caused Xavier a beautiful friendship with his apprentice, Joey, the teenage hearthrob, who was making some moves on Miss Rosa on the side. Who knows what kind of troubles this dynamic duo might be plotting. The head of the farm, Quincy Gray, responds cooly knowing that she’s got everything under control.

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Rosa replied all interviews with “no comment,” and did not let us photograph her for this report. However, we have pictures of some of the Ossabaw piglets that resemble her dashing looks.

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These mommas continue to bless the VVR with the of the most energetic and adorable piglets, who seem to be genetically bred into not just being adorable and awesome, but most of all: absolutely delicious.

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My breakfast #cleanlocalplate today, sans plate: @vernal_vibe_rise #highprotein #glutenfree #grainfreeexceptoats bread stacked with VVR #broccolisprouts + homemade #lardmayonnaise + VVR sheep and #bellsvalleyfarm beef meatloaf. Want to make this delicious little sandwich yourself? I support you in that. Many of the above ingredients (bread, lamb sausage, lard, eggs) are available to you via the @turnrow.farms online ordering platform—or for local delivery by me. #feedyourself #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

My breakfast #cleanlocalplate today, sans plate: @vernal_vibe_rise #highprotein #glutenfree #grainfreeexceptoats bread stacked with VVR #broccolisprouts + homemade #lardmayonnaise + VVR sheep and #bellsvalleyfarm beef meatloaf. Want to make this delicious little sandwich yourself? I support you in that. Many of the above ingredients (bread, lamb sausage, lard, eggs) are available to you via the @turnrow.farms online ordering platform—or for local delivery by me. #feedyourself #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

You still have ten hours to stock up on the very best from @vernal_vibe_rise for delivery via @turnrow.farms this week, including #kombucha and this timely #polishcoughsyrup made with only #beyondorganic and #certifiedorganic ingredients.This honey-sweetened tincture, made from new pine shoots, helps to boost the immune system and, according to Polish tradition, is of great benefit for coughs and colds. The recipe includes beyond-organic, wild-harvested pine shoots as well as certified-organic alcohol and certified-organic raw honey.#alonetogether#stayhealthy#immunity#localremedies #probiotic#localkombucha #gutcare#selfcare#livepermaculture #permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #holistichealth#observeandinteract

You still have ten hours to stock up on the very best from @vernal_vibe_rise for delivery via @turnrow.farms this week, including #kombucha and this timely #polishcoughsyrup made with only #beyondorganic and #certifiedorganic ingredients.This honey-sweetened tincture, made from new pine shoots, helps to boost the immune system and, according to Polish tradition, is of great benefit for coughs and colds. The recipe includes beyond-organic, wild-harvested pine shoots as well as certified-organic alcohol and certified-organic raw honey.#alonetogether#stayhealthy#immunity#localremedies #probiotic#localkombucha #gutcare#selfcare#livepermaculture #permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #holistichealth#observeandinteract

A Millennial’s Perspective of Farming and the Future of America’s Food

Written by a Vernal Vibe Rise WWOOF Volunteer

During our 3-week stay at Vernal Vibe Rise, I witnessed one of the most admirable and humbling displays of diligence and dedication I have ever seen. We all have people in our lives whom we look up to for all sorts of inspiration (mentors or role models if you will), and Quincy is one of those few humans who will continue to inspire many people. When I was a kid, my mom would often tell me that anyone who works hard at anything will eventually reap the fruits of that labor. Sooner or later, it happens, and being at VVR was a much needed reminder of this lesson.

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I hope I don’t get too preachy, but please entertain my thoughts for a moment. I belong to a generation that has had to struggle with the consequences of the near-sighted decisions and assumptions that our predecessors made about our natural and human-crafted resources. While my generation has more gadgets and better access to information than ever before, we carry a large burden that no other generation has faced. We are having to deal with the consequences of carelessly mining natural resources, and we are realizing that mass-production coupled with an irresponsible “free market” is perhaps the most pernicious combination of social constructs that humans have ever created. Thankfully, the Internet has helped us see that there are smarter ways of powering our homes, fueling our vehicles, planning our cities, and growing our food. On the Internet, you will find that many hard-working people are helping to spread the word about the vast world of wiser alternatives to the way in which we grow our food and raise our livestock. Suddenly, urban farms are sprawling all across the country. Suddenly, farmers markets are sprawling in abandoned lots in various cities. But what I found most encouraging about my stay at VVR is that many of us are talking about these hard truths and quickly seeing that all the information and technology we need to make our world a more responsible one is already in our hands.

