Tractor-bean

Ever on the watch for opportunities to putter and implement sodden dollops of sustainability, SWOSU Farm has resurrected an old tractor...a cast iron-clad example of re-use. The tractor project is a few weeks old and results are encouraging. The fuel system utilizes propane, a somewhat sullen nod to Big-Oil, yet sometimes history just begs to be nurtured back into existence, bio-fueled or not.

Post-Seasonal- Flow

The vertical ascention continues out at SWOSU Farm...with the participants stopping to stretch every so often.

Transition

SWOSU Farm is harvesting a moderate array of organic consumables and the short-term goal of infiltrating the campus cafeteria via the salad-bar has become a reality.

Passive Organics

Rumors have been circulating of perhaps the existence of some minor social un-rest amongst the cow peas, okra, and tomatoes...I have noticed nothing during casual observance; however that does not negate the fact that a covert uprizing could be in the works. I decided to tighten security and illuminate the perimeter fencing. It is no wonder we have such trouble with bugs. It's like a neon landing-strip out there.

Shared Technology

We have been witness to the abundant attributes shredded cardboard has demonstrated out at SWOSU Farm, and are excited with the opportunity to promote the application of the material in yet another community-based small scale agricultural system. The acorn squash and cucumbers however; seem to disagree with the process, and are rumored to be circulating a NIMBY petition within the ranks of the neighboring raised-beds, as well as other non-sustainable propaganda.

Aquired Data

The use of shredded cardboard, and compost out at SWOSU Farm, seems to have optimized the growth potential of the soil. We are pleased with the current direction the plants have taken, which upon close inspection, appear to maintain a primarily vertical trajectory.

Fore and Aft

Thought maybe it was a good time to measure progress at the 90 day mark. The pics say it all.

Sunflower Condo

A new subdivision has sprung up out at SWOSU Farm...Row-Crop Roundhouse Developers have created a cozy structure with a sustainable footprint that incorporates a flow-thru design to supplement heating and cooling during the arduous OK seasonal extremes. Sales have been brisk with a wide variety of sunflower and squash taking advantage of the first-time buyers program.

Disregarding the Heat

SWOSU Farms is onto something with regards to the shredded cardboard mulch we are using as weed suppression in the alleyways. It seems that the mulch has some wonderous insulative qualities. The soil temp at the Farm has been relatvely stable during the triple-digit temperatures we have been experiencing. The cooler soil has prevented any heat induced stress from occuring within the established row-crops.

Stake and Tomatoes

A few weeks ago the tomato plants looked scrawny and had a blue tint..I have applied small doses of compost tea and worked compost in the surrounding soil. They have demonstrated their appreciation by flowering and issuing forth a tomato here and there. The stakes are salvage construction material and the strips of cloth are the remnants of last winters knitting project, that come to think about it...remains unfinished. Hmmm. Rumor has it that I have to cut back additionally on irrigating due to the wonderous H2O rententive properties of the shredded cardboard. Fantastic.

A Day at the Farm

On most farms there are generally traces of strawbales in the barn or field; and today SWOSU Farm progressed to the " got straw " stage, with an afternoon of strawbale fielding and stacking. RA's Ben, Holly, LaurAn, Erin, and Luke lent a hand, and have the straw knicks on the shins to prove it. Thanks Gang! It appears that SWOSU Farm seems to be developing all the appropriate ancilliary elements of a sustainable farm system, and the straw is a welcome addition to the bio-diversity of the farm in it's infancy.

Earth Day April 22... 40 year anniversary. I remember the first one. Each successive celebration gained in significance over the years, and I must say the 40th is no exception. I was fortunate to share the day with the students and faculty of Southwestern Oklahoma State University as well as the Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribal college. Truly a mixed-media of earth consciousness. We celebrated with dance, and honored the planet we share. The sun was invited to a hot-dawg roast but chose to refrain.

A Tradition Old as Dirt

The beets, radishes and spinach are all coming up. The garlic seems to be vigorous in its growth.

Bustin' Thru

Oh, and we have garlic sprouting, and radishes, and spinach, and....

Momentum Occuring

I had the opportunity to set the water at the SWOSU farm this morning before I ran in my first 5K. I would like to thank my friend Bradely for being that (a friend) and whoever was responsible for the sunrise I found out at the farm.

Parabolic Frenzy

Well as soon as the sun comes out for a solid day we can test the parabolic cooker for the weenie roast on Earth Day April 22. The hi-lites will be the garden and plastering the compost shed with padobe plaster, and for now I am proud of our new T-shirt design to commemerate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. GO DAWGS!!!

Plowing Both

It seems the laws of universal flow are hitting on all eight around here these days. The opportunity to go to school and have it (the education) be powered by the wind seemed incredible last year when I arrived in Weatherford. I guess you would have to go back a ways with me to realize just how important alternative energy and all that it implies is to my everyday thought and basic existence. I really do wish I could put it into words then perhaps I would be able to understand why it is so important to me, (some days I wonder) and so anyway now I am blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the SWOSU organic farm, and spent the entire Spring Break planting veggies under the watchful eye of my favorite sentinels. I am outstanding in my field, completely amazed.

I am blogging on an edublog for my Comp. 2 class. and it is frustrating at times which my professer regards as to a hint of knowledge being gained or wicking it's way into the void in my skull. I dunno, the reality of school and a 50 yr old man seem to have opposing views at times, and it seems like most days I am just a spectator in the stadium, cheering myself on with all sorts of atta-boys and go-gettums.

Harvey Gable goes to work

He had a fine job at the window factory, placing the tiny foam shipping pads in the corners and applying the stickers that pointed This End Up. He was fond of the texture, of the little foam squares, bright colored bits of recycled content, each one unique, like snowflakes. The smooth surface of the windows created an atomosphere of little resistance..somedays he felt as tho he worked in a vacum, and others it was more like from the inside of an aquarium with the water drained out. On the days when the water had not sufficiently drained, he wore his rubber boots.