PEER Project Cider Event 2024!

It was truly an honor for Rock Wall Garden to once again host our friends from the PEER Project at the Tripp Farm for another delightful cider-making event! Despite our son Jimmie graduating from the PEER Project post-high school program last spring, the enthusiasm from the previous year led them to return for more.

We kicked off the day with an informative farm tour, delving into the various research programs conducted on the premises. Notably, we highlighted the innovative method employed by farm owner Scott Tripp, who utilized transmitters to monitor the body temperature of cows by having them swallow the devices. Jimmie showcased his skills by feeding the cows with the big LV-80 tractor, followed by a demonstration of cutting thick steel with his oxy-propane torch and welding with his portable arc-welder "Abe."

The class then ventured to the greenhouse, where they enjoyed feeding herbs to the bunnies and experienced tilling the garden by hand with a broadfork, reminiscent of pioneer days. With the excitement building, it was time to start the apple cider-making process. Some students engaged in prepping apples, while others assisted in disposing of excess corn from the garden by shucking it for the chickens.

Once a sufficient amount of apples were prepared, the cider pressing commenced. Everyone took turns at different stations, including washing apples, cutting them up, grinding the chunks into apple pomace, and operating the cider press. We successfully completed the cider pressing just in time for a delightful lunch before the class reluctantly headed back to school.

We hope you can experience the joy and camaraderie by watching the video below, capturing the essence of our great day with PEER Project!