One More Illinois Dairy, Shuts its Barn Doors

Yesterday the last two milk cows from our Chatsworth farm, went to the sale barn, marking the end of over 80 years of dairying on that property.  The evidence of that history remains in the rebuilt barn which Keith constructed using the century old beams from the property's first barn, which had to be torn down the year we moved there.

We took the old and turned it into something new again.

Now, the milk stanchions are empty, the last of the milk sits in buckets waiting to be brought home to our pigs, and the hay mow is completely empty of all bales. The house is cleaned out and listed with a realtor. We held the first of several garage sales in, get this, the garage, because it too was emptied out enough to fill with tables showcasing all the stuff we thought we needed, once upon a time.

Turns out, we don't need so much stuff anymore. Also turns out, we're very ready to get back to our life here on The Poor Farm and as sad as it is to see our history go down the road in a livestock trailer, we are also at this point feeling great relief.

We'll still be running back and forth to care for the four remaining heifers we'll keep down here for the pasture benefits (more grass equals increased weight equals a better price at the sale barn) but we're no longer tied into a twice a day milking schedule.

Today we held the first of several planned garage sales, piecing out the farm one toolbox, one basket hay feeder, one farm store counter, at a time. It was fun to see people excited about their new treasures and even more fun to see the farm become neater and cleaner and more attractive to a new buyer every day.

Even with all the cows gone, there is still a chance some young family will appear who wants to bring our dairy back to life, but we  know that possibility is unlikely. Perhaps it's time for the farm to evolve the way Keith and I have, into something really quirky, like a training and education center for farmer-want-to be's. Or maybe a medical marijuana test greenhouse facility? How about a writers retreat for all those Annie Dillard nature type authors? A Paint Ball Competition Center? A school for Red Wattle Hog Breeders complete with bacon making facilities in the basement? A Chicago Chef run Bed and Breakfast for city folk who need some peacock bonding time?

The list of possibilities goes on and on, but I don't. I'm tired and going to bed. Garage sales resumes in the am at 0900.

For You Local Followers:

     BIG GARAGE AND FARM SALE !  AUGUST 27, SEPTEMBER 9&10
     From 9 am until 5 pm      32796 E. 750 N. Rd  Chatsworth, Il.