If we look back in time, especially to the humble, rebellious beginnings of this country, we can easily appreciate that social revolutions are slow to occur. But if there is one quality that characterizes this country over the centuries, it has got to be its undeniable ability to foster some amazing social revolutions. And it is pioneers like Quincy who take matters into their own hands and lead the rest of us into a transitional period.  I am grateful that people, such as Quincy, have fearlessly challenged the status quo by acknowledging that something isn’t right about the way we’re mass-producing livestock. It is inspiring to see that people are empowering themselves to do things differently.

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Meeting Quincy and her loving, collaborative community was an honor. Indeed, a reminder that anything is possible as long as you work hard and support your local community (be it by purchasing food from local farmers or, in Quincy’s case, by selling your product to local, small businesses). Quincy, I wish you nothing but the best–you’ve definitely earned it 😀

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With much love and appreciation,
Hugo

The best two to welcome me home to @vernal_vibe_rise at the end of last week. Their joy makes the 100 degree to 10 degree swing more manageable, for sure. Not to mention that hot, dry heat from my sturdy @vermontcastings #rescuestove #karakachan#farmeronholiday#selfcarewhilefarming#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

The best two to welcome me home to @vernal_vibe_rise at the end of last week. Their joy makes the 100 degree to 10 degree swing more manageable, for sure. Not to mention that hot, dry heat from my sturdy @vermontcastings #rescuestove #karakachan#farmeronholiday#selfcarewhilefarming#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

BARN of this Land

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This BARN. Every time I scoop feed, take refuge from rain or wind, store farm tools, or smell sweet local straw on my guardian dogs’ fur, it is tinted with gratitude for this barn. 
Even though I definitely hammered a few nails to help build this beauty, I see it as a gift from my brother @owenmcmichael —he coordinated the job and stuck with it until it was solid and dry enough to serve my needs. Along with my father (and some good help from @jelmcm and WWOOFer Lucas), Owen felled the trees, supervised and supported the sawyer, augered the post holes, stripped and set the posts, and built both floors with precision.

One of these days (after my wrists heal, for sure), I will follow through with my end of the deal by finishing the batten and sliding barn doors. My barn is both beautiful and functional as it is, and I know it will continue to learn—á la #stewartbrand —as the years pass.

#familyfarm
#redoak
#portablesawmill
#usewhatyouhave
#permaculturecommunity
#theproblemisthesolution
#designforthefuture
#permaculturefarm
#healthyfarmer
#selfcarewhilefarming
#truesustainability
#permaculture
#permacultura
#observeandinteract

The post-chores, pre- #writingclub breakfast today: a #cleanlocalplate of @tlberries greens and #bellsvalleyfarm #skirtsteak dressed with @vernal_vibe_rise #fermentedhotpeppersauce and garlic, as well as @paradoxfarm ginger and @jqdsalt 🥣@caitlinezellwaugh#feedyourself#feedyourbrain #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#permaculturewomen #unsustainablefarmbook#theproblemisthesolution

The post-chores, pre- #writingclub breakfast today: a #cleanlocalplate of @tlberries greens and #bellsvalleyfarm #skirtsteak dressed with @vernal_vibe_rise #fermentedhotpeppersauce and garlic, as well as @paradoxfarm ginger and @jqdsalt  🥣@caitlinezellwaugh#feedyourself#feedyourbrain #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#permaculturewomen #unsustainablefarmbook#theproblemisthesolution

It was just so dang beautiful out on @vernal_vibe_rise this evening. The dogs opted to stay at the barn, but I had a solid solo walk after a day at the table in my @scion_design permaculture studio. I scouted some spots for the remaining #pawpaw trees, to be planted tomorrow, and returned home with a feeling of fullness and gratitude. #cyclicalliving #livepermaculture #permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #holistichealth#observeandinteract

It was just so dang beautiful out on @vernal_vibe_rise this evening. The dogs opted to stay at the barn, but I had a solid solo walk after a day at the table in my @scion_design permaculture studio. I scouted some spots for the remaining #pawpaw trees, to be planted tomorrow, and returned home with a feeling of fullness and gratitude. #cyclicalliving #livepermaculture #permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #holistichealth#observeandinteract

Gather your empty bottles, because I am decanting #kombucha in preparation for the #winterbluesfarmersmarket2020 on Saturday. I will have samples, pints, quarts, and bottle-your-own (the best deal) available. If you have clean kombucha jars from last year’s market, return for $1 off your purchase. #probiotic#localkombucha #gutcare#selfcare#livepermaculture #permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #holistichealth#observeandinteract

