The Martha Stewart Blog

April 2, 2022

A Tub Grinder at Work

It's very busy up at my compost yard - one of the most important areas on my Bedford, New York farm.

Over the last few weeks, my outdoor grounds crew has been gathering all the organic debris - logs, stumps, bark and brush, and transporting it to the compost yard in preparation for the tub grinder. I like to call in the massive machine once a year or once every two years, to reduce the size of our debris pile into much finer, usable wood chips and mulch. The tub grinder from Material Processors Inc. arrived this week and is already making lots of progress.

Here are some photos and videos, enjoy.

: This may be our largest pile of debris yet at the farm! It’s all piled up in my large compost yard ready for the tub grinder.

: For years, I’ve used a team from Material Processors, Inc. – a 30-year old company that focuses on recycling green waste, and clearing and preparing land spaces for development.

: Tub grinders are extremely large and heavy, so the team delivers the tub grinder and excavator to the farm the day before to set it up and prepare it for work.

: Tub grinders are named for the distinctive in-feed hopper – the large round tub, normally 10 to 14-feet in diameter and roughly six-feet deep. It is moved into position close to the wood pile. Before any equipment is used, all the controls are checked to make sure everything is in good working order.

: Most tub grinders are powered by diesel engines. Here is a closer look at the back of the unit, where all the mechanicals are located.

: Tub grinders have a variety of screens for the output. The screen selection for each job is usually based on the type of material being processed and the desired end-product.

: A conveyor belt or augers located below the screens transports the finished product away from the mill to this discharge conveyor which carries the material away from the machine.

: Here is the excavator, which is used to pick up the material using its large “jaws grab” bucket attachment and drop it into the tub grinder.

: The jaws are huge and can pick up, move and sort several large logs or pieces of debris at a time.

: Of course, there is always a fire extinguisher nearby for safety.

: Tub grinders rely primarily on gravity to feed the material into the hammermill at the bottom of the tub. As the tub revolves, the hammermill below, shatters the wood into smaller fragments.

: The excavator works with a hydraulic system allowing the operator to raise and lower the long boom and bucket. Because the chassis is built on top of the undercarriage, it is also able to rotate 360-degrees. As the big machines are used, one also cuts large logs into smaller pieces nearby.

: Tub grinders are typically loaded from the top. Here, one can see a load as it is delivered to the grinder just before it is dropped.

: Here is the continuous discharge conveyor carrying the material away from the machine and onto a mound. It is always sad to see the trees go, but I am glad they can be repurposed into usable rich materials for the gardens.

: The machines do this over and over, one load at a time. There is a lot of dust and occasional debris flying around – it is very important to stay several feet away whenever visiting an excavator and tub grinder at work. The team prefers to work on rainy days, which helps to cut down on all the dust. This day was perfect – on and off showers from morning to afternoon.

: This tractor and bucket work to keep the processed mound together and neat. Later, this pile will be put through the grinder a second time. The second pass makes it even finer. The grinding process is actually quite mesmerizing to watch. It is also extremely loud – the tub grinder can be heard all the way on the other side of the farm.

: In this area, I also have several piles of organic material in different stages of decomposition – mulch, leaf mold, and manure. It will all be ready to use after it is mixed together, turned and then sieved through the grinder.

: This crew has been doing this for many years and works very quickly and efficiently. Everyone at the farm visits the area several times a day to see them at work.

: It’s a huge job to grind all of this debris. The crew will be here for several more days. I can’ wait to see how much is produced after everything is processed. I’ll be sure to share more photos.

Here are two short clips showing the excavator, tub grinder, and conveyor at work.

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Posted in: Equipment, Miscellaneous, My Farm, Outdoor Projects

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April 1, 2022

A Guest Blog from Ari Katz on His Dog's Puppies

So many of you comment on how much you love seeing photos of my four dogs - my Chow Chows, Champion Empress Qin and Emperor Han, and my French Bulldogs, Creme Brûlée and Bête Noire. I always enjoy sharing updates on them and I'm happy to report, they're all doing very well. Many of you also comment on how much you enjoy seeing photos of puppies, especially those of my young friend, Ari Katz. Ari is a very serious and passionate dog fancier. He enjoys breeding, raising, and showing champion Labrador Retrievers. Here is an update on his dogs and their babies.

This past winter, I decided to breed one of my dogs, Kima, to a male named Daniel. It is very important before you even decide to breed a dog to consider all perspectives. This includes veterinarian care for pregnant dogs and the litter of puppies plus all of the proper preliminary tests and clearances both sire and dam should have before getting bred. Foundations, such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), are set up to help ensure the longevity and health of each breed. Responsible Labrador Retriever breeders X-ray their dogs’ elbows and hips for dysplasia along with getting echocardiograms done to ensure their dogs do not have congenital heart disease or any heart murmurs. Breeders like myself will also get their dogs' eyes examined by an ophthalmologist once a year to make sure our dogs do not have any abnormalities in the eyelids, cornea, uvea, or lens. Finally, good stud dogs (Daniel included) are tested for an array of genetic diseases such as Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), the dilute gene, copper toxicosis, and many others. Dogs who pass all of these exams and clearances should only be considered for breeding. To breed a dog without these clearances or to purchase a puppy from a breeder who does not test their dogs can hurt the breed and lead to an unhealthy dog in the long run.

