What's Happening?

What's been happening around the farm?  Lots of chores going on each day, trying to catch up on things that need to get done this summer.  Got some hay the other day from our hay guy and it looks pretty good. Let's hope the Goats and Steers like it! Haying, buying hay, and anything to do with hay is a "fine art"... Over the last few years, I have seen good hay and I have bought some hay that just didn't measure up. The smell test seems to work best, (sweet is good) but I encourage any and all to open up a bale and see what it looks like. I smelled and opened some up from a company last fall and it smelled moldy and old! Stay away from hay that is wet, smells moldy, and dusty!  Hope that helps.... (Side note: got some nice help from my dad when we picked up the hay and brought it home to stack)... He got to throw it up to the loft using his special technique and I got to stack em' as they flew up. Good system and I am thankful for my dad and his help! We are blessed with great parents and parents who care!

The garden is looking great!  I will take a picture soon, but we couldn't be happier with everything so far and how it is growing. The rain this spring/summer has been awesome. Beats the drought two years ago, when I felt we were watering every three days. Worried the well would run dry!  We are excited about all our crops in the garden and in a few months, most of it will be canned, frozen, or consumed.  We don't put any weed preventer down or use any harsh chemicals, so weeding is a constant battle, although I think we have won the battle so far...The war will continue through fall. Amazing how grass/weeds pop up over night or after a good rain. Mother nature- gotta love her!  Side note- our first blackberries were picked and eaten the other night. Amazing taste! None made it into the house, as we sat there and ate them all! More to ripen in the days ahead...

Cows are doing great, growing and getting big! Meat Chickens are 5 weeks old now and will be ready for market in another 5 weeks...Laying hens are doing ok, been lazy lately laying, but can't complain too much, as they lay all year. I always tell myself, you try laying an egg every day and see how you feel! :) Goats are crazy as ever. Up next, some outside painting, barn clean up, and yes-weeding the garden! - RJ