Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Happy Equinox


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We're in the process of moving cows to fall pasture, which for the most part includes hay and grain fields where they can fatten up nicely on the leavings. We are straight dryland farming, only one cutting of hay, so whatever grass and alfalfa grows back after swathing and baling becomes feed for the cows. This year we had a hail storm that came through and knocked a lot of heads off of the grain, which then sprouted and grew, leaving behind what looks like a lush lawn as the combine passes. We're gonna have some very happy cows when they come in from the south lease next week. 




Unlike our poor, abused ranch horses, who are apparently unable to survive on acres of green pasture. They have to climb the manure pile and pick used oats out of the straw.



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3 comments:

Unknown said...

I have never seen it so green in September! Do you think you'll have to supplement hay before November this year?

Anonymous said...

Not unless we get a lot of snow in November. Which is not impossible, by the way. Otherwise, we don't feed any of the cattle out on pasture until near calving time. They graze the regrowth on the hay and grain fields, plus regular pasture.

We curse the wind, but even when there is snow, the wind keeps hillsides and such bare so the cattle can still get to the grass.

Calee Lott said...

I enjoyed reading your blog post, and my guess for when your Preg-checking cows is on the day when it's coldest and the most wet, because let's face it, in the eyes of mother nature, there is no better time for a storm than when working with cattle. Hi, I'm Calee Lott. I'm a student at Utah State University and am participating in a scholarship program where we focus on advocating for agriculture. Thank your for sharing your Ranch's story. With so many misconceptions about our industry these days, sharing the story of agriculture has never been so important. As a future blogger, do you have any advice for me?