Equally as important in selecting which dogs to breed or puppies to purchase is temperament. Temperament is so important in breeding dogs because you are responsible for passing down the next generation of pets, service animals, companions, or show dogs. It is crucial that breeders only keep dogs that exhibit temperaments that are appropriate for the breed. Labradors, for instance, must exhibit a friendly, outgoing demeanor with both their kennel mates and all people. A Labrador should neither be shy nor aggressive. One must research the breed’s temperament and ask the right questions.

Enjoy these photos, and to learn more about my Labradors, my kennel, and my puppies, please visit www.aklabradors.com. For more information on dogs, the sport of showing them, how to find a reputable breeder, and articles about dog care and training, visit the American Kennel Club.

: Here is Daniel, Paradocs AK’s Daniel, bred by my mentor Karen Helmers and myself. Daniel is 18 months old and will soon start his show dog career with his handler, Julie.

: This is Kima, CH Gallivant RoundAbout. Kima, as some of you might remember, was shown at Westminster Kennel Club’s show in 2021 and won a Judge’s Award of Merit. Kima is a daughter of Safari, my college roommate and loyal companion.

: This is a beautiful photo of Kima’s head. A Labrador, according to the standard, should have a head that possesses “’kind’ friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence and good temperament.” Kima has a lovely head and beautiful almond-shaped, brown eyes.

: Here is Kima just minutes before going into labor and whelping her puppies. Typically, a female dog’s temperature will drop and she will become restless – carrying towels around a house into a dark space, digging at area rugs, and will typically not eat breakfast or dinner the day they whelp. It is important to get an X-ray done a few days before the expected delivery date so you know how many puppies to be expecting. If an X-ray shows seven puppies, but only six have come out, a c-section may be needed in case the last puppy is having difficulty. Kima’s X-ray showed eight puppies – the exact number she had. Whelping puppies is very stressful, but incredibly rewarding. Once Kima went into labor, I called my friend Kristen to come over and help me. Together we made a great team.

: I laid out my whelping supplies so Kristen and I could easily access whatever we needed. There is an umbilical cord cutter, iodine to put on the cut umbilical cord, hemostats to clamp the umbilical cord, warming discs to place puppies on once they are born, and dental floss to tie off their umbilical cords. It is very important to keep all supplies sterile and your workstation clean because you never know when the next puppy is coming.

: These are some of the first-born puppies. They are sleeping on a heated pad while Kima continues to whelp. It is also important to put an identifying mark or collar on the puppies to compare their weights and other developments daily. A puppy should be gaining 10 to 15 percent of its initial body weight per day. It is alright (and not atypical) for puppies to lose weight during the first 48 hours, but after that, they should be steadily gaining weight.

: These five puppies had some milk while Kima was taking a break from whelping. Letting puppies nurse while their mother is in labor naturally produces oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates labor and contractions.

: This is an adorable picture of “Green Boy” feeling around Kima’s snout. Puppies are born with their eyes shut and cannot hear until about 14 days old.

: Here are the puppies at nine days old. They have already grown so much and are thriving. Each puppy gained its appropriate amount of weight and grew just as a healthy puppy should. For the first two weeks, puppies are fed every two hours. Because I am a college student and have classes to attend, Carmen, who helps in my kennel, feeds the puppies at night and watches them while I am at school.

: “Maroon Girl” is exhausted after her full meal! Note how I keep my puppies’ nails short. It is a good idea to cut the puppy’s nails regularly as it helps expose them to nail cutting at an early age.

: In this picture, the puppies are almost two weeks old. They are still nursing regularly, and Kima is still being an excellent and attentive mother.

: Here the puppies are almost three weeks of age. Their eyes have opened, they have begun to hear noises, and have started walking and rolling around.

: At three weeks I begin feeding my puppies kibble. These dishes are designed specifically for puppies so they do not eat too fast or knock over the dish. In each dish, there is a cup and a half of kibble. I let it soak in very hot water for five to seven minutes before feeding it to them at this age because their teeth are not developed yet.

: This is my favorite thing to watch: mealtime. The puppies are quick in getting to their food dishes!

: The heads on “Blue Boy” and “Maroon Girl” are quite nice. Although they are wet from playing in their water dish. I am very excited to continue to observe these puppies grow and see who I may keep as show dogs. The others go to great pet homes.

: These health records are very important in keeping track of the puppies’ vaccines and deworming schedules. I send these records home with all my purchased puppies. My puppies are also examined by my vet, Stephen Stang, DVM, before going to their new homes to ensure there are no health concerns.

: This is Gabby, my young yellow Lab – she wants some attention too.

: In addition to my litter of Labradors, I recently purchased a Whippet from my friends Justin and Cheslie Smithey of Pinnacle Farm and Kennel. Justin and Cheslie bred Whiskey and Bourbon – two of the highest winning Whippets of all time. Bourbon won Reserve Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club twice along with winning more than 100 Best in Shows. Whiskey won The National Dog Show and the AKC National Championship – as did Bourbon. Here is my whippet, Maddy, CH Pinnacle Drop of Whiskey, with Justin. Maddy is 18 months old. I flew to Georgia to pick her up in February.

: Maddy has been a great addition to my family. She loves running with the Labradors and is very affectionate.

: This is a funny photo of Maddy I took one morning.

: I hope you have all enjoyed this blog and found it informative. It is my priority in breeding these dogs to produce healthy and happy dogs that will advance the Labrador Retriever as a breed. If you have any questions, please visit my website: www.aklabradors.com.

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Posted in: Dogs, Friends, Guest Blog, Miscellaneous

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March 31, 2022

Our Dependable Tools from STIHL Inc.

Here at my Bedford, New York farm, my gardeners and outdoor grounds crew all know how crucial it is to "use the right tool for the job" - not only does it get the task done properly, but it keeps everyone safe. Among the tools we use and depend on all year long are those from STIHL.

Recently, we received several new pieces from STIHL to help with our many projects and chores. I've been using STIHL products for a long time. This company is a global leader in outdoor power equipment and offers more than 80 different tools including professional-grade chainsaws, blowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, pruners, saws, and so much more. Their tools are durable, efficient, easy-to-use, and everyone here, including myself, loves using them.

Here are some photos.

: Here I am with Brian Carolan from STIHL, my gardeners, and my outdoor grounds crew – all of us equipped with our new STIHL tools. Brian always delivers the tools and shows us the proper way to use each new model.

: On this day, Brian delivered a variety of battery operated and gas-powered products.

: These are STIHL’s brush cutters – very important tools here at the farm, not only for whacking tall weeds, but also for cutting all the brush in the woodland. These heavy-duty cutters have a four-point anti-vibration system that helps reduce operator fatigue and an easy-adjust handle bar for easy maneuverability, transport, and storage.

: We’ve been using STIHL’s backpack blowers for years here at my farm. These blowers are powerful and fuel-efficient. The gasoline-powered engines provide enough rugged power to tackle heavy debris while delivering low emissions.

: When it comes to smaller jobs and touch-ups, I love the HSA 26 Battery-Powered Garden Shears. The HSA 26 is lightweight with a rubberized handle for comfort and a secure grip. It comes with its own roll-up case to store all its accessories.

: These STIHL hedge trimmers are designed without excess bulk and feature an appropriate power-to-weight ratio for superior maneuverability and cutting power.

: Whenever Brian visits, he always brings added safety gear such as these ear protectors. It’s very important to me that the crew works safely at all times.

: We keep all our STIHL tools inside my large Equipment Barn. These tools are all cleaned and checked regularly as part of our maintenance routine. Taking good care of our tools will ensure they last a long, long time.

: STIHL also carries several efficient hand tools such as the pruning saw. Pasang, our resident pruning expert, uses the saw often for low, easy-to-reach branches.

: Another favorite hand tool is the STIHL lopper. Its aluminum handle measures a full 32-inches and the specially designed cutting head has a cutting capacity of two-inches. My gardener, Brian, likes to use this tool when pruning the fruit trees in my orchard. I like hand tools to be used whenever possible – they make more exact, clean cuts.

: We also use STIHL’s chainsaws for many outdoor projects. They are capable of felling and limbing. Its durable construction and reliable performance make it one of our most powerful tools. All STIHL chainsaws are also equipped with a chain stopping system designed to reduce the risk of injury.

: Here, Pasang uses the telescoping pole pruner to prune high branches. These tools can cut branches up to 16 feet above the ground.

: Ryan trims the young European beech trees with the battery powered hedge trimmer – they made this early fall job easy and fast.

: Pasang wears safety chaps whenever working with the STIHL brush cutter to clear the woodland in winter.

: The battery-powered STIHL blower is used every day to blow leaves and other debris off the terraces and footpaths around my home.

: Phurba uses the HSA 26 Battery-Powered Garden Shears to trim the boxwood. It’s so lightweight and efficient for these fast jobs.

: Ryan uses the same shears to trim the baby boxwood in the “boxwood nursery.”

: A couple of weeks ago, Phurba started rototilling the vegetable garden in preparation for our spring planting – we caught him wearing one of STIHL’s black hooded sweatshirts.