Lambing is done and calving begins

Well, the last pregnant ewe finally had her lambs this morning. Two healthy girls, named Bulb and Calliope, are the latest bits of cuteness to enter the barn this month.

We’ve also had two calves born in the last week: Willie (Nelson) and Waylon (Jennings).

Willie, a Devon/Lineback cross, hanging out in the field.

And, did I mention that we’ve also tapped 60 trees and are making maple syrup? Yes, indeed, it sure has been a busy winter here at Codman Farms.

So far we've collected over 50 gallons of sap.

Written on February 23rd, 2010. Comments Off

Backyard Chicken Class

Do you want to raise chickens in your backyard? Does the idea of fresh eggs each morning make your heart sing? Then check out our Backyard Chicken Class, coming this spring.

Get your registration form here and soon you’ll learn everything you need to know about raising these birds for your own enjoyment.

Written on February 17th, 2010. Comments Off

What a Week!

It’s been a busy week here on the farm. We have seven goat kids that were born on Tuesday and Wednesday. Add to that three lambs that also were born late Wednesday/early Thursday. The fun never stops!

Kids all snuggled together.

What could be cuter?

Taking a little snooze...

Written on February 12th, 2010. Comments Off

Beekeeping Class Postponed

For this week, our beekeeping class is postponed, due to the incoming inclement weather. A make up class is scheduled for Wednesday, March 17.

Written on February 9th, 2010. Comments Off

Surprise!

Well, Peter was walking by the goats when a few new faces popped out at him. We have five new kids on the farm, yet to be named.

Farmer Pete with one of the kids.

Written on February 8th, 2010. Comments Off

Lambs are here!

We’ve had three lambs born in the last week here on the farm. They’re all boys (will be rams) and are named Bobo, Zachie and Sam. They were all named by young children who were there when these cute, bouncy friends arrived.

Sam and Zachie, born on Sunday morning.

Lambing season is tough on the farmers, as they have to stay up at night, checking the ewes. We have at least one ewe still pregnant, so the waiting and watching continues.

Written on February 2nd, 2010. Comments Off

Harvest Feast and Fair

Welcome to Codman Community Farms!

Codman Farms is a working farm in Lincoln, MA that welcomes visitors to come and explore our animals, barns and fields. We are dedicated to the productive use of conservation land in Lincoln for agriculture.

Harvest Weekend, Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26

The Farmside Feast is Friday, September 25th at 6pm in the Barn. You’ll enjoy a dinner prepared by local caterer Rebecca Leonardi who is cooking up a seasonal, local meal for all to enjoy! There will be live music and the return of our “key” fundraising activity. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or at the farm, located at 58 Codman Road, Lincoln, MA.

Bring the whole family to the farm for our Harvest Fair on Saturday, September 26th. Join us from 1:00pm to 4:30pm for a fun-filled afternoon full of children’s games and activities, family games, live music, tasty snacks, farm exhibits and crafts, a produce and harvest competition and so much more! This event is free for members and $10 for adults, $5 for children.

Written on September 20th, 2009. Comments Off

Foster a Farm Animal

Connect with CCF’s animals – Be a part of the Farm in the Heart of Lincoln

The Benefits of Fostering a Codman Farm Animal – Enjoy educational benefits while helping to pay for the care of CCF’s animals!

Stewardship: Enjoy knowing that your participation is helping pay for the care of our heritage farm animals. The animals will continue to live at CCF.
Family-friendly Volunteering: If interested, each family can spend a couple of hours helping the farmer care for their animal.
Animal Educational Workshops: Animal-specific workshops will teach foster families about their animal’s habits and needs.
Connect with an Animal: Foster families are encouraged to name their animal, write stories, draw pictures, take photographs, contribute to the farm blog and more.
Public Recognition: A “foster family” board in the main barn will include photographs of foster families and “their” animal. Lincoln Journal articles will feature foster families.
Local Eating: It feels great to buy and eat local food. Now you can help raise it.

