August 3, 2012

Drought on the farm

I have been passing an older couple by the side of the road on my way into town the last few weeks and finally stopped for a chat this week.  They have been coming to fill two water troughs with water each morning  for their Angus herd of cattle.  Apparently their pond dried up a few weeks ago.  Their son owns a beautiful herd of Holsteins and a dairy farm on down the road.  I think I may have a source now for more young steers after I butcher a couple of my “boys” this fall.

We have had to give the four boys (Tre, Par, Even and Steven: two steers and two bulls) another bale of fresh hay this week and also are giving hay to the sheep that have been grazing at the pond.  The ground is so hard and dry the quality of nutrients for them is minimal at best without the supplements.  

The new enclosure for the cows is now finished and we will be moving them tomorrow and next week have electric fencing coming in so we can also move the sheep to somewhat greener pastures.  The solar powered electric fences help keep the animals in and the coyotes out. 

I saw my first coyote in daylight this week on a back road of south Franklin county. If they are this bold now next winter will be tough.  I am still dreaming of a donkey to help to protect my flock.  Jade the Pyrenees can only do so much.

So much for my rambling about the farm…and it’s trials.

Today we have picked summer squash, okra, roma type tomatoes for sauces, garlic, onions, beets, yellow and blue/gold fresh potatoes, and beautiful green beans. (If the beans don’t sale I am canning them myself.  )

Amanda and I will see you all at the Athens County Farmer’s Market tomorrow at 10!