Gather your empty bottles, because I am decanting #kombucha in preparation for the #winterbluesfarmersmarket2020 on Saturday. I will have samples, pints, quarts, and bottle-your-own (the best deal) available. If you have clean kombucha jars from last year’s market, return for $1 off your purchase. #probiotic#localkombucha #gutcare#selfcare#livepermaculture #permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #holistichealth#observeandinteract

I am learning, slowly by slowly, not to panic or struggle when the wind shifts course. My intention for this Solstice was to sit in community with a group of people for whom I have immense gratitude. Yesterday, that plan shifted. In my usual fashion, resistance arrived first. I had my plan in mind, had coordinated a number of other events around this one in order to create time for it, and accepting that it would not happen felt like a stretch.The good news is that I am in the habit of encouraging myself to meet the opportunity to stretch with willingness, and—though it took me an hour or so to adjust—I relaxed into the idea that my Solstice Saturday would be spent solo. The more I passively considered that idea, mulling it over unconsciously for the most part, the more enthusiastic I grew about the prospect of having an entire unplanned day by myself on the land I love. Having just taken a break for a #cleanlocalplate of @vernal_vibe_rise #sprouts + #homemademayo + #mustardpickles with some #eastvirginia tuna, I can report that my #solosolstice day continues to be amazing. Now, back out to squeeze in two more hours of #willow and #pawpaw planting in this balmy, late-December weather. And maybe a fire with the #karakachan pups after dark. It has taken me nearly a decade of farming to understand that rest is just as important as the work. Trust me.Happy Solstice, everyone, and know that I support you in finding some quiet time—solo or otherwise—today, to reflect on what has been and where we are going on this next trip around.#iateitbeforeicouldtakeaphoto#decemberplanting #mychorrizae #earthcare#farmcare#selfcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

I am learning, slowly by slowly, not to panic or struggle when the wind shifts course. My intention for this Solstice was to sit in community with a group of people for whom I have immense gratitude. Yesterday, that plan shifted. In my usual fashion, resistance arrived first. I had my plan in mind, had coordinated a number of other events around this one in order to create time for it, and accepting that it would not happen felt like a stretch.The good news is that I am in the habit of encouraging myself to meet the opportunity to stretch with willingness, and—though it took me an hour or so to adjust—I relaxed into the idea that my Solstice Saturday would be spent solo. The more I passively considered that idea, mulling it over unconsciously for the most part, the more enthusiastic I grew about the prospect of having an entire unplanned day by myself on the land I love. Having just taken a break for a #cleanlocalplate of @vernal_vibe_rise #sprouts + #homemademayo + #mustardpickles with some #eastvirginia tuna, I can report that my #solosolstice day continues to be amazing. Now, back out to squeeze in two more hours of #willow and #pawpaw planting in this balmy, late-December weather. And maybe a fire with the #karakachan pups after dark. It has taken me nearly a decade of farming to understand that rest is just as important as the work. Trust me.Happy Solstice, everyone, and know that I support you in finding some quiet time—solo or otherwise—today, to reflect on what has been and where we are going on this next trip around.#iateitbeforeicouldtakeaphoto#decemberplanting #mychorrizae #earthcare#farmcare#selfcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

To those dedicated and intrepid people who made time for the #winterbluesfarmersmarket2020 on Saturday, Thank You. I enjoyed sharing #lardlips and #kombucha and other live-fermented farm products with you. We had some great conversations and made connections that will live into the future. And to whichever vendor felt the need to chuck their unsold microgreens into the dumpster, please consider sharing them with a hungry person, livestock farmer, or avid composter next year.#feedyourneighbors #localkombucha #gutcare#lipcare #selfcare#livepermaculture #permaculturefarm #permaculturewomen #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #holistichealth#observeandinteract

To those dedicated and intrepid people who made time for the #winterbluesfarmersmarket2020 on Saturday, Thank You. I enjoyed sharing #lardlips and #kombucha and other live-fermented farm products with you. We had some great conversations and made connections that will live into the future. And to whichever vendor felt the need to chuck their unsold microgreens into the dumpster, please consider sharing them with a hungry person, livestock farmer, or avid composter next year.#feedyourneighbors #localkombucha #gutcare#lipcare #selfcare#livepermaculture #permaculturefarm #permaculturewomen #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #holistichealth#observeandinteract