Spring Time Fun!

Well, it's been two months since the last blog... So, what's new? First off, some have asked about the pasture frost seeding.  I think it went great, minus trying to push a fertilizer cart through snow, ice, and any other craziness that ensued.  I had to walk/run it, instead of using one of the tractors. I thought the tractors would get stuck in the snow, so the adventure was on.  Goats chasing me, cows looking at me like I was nuts, and a few hours later, the pasture was over-seeded.  Pretty cool, I could see where I was going, as the grass mix was on top of the snow/ice.  In theory, the grass seed will sink down into the snow into the sod and then germinate in the Spring.  Time will tell.. :) 

The cows are doing great, getting big, and really enjoying the Spring grass. They have been on hay and feed all winter.  They meet me every morning under the barn to eat their grain/hay, while I do my chores.    They love to have their neck rubbed and I think they enjoy the conversations.  HA!   The goats get to come out of the barn in the morning, so everyone is pretty excited to see each other. The goats think they are cows, so naturally they think they should eat the cow grain/hay.  No matter how many times they try, the cows always win...

Our meat chickens will be ready to be moved to the pasture as soon as it gets a bit warmer/less rainy.  They have feathered out and growing each day.  Every morning they greet me with their peeps, as they are ready to eat their breakfast!  Once on the pasture, this year we are trying something new. Instead of using a chicken tractor (moving chickens within an enclosure) to fresh grass every day, we will now let them roam the entire pasture.  This will be a sight to see… Cows, Goats, and Chickens all roaming around.  We already let our laying chicken have access to the pasture, so more friends for everyone.  At night, we will provide the meat chickens with an enclosure they can sleep in and be protected.  In theory this should work. HA! What could go wrong?  ;)

New news!!! We have pigs.  We will be raising Durocs and Crosses this Spring/Summer and selling the meat as well.  With the help from my Dad, we put up hog fencing in an area that is awesome for a pig to be a pig!  They can root as much as they want and roam around in the great outdoors.  Fresh air and plenty of room! They even have a converted chicken tractor for a pig shelter and they can burrow under all the straw that will serve as their bed!  The kids love them, so more adventures here on our little farm.

The strawberries and blackberries are doing great too.  Excited about the prospects of another bumper harvest!!!  As for the garden, it is wet, soggy, and more fit for a muddin’ event.  We have all of our seeds and ready to plant, but this Spring has been so wet.  Love the rain, as it helps so many other things around here, but too wet to plant. I tried to one bottom plow part of the new garden section we made last year, but I was sinking and figured my luck would run out and the tractor would get stuck!  Also, not a huge fan of tilling/plowing as it can eventually ruin the soil. So, the more I mess with it, the more harm I actually do…  Sunshine we need you..  J

Well. We appreciate you checking in with us and supporting our small little farm.  We appreciate each and every one of you!  Check back in next month, as we will have meat chickens on the pasture, more baby chicks arriving, a garden planting party, and so much more.   Also, some have asked to come out to visit the animals. Just let us know and we will make it happen!  We love to share our stories and share our love for the outdoors.  As always, God Bless.  RJ