Filed under: January 2018 | Tags: animal bedding, animal care, animal husbandry, animal welfare, Compost, snow, winter
January 15, 2018
Today, the calves were having a ball, running all over the feedlot. The snow covered lot actually looks great. I scraped everything clean thanks to last week’s warm-up. The slush and manure was like cleaning up applesauce, but I did manage to get it all cleaned up. That was one job I was very happy to complete.
The manure collected will compost along with the daily horse droppings and bedding. It takes a while because the cold weather slows down the rotting process. I’m fine with it because the reward of the compost is worth the wait. I also like the look of the feedlot clean and currently covered in a blanket of white!
The cows are not paying much attention to this cold winter weather. They are fed, bedded and content to just chew their cud and wait for spring. Perhaps there is wisdom in what the cows do. The young ones run and play. The rest of the herd simply takes it all in stride. There is much to be said for a full belly and a warm bed. Watching the snow pile up is just a bonus I guess.
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RicelandMeadows 
Ah, the exuberance of youth and the wisdom age š
Comment by jennyrecorder January 15, 2018 @ 10:46 pmI have always wondered how farm life would be through the seasons, no need to wonder anymore! Sadly it’s such a thankless job thanks to regulations and unfair gov. contracts, but it’s a dream to one day till the earth with my SO and kids.
Comment by Sammy and Sufi January 16, 2018 @ 4:07 pmHang in there. You can farm wherever you are. Perhaps in a city lot, or your backyard in a small town or even on a rooftop in five gallon buckets. As long as you stay connected with the soil, your heart will be happy and your soul will be a farmer.
Comment by ricelandmeadows January 16, 2018 @ 8:53 pmI know, we try to utilize our backyard space for planting in the summer but it’s a max of 2 maybe 3 months in total, not enough time to thoroughly enjoy the cycle of life! š
Comment by Sammy and Sufi January 18, 2018 @ 12:29 pmNeed to consider a high tunnel. Even if it just goes over one of your raised beds. Grow winter greens or anything to extend your gardening season. :o)
Comment by ricelandmeadows January 19, 2018 @ 12:21 pm