Sustaining Cane

We took the Travelers to the Farm to the Cane Field today. They wanted to see the Sorghum Cane that will soon become Molasses. At least 2 are currently living at Sandhill Farm where Sorghum Cane is also grown and goes into the production of Sweet Sorghum Syrup. (We use the term "Molasses" here as it is our Family Language Tradition.)

Richard invited us to go on a walk through the Cane. Just like the movie "Field of Dreams", we quickly disappeared into the Plants. It was fun. One almost had a sense of awe to be in the midst of the towering plants.

Richard cut 1 stalk and divided it into pieces for us to eat. We swallow the Juice and spit out the almost Woody Pulp. I like the spitting part. As a product of the City and as a "Lady", I have been deprived of spitting skills. After a few seasons of Sorghum Production, I am happy to report that my spitting skills are improving.

On this beautiful day, we smiled at its surprising Sweetness. However, the Cane is "Green" and is not ready yet for Molasses Making. Richard thinks it may be ready for Molasses Making about the 3rd Week of September.

Our Fellow Traveler Jerry requested a piece to share with his Family. He later tucked a cutting of the Cane into the container on his Bicycle. When he left to return on the 12 miles to Kirksville, I smiled to see that little piece of Cane sticking out the top.

While we were in the Cane, I took this picture and was tickled to see that 2 Bees had shown up for the Photo. We always celebrate the presence of Pollinators. They are very significant Partners on this Little Farm. With massive decline of Bees, we celebrate their presence in particular. We know that we need Bees for the Seeds to be viable for the coming year's Crop. I wonder if the presence of Bees adds to the Vitality of the Cane. We have so much to learn in this complex Web of Life.

We have noted that the Sorghum Cane, while tall, is not as robust as last year's crop. We scratch our heads and ponder what we see. Is it because the Summer Season has been cooler? We believe that Sorghum Cane is a heavy feeder. Hollis has seemed to have less production on his Cane over time. Does this mean that the Sorghum Cane continues to take from the Soil which means that future Crops have less? Plus, each year, we take off the Cane, meaning that almost no Plant Material is left on Site and therefore cannot compost back where it was grown. The Soil is further depleted.

We are seeking ideas for how we can maintain and enhance the Vitality of the Soil for our Sorghum Cane production. Our Travelers who visited here today have some ideas about what we might do. What would Nature have us do? Stay tuned.