How to Support our Animals

The price to foster an animal varies by breed, based on how long they live at the farm, and how expensive they are to raise. This is the cost for one year of fostering.

Cows……………………………………………………..$600

Breeding Sows……………………………………….$1,000

Boar……………………………………………………..$1,000

Sheep……………………………………………………$350

Turkey Tom……………………………………………$350

Guinea Fowl (family of 5)………………………….$200

Chickens (1 doz.)…………………………………….$200/doz

Farm Family (cow, pig, 12 hens, sheep)……..$1500

If you are interested in an animal that is not raised for meat:

Herman the Water Buffalo………………………..$5000

The Rabbit Family ………………………………….$2000

To pick your animal, email codmanfarm@comcast.net and we’ll set up a time for you to choose your animal, and take a photo!

Written on September 20th, 2009. Comments Off

Classes and Tours

During the Spring and Fall we are happy to arrange a farm tour for your educational group. Tours are typically 45 minutes to an hour long, and include an overview of the farm, visits with our many animals and lots of question and answer time! You may stay as long as you’d like to wander on your own, or to extend your educational programming with nature, writing or drawing activities that you provide. There are a few picnic tables and grassy areas for groups that like to share a snack or lunch at the farm.

Fee is $50 for groups of 20 or less. For larger groups, we split the group into two and the cost is $100. If you prefer to wander on your own, admission is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. Please contact us in advance to schedule your visit!

Felt Making Workshop - for adults. Learn to make felt in this hands-on workshop using wool from Codman Farm Karakul Sheep. Karakul Sheep are believed to be the oldest domesticated breed of sheep in the world. And, they are the sheep breed from which the art of felting originated. Together, we’ll learn basic techniques and create a wool area rug for Codman Farm to use and display. You’ll have the basic skills to try this craft at home on your own. Send us an email if you are interested, and we’ll let you know when the class is offered.

Backyard Chicken Class - for adults, interested children welcome - Interested in raising chickens for eggs or meat on your own – but need a little support? Then this class is for you. Typically offered in the spring and fall, send us an email if you are interested, and we’ll let you know when the next session is offered. Next class offered October 3 and 17, 2009.

Farmer’s Helpers Join the Codman farmers for five afternoons of fun and learning. Lend a hand with farm chores, discover where food comes from and how to care for the animals. Gather eggs, water the pigs and feed the sheep. Young farmers are welcome to see, touch and discover! Typically offered in March/April and October/November. Fall 2009 classes scheduled for Wednesday (ages 5-7) and Thursdays (ages 8-10) beginning October 14th and 15th, 2009. Contact Lincoln Recreation to register (in September).

Bedford 4-H Club Meetings with Leader Steve Hanna – We now have more than 25 members from Bedford and nearby communities. We’re serving a group of kids who generally miss out on 4-H activities: those who love animals but whose property is too small to keep a sheep or goat of their own. Thanks to Codman, they can get to know farm animals up close, do chores, and even lease an animal with which they can develop a real relationship. To find out more information or to join the group, contact Steve Hanna at (781) 275-1379. Select this link for a list of all the Massachusetts 4-H clubs

Interested in other classes, or offering a class? Let us know!

Bee Keeping Basics - curious about what it takes to become a bee keeper? Learn more about this fascinating hobby! Next class begins Winter 2010.

Written on September 20th, 2009. Comments Off

Annual Operating Drive

If you visit the farm, or enjoy the wonderful open fields CCF helps to maintain, or simply like knowing that a farm is operating in your midst, please make a donation and share in the stewardship of the farm’s future. This year CCF needs to raise $40,000 just to cover our operation expenses. In addition, we are seeking significant gifts to expand our programs and provide needed capital repairs to our barns and grounds. If you would like to donate an amount not listed below, please send us a check. Unfortunatly, our system won’t accept unknown amounts! Thanks in advance for your support!

$50.00

$100.00

$250.00

$500.00

$1,000.00

Written on September 20th, 2009. Comments Off