This morning my husband and I were on a mission. Out to visit "Bashert Farm" just down the road from us. Debbie Nightingale and Shain Jaffe started a little operation that is "all about goats" or almost, called Haute Goat.
When I say almost that is because I did not go there to see them about their goat products, of which there is a a good choice. I went for another reason.
Debbie and Shain started up their business a few years back and it is steadily growing. I spoke with Deb last week and told her what I was up to and she did not hesitate to invite me to the farm. Unfortunately the day I chose, both she and Shain were not available, they have a busy schedule, so I met with Dan. He seems to be the "go to guy" for just about anything on farm.
I arrived and was greeted by Dan's wife Carlene who summoned us down to the barn. On the way we greeted by 3 billies with long beards and inquisitive eyes.
When I say almost that is because I did not go there to see them about their goat products, of which there is a a good choice. I went for another reason.
Debbie and Shain started up their business a few years back and it is steadily growing. I spoke with Deb last week and told her what I was up to and she did not hesitate to invite me to the farm. Unfortunately the day I chose, both she and Shain were not available, they have a busy schedule, so I met with Dan. He seems to be the "go to guy" for just about anything on farm.
I arrived and was greeted by Dan's wife Carlene who summoned us down to the barn. On the way we greeted by 3 billies with long beards and inquisitive eyes.
While not specifically going to see the goats, there is no ignoring them. They are everywhere. The couple started out with 4 Nigerian dwarf goats, Pearl, Eva, Sally and Butterscotch in 2009 and now the herd is near 40. They all have names. This year they added another goat breed, a Nubian goat by the name of Feta. Breeding season is almost upon us, so will the herd grow? Check in next year at Haute Goat and find out.
As we wandered around the barn, besides goats were chickens, horses, dogs, and of course barn cats. Dan and Carlene were most patient and answered all the questions we had about the herd. Then we headed off into the woods to see what my mission was all about.
Magical mushrooms (not to be confused with magic)
Deb and Shain also run a small scale commercial cultivation of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). Dan showed us how they grow and explained the amount of work and care that goes into the production.
White oak logs, carefully drilled and inoculated with plugs of the mushroom spawn are kept in an area that receives just the right amount of sunlight to produce these fabulous mushrooms. The mycelium will then grow within the log itself. The logs are soaked every month or so to for up to 36 hours to keep them moist and bearing fruit. They are then tagged and replaced in their vertical rows to allow the shiitakes to grow. These mushrooms will appear from the drilled holes, depending on weather conditions.
Once the logs have been inoculated they continue to produce for several seasons. However the production declines with time and it is necessary to purchase new logs to replace the old ones every few years.
When the weather is just right they grow quickly and produce nice sized mushrooms in about one week, Unfortunately the mushrooms had just been harvested a few days before our visit so there were just a few on the logs. They will soon be dormant and stacked horizontally for the winter. Next spring they will be replaced in their vertical rows and will start producing in May.
Once the logs have been inoculated they continue to produce for several seasons. However the production declines with time and it is necessary to purchase new logs to replace the old ones every few years.
When the weather is just right they grow quickly and produce nice sized mushrooms in about one week, Unfortunately the mushrooms had just been harvested a few days before our visit so there were just a few on the logs. They will soon be dormant and stacked horizontally for the winter. Next spring they will be replaced in their vertical rows and will start producing in May.
Guess what we had for supper last night?
For more information about Haute Goat visit their online store or if you are in the neighbourhood drop by for a visit. Best to call first though.