March 20, 2020
Our world is changing, people have to stay put for awhile. The cronavirus has made things upside down. Now is the time to realize that we have a guardian watching over us. His name is Jesus Christ and he will never leave us.
Just as Pepper watches over the mother sheep and their lambs, God watches over us. When bad things come, he will drive them out. It is possible that a few will be lost, but the guardian is with us through it all. Take comfort in knowing this.
We are all in this together. Watch out for one another. Learn a new skill while we are sheltered in place. Make plans for a spring garden or plant some fruit trees. No matter how this all plays out, you will be better off for doing these things.
The lamb crop is in full swing. The grass is greening up. The first day of spring is here. There is much to be thankful for. Stay safe everyone!
Filed under: February 2018 | Tags: change, diplomacy, donkey, donkeys, lean manufacturing, retirement, the 5 "S"
February 12, 2018
Our donkey has been with us for about six months. I had no idea just what awesome critters these guys can be. He is the sweetest, most loving farm animal that I have ever encountered. He is a gentle guy with patience that resembles “Job”. He follows me around, but knows exactly what the daily routine brings. He doesn’t like change much at all!
I will not say that every donkey is a sweetheart, but I can sure say that this one is. There must be a few donkeys that demonstrate the “stubbornness” they are rumored to have. I’m guessing that it has more to do with them not embracing change. They have a tendency to shout out and even lock their heels at new things. Hmmm, I show some of these exact tendencies myself when it comes to change. I am guessing that is why some folks see me as an ass……That’s ok with me…as long as a few others see me as a lovable, patient, gentle man.
I like the status quo. I can do change when I must, but am sometimes the one shouting loudly and locking my heels. At my advancing age, my tolerance for bullshit….also know as change…is just about zero! I think its almost time to separate my self from a place where constant change rules the day…It’ll be much better for everyone involved. If that makes me a donkey…so be it…. just call me a donkey diplomat!
Filed under: January 2018 | Tags: buddies, donkey, draft horses, Small Farming, working horses
January 16, 2018
I let the horses and donkey out to play this afternoon. They are fun to watch as they run, jump and roll in the fresh snow. I guess they get bored on these cold snowy days just like we do. The boredom will soon pass. I am healing well and very soon will resume winter farm work. I will be careful. I will have help, but I will soon be working horses again and I can’t wait!
The donkey has bonded with the draft horses. He much prefers to be with them instead of the sheep. He still patrols the sheep pasture, but stays with the horses. He has his own “stall” which is just the spot where he eats his grain, but he goes there every time! He makes me chuckle. I like the little guy.
I actually wonder if he will follow us while we work. I think it will be much easier to take him along, than to have him lonely in the barn. It will be a hoot for sure but time will tell. If I would have known how sweet these critters can be… I would have had one a long time ago!
Filed under: September 2017 | Tags: donkey, hay feeder, maple syrup, Small Farming
September 29, 2017
The hay feeder is taking shape. The cows should be able to find an opening, to munch on the sun cured hay, all winter. We used an old print from a university. I’m guessing it was information first posted in the early part of the last century. The measurements were just right for my cattle. I guess some things don’t change.
The opening at the top is twenty one inches. At the bottom the opening is seven inches. This gave me seven openings on each side. My feeder measures just under seven feet wide and eighteen feet long. I will fill it with round bales using my skid steer.
The hay feeder project is almost complete. Lumber is waiting for another project. I am in high gear. My knee is doing well, but I am still getting much help from family and friends. The next project is for an overhang to store hay and a couple pieces of equipment. That project is well started and should only take a couple more days to complete.
Lastly, we will be making a small addition to the sugarhouse for a large holding tank for maple sap. The tank is stainless steel and will hold just over 2000 gallons. This new tank will make it possible for us to have a storage capacity of well over 4000 gallons. We don’t use reverse osmosis in our operation. We choose instead, to boil the water out of the sap from start to finish. The flavor that develops during that time is awesome.
Our new guard donkey has found an opening in our family. The children are sitting on his back and loving him daily. He is content with the cattle and sheep as they eat, sleep and graze together. He comes when he is called. He is an adorable creature…long ears and all.
Filed under: September 2017 | Tags: ass, asses, donkey, guard animals, long ears, Sargent Pepper, sheep guardians
September 15, 2017
We got this little donkey to protect our sheep flock from the increasing coyote population. This little guy is a sweetheart. He is seven years old. He has no known vices, loves people and can be ridden by small children. His name is Sargent Pepper. It seemed like a great name for a guard!
He has been introduced to the calves and lambs. I don’t think anyone has bonded to him yet, but they all are getting along very well. Herd animals like to have company, Pepper is no different. Today, I saw every one of the animals resting in the shade, Pepper was among them. I think the first hurdle has been crossed.
He does have a loud bray, but is not obnoxious with it. He comes when we call him. We do give him a treat for coming, but what a great thing. I was afraid that he might be hard to catch or a problem animal. This is simply not the case. He is a great little guy. We will continue to pet and make over him. I want him to like us and continue to be an asset on our farm.
There is peace of mind knowing that while I’m sleeping, Sargent Pepper will be watching over the flock.
RicelandMeadows 