[Ag-eq] Hello and update

[nfoster at extremezone.com]

Hello All:
The list has been very quiet lately, so I hope everyone is just busy.

My summer has been pretty busy; I ended up not taking any classes, but still had
plenty to do.  Mike built me a raised bed garden and I had quite a lot of
produce until mid July.  The heat has finally taken a toll and I only have
tomatos and peppers left.  We had 3 or 4 days where it got over 115 and 2 of my
chickens died.  The rest of my animals are managing; they are sure going through
the water and hanging out in the shade!

In June Mike got me a Nubian milk goat and I have been making different cheeses
with the milk.  We have also made ice cream and I use the milk to cook with.  I
have another Nubian, which I want to breed this fall, so she can supply us with
milk next spring and summer.  I just don't know what I will do with the babies!
 I know if I raise them I won't want to give them away!

We are enlarging the chicken run and building more shaded areas for them.  Once
we complete it I will get some more hens.  I think we are also going to put in
a fan for next summer.  I feel terrible about the chickens dying.

I haven't been riding much since Allie my mule has been lame on and off for
months now.  I will try her again once it cools down.  The vet was here on
Friday and thinks that she has ring bone, which may or may not get better.  I'm
very discouraged about it; I love riding Allie and know it will be hard to find
another animal has good as her.  My neighbor lets me ride one of her horses
when ever I want, but it has just been to hot!

I think I told everyone that I returned to school last year to study management.
 Well, I'm having some second thoughts about management.  I'm really interested
in something agricultural, but not exactly sure what.  Does anyone have any
suggestions?

Have any of you worked in the field of agriculture?

Do you know someone I could talk to?

I find myself interested in small farming and sustainable agriculture, but don't
know which direction to go.  I would love some feedback.

I hope all of you are well and would love to hear some updates.

Take care.

Nella