Ranch Newsletter | June 2026
- Angela Powell
- Aug 9
- 5 min read
Originally sent to subscribers on June 29th, 2026 Farm Update I've been feeling a little overwhelmed this past month. Not because it's particularly more busy than usual, but because projects are piling up in my brain. No work needs to be done on these projects yet, they won't all have to be done at the same time, they can be spread out over a year or two, but I'm THINKING about all of them right now and... well... it's a lot.
There's our barn build - the permit has been obtained and materials ordered. The building should begin mid to late July. Craig and I have nothing to do but wait and watch for that project to be done. But once it is done, we have to figure out the layout. We're planning on having 2-3 stalls for animals, a place to store food, minerals, tack, milk stand, etc.
We are also planning on changing the layout of all our fenced in areas, which is a big job and one we're considering hiring out.
Craig has been coming up with some ideas to water the tress along the ditch after we switch to piped irrigation at the end of the year so we don't lose all our trees, for which I'm grateful. And he's been working on a plan for our irrigation for next year as well.
We have the field we're continuing to rehabilitate. We will finally be able to reseed it next spring and start growing our own hay again.
And finally, we decided we're going to turn my office into a small apartment for my mom, who currently lives in Washington DC. The current plan is for her to move back to Utah next spring. The apartment doesn't have to be done by then, we have a guest room she can stay in until it is finished, but that will be a big project.
On top of these projects floating around in my brain is all the usual stuff - gardens, farm stand, upcoming markets, soap classes, etc. So, yeah my brain has been very full in the past month. I know once work starts I'll feel a little less overwhelmed because seeing progress, even if I'm not having to do the work will put a checkmark by that item on the list in my head.
Almost all of our goats got their CD/T shots a couple weeks ago. Maggie and Honey didn't need them because Honey got hers a month before the kids were born, and Maggie got hers last September, so she won't need another one until this September. I've been giving these shots for a number of years now and I've never had an issue with them. But this year, both our boy goats developed huge cysts at the injection site that have ruptured in the past couple of days. We are keeping a watchful eye on them to make sure they stay clean and free of flies as they heal.
Lumps/cysts are common with the brand of CD/T I use, but they are typically pretty small, and have never ruptured on me. Petunia, one of the kids' has also developed a larger than usual lump/cyst at the injection site. It hasn't ruptured, and I don't know that it will, but I'm keeping an eye on it. It's a little less convenient to get the other brand of CD/T, but I think after these results, it will be worth it.
CD/T is the only vaccine we give to our animals. Everything else about the health of our animals is done holistically. Our approach is to prevent illness as much as possible. So our animals get herbs and spices daily to keep parasites under control. They get free choice quality hay and minerals, fresh water, clean sheds/coops. And the CD/T prevents 3 diseases that are either soil born, or the result of wounds caused by metal. Since we live in area where there is a lot of wildlife that could infect the soil, and we can't always prevent wounds caused by fencing or other items, we believe the CD/T is the right choice. But if I ever find a holistic alternative, I will absolutely jump on it.
The alpaca finally got sheared and they seem so much happier now and have been running and playing a lot more. It's been fun to watch.
The baby goats and chickens are growing like weeds. Billy and Petunia are at the age where everything and everyone are considered objects to jump and play on, but they are at the weight, where being jumped on is not very comfortable or cute anymore, so they're starting to learn they can get attention by not being on a lap, or a back. They don't like this lesson, but they are starting to figure it out.
The fourth of July is always a big deal in our little valley, but since it's the 250th birthday of our country, it's going to bigger than ever. I have spent several days this past week preparing for it, and still have a couple days of work to finish getting ready. I will have a booth in the Huntsville Town Square at the Mountain Arts and Music Festival all day long selling soaps and skincare items. Our farm stand, in front of our house, will also be fully stocked with produce, canned goods, baked goods, and cut flowers. Please note, the 4th of July festival where my booth will be is in the the square behind the businesses/church, not in the park.
If you're going to be in the area on the 4th, I'm going to have a special opportunity at my booth. I will have several new scents for some new soaps I'm planning. You will be able to smell them all and vote on your favorites. Depending on the results I get, I may continue to have this voting opportunity available for the White Barn Farmer's Market as well.
Ranch Tours – Available to Book Now! Public Farm Tour: July 17th 7:00pm Ticket Prices: $20 for adults, $12 for kids, $1 for 3 and under. Group Farm Tour: July 24th 7:00pm Price: $200 for up to 10 people.
Come see the ranch, learn how we do things, and meet and interact with the animals. Learn more and book here.
Farm Stand is up and running! Our farmstand is now out front every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8am to sundown. You can find jam, pickles, a small selection of skicare items, occasional baked goods, and organically grown produce! Follow us on Instagram to see what's in the stand each week.
My next soap making class: I'm holding TWO classes in July! July 10th 6:30 - 8:00pm July 31st 6:30 - 8:00pm Held here on the Ranch. Cost: $55/person https://www.julbudranch.com/events-1 (If you can't make this class, but want to attend a different one, my classes are scheduled for the whole year and you can see all the dates at the above link)
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