As turn the page to Spring when farmers prepare for the season's planting, I can't help but think of the smell of freshly turned dirt and the green plants that will soon sprout up. The Last of the Virgin Sod captures this