Welcome visitors! Welcome especially to the people I’ve met at the Dane County Farmer’s Market. Thank you for your interest.
I’ve often been asked, “Why, Curiousfarmer?” I don’t remember how I came up with the name ten years ago for what I thought would be an agriculture blog, but it seems to fit.
Obviously I’m a farmer, and curious in my own odd way, but who isn’t, right?
The way I think of “Curious”, is the way I approach life. With an open mind, observing, seeking to understand. At least that’s what I’m striving for on my best days.
And “Curious”, is a natural way to live life. Think about how we start life as infants. Babies are almost exclusively curious. Observing, seeking to understand, communicating their needs, and then growing and processing while they sleep.
The way we farm gives us ample opportunity to observe and be curious. Often, I realize I’m in the middle of a unique experience I may never experience again.
My Father, who is in his 70s, was discing his fields this spring and he observed for the first time in his life, a Snowy Owl. I’ve never seen one.
The Snowy Owl was resting in the disced field as it migrated north. Eventually it flew off, but the experience sure made his day of discing more interesting.
The above photo shows a weedy area where round bales of hay had been stored. My friend Jeremy asked if he could have a little area to expand his tomato production as he has a small yard in Madison. Jeremy is also a curious guy, and is always up to something.
He planted and staked 16 tomato plants, using hay as mulch. He has named the project, “No Fuss Tomatoes”.
Some of the tomato plants he grafted a top onto a stronger root. Like I said, Jeremy is a curious guy. I’m hoping he documents his “No Fuss” tomato experience and shares with us on this blog.
I set up a rain gauge near the tomatoes and was surprised to see this gelatinous substance on top of the soil. What is it? I had never seen anything like it.
I’ve figured out what it is, but if any of you would like to guess, especially those of you in the Madison area, I’ll give a free pork product of your choice to the first correct guess. Pick it up at market. Sorry, long distance readers.
I would like you to like and guess on our facebook page as Daniele is managing that social media. Send Daniele a message with your guess. Good luck!
Curiousfarmer 
We had a snowy owl here this spring back when we still had patchy snow cover, but it only stayed around for a week. That was a first for us too!
I’m long distance, though I’d love to visit someday (baby pigs!), but I’m pretty sure those are the absorbent silica-like pods that florists put in vases (especially mailed ones), for example. Pretty cool.
You got it, WiseTara! I had never really seen them before. You have a pork product waiting for you!
This link has 2 different suggestions.
https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/3067/big-blobs-of-clear-jelly
One of them is what wisetara said. Possibly you can check the other concept under a microscope?