New Beginnings
A Time of Change
Our focus here at the farm this week has been on the future. This is a time of dramatic transition for our crops and livestock alike. We have been closely monitoring crops (such as our strawberries) through the ever-changing weather patterns our community has been experiencing. Keeping them covered in bad weather can be quite challenging in the midst of strong winds! We are also looking at the future of our cattle. New herds are forming, established herds are moving, and pasture fences are either being built or repaired! As herds settle into their new surroundings, we are also turning bulls out. The bulls’ work will provide us with the next generation of our herds!
The Bulls are Back in Town
Bulls Let Out to Pasture | Tiger (Left)
Throughout the week, we have been turning bulls loose with herds as they become ready for them. We look to match each herd with complimentary bulls to ensure safe carrying and delivering of calves by the cows, and sometimes even try for a desired phenotype in the offspring! Speaking of phenotype, one of our red bulls has a very interesting look to him. Aptly named “Tiger,” this bull is a composite of several breeds. And, yes, he is tiger-striped for all of you Tiger King fans out there! He was turned out with a herd on our new pasture this week.
Building a foundation for the future… or, at least a perimeter!
Wiring the Fence into the Barn’s Breaker Box
We have been very busy this week, spreading fertilizer on our fields and setting crops up for growth and success, but our biggest, most time-consuming job was finishing the new pasture fence we started and reported on in last week’s WOR (Issue 1). Throughout the week, we have been running high-tensil wire, digging holes, and driving posts so we could get a herd moved in. The fence was then wired into a nearby barn’s electric, and is now fully operational! This new pasture now houses Tiger’s herd! The herd’s new home will allow us to transition out of feeding cattle for the summer, and into grazing!