The biggest thing this year, for me, has been expanding my cultivation efforts beyond my kitchen gardens (38 raised beds) and the rows behind the barn for corn, beans and squash. I have been clearing a small field in the back of my barn that hasn't seen a plow in at least 50 years. Last summer (actually this fall), I finally felt that I might have checked the weeds that dominate there. I used them as a green manure crop and tilled them in (3X) when they reached a foot or so in height. At the end of the last cultivation, I planted buckwheat and let it flower - weeds were nearly zero in come back. I know this because I tilled an additional strip to expand the field that got only two tillings and weed germination was significantly higher in that strip. Tilled under the buckwheat with the contents of a year's worth of chicken coop litter and planted rye. Tucked it all in for a winter's rest with a mulch of straw. Next spring, after the rye goes under, we'll reseed with alfalfa and sweet clover for a year's cutting of hay for the chickens.
For me, this is cause for Thanksgiving. We feel that this year we are finally making progress on the Haney Place. We hope you all have a restful winter and great success in next year's endeavors!