RicelandMeadows

Pennsylvania round barn near Gettsyburg

July 13, 2011

 

     People have told me that I am well-rounded. At first one might think they are talking about my slightly plump stature, but hopefully they are talking about my knowledge base. I know about farming and animals, but also enjoy history, current events and writing. The barn in the photo was taken not too far from the Gettysburg battlefield. It is a testament to the craftsmen who built it. It is as rich in history as the landscape in that part of the state.

 

     The barn is fascinating to me. It is laid out in such a way as to minimize chore time. It makes efficient use of every nook and cranny. There are no corners for stuff to pile up in and the central silo keeps air moving so the barn is well ventilated and cool. It was designed to be used when draft animal power was at its peak, so much consideration went into the site placement and accessibility of this awesome structure.

 

     I can only hope to have that much function in my buildings and farm set up. I have divided my paddocks with a central lane, considered gate openings and building placement. I also farm with draft horses, so many of the old craftsman’s concerns are shared by me. I have worked out most of the kinks and am pretty much satisfied with my results. In other words, I like it here 😮

 

     Just as we discussed yesterday, with animal diversity and crop rotations, the entire farm must balance. You must be well-rounded so as to make the best use of your time and efforts. Your whole life will have harmony when your time is balanced. Use your time wisely. Don’t be so busy making a living that you don’t have time to make a life.

 

     I am looking objectively at my hay making operation. I see opportunities to work the horses more. Working the horses gives me pleasure. It also makes great economic sense as part of a diversified, sustainable farming operation. I am looking at several areas of the process. The mowing, raking and baling can all be done with my team. I just need to balance a bit of time while God works with me on the weather.

 

     I see a new style sickle bar mower in our future. I also am researching the new designed rake/tedders. The last machine fluffs the hay and quickens drying time. It also will windrow the hay, so one machine does two jobs. Both the mowing and the rake/tedding can be done easily with horses and a very small engine, keeping our carbon footprint small. This thought process is in the early stages and research may prove it to be a bad idea, but time will tell.

 

     Trying new things, researching new ideas and studying up on old ideas and methods, helps to make me well-rounded. I guess math questions would help too. I am not the best with math or arthimetic, but I do know all about … Pie 😮