Building a Dog Fence (with the help of the Skidril)

Since Ruger needs a lot of space to run, we decided to tear out the decorative picket fence and replace it with a "dog fence".  We mapped out a larger perimeter fence for our backyard, dug corner post and gate post holes, and used concrete to set the 4" x 4" wooden posts.  We then measured where each metal post needed to be set, and marked the spots with orange paint.  Today,  Lars used the Skidril to drive all the posts (about 40) in less than an hour.  We helped by holding the post - and using a level to keep it straight. Here is a link to a short video of the first post we set.

The Value Added Producer Grant!

It seems like a very long time ago (in July) that we submitted a grant application to the US Department of Agriculture for a "Value Added Producer Grant".  We never really thought that we would actually have a chance of getting this grant, but we found out in late October, that we were one of the award recipients.   We are so excited and thankful for this opportunity.  It will definitely speed up the process of getting a winery off the ground.

This grant is meant to help small farms add value to their raw product/commodity, as in grapes to wine, milk to cheese, fruit to jam etc.  The grant funds can be used for packaging (as in bottles, corks and labels), marketing and wine-making  ingredients and disposable supplies- as long as it is not capital equipment.

The grant announcement has been picked up in several local and national publications, such as the Cumberland Valley Business Journal  and the Wines&Vines trade publication.  Stay tuned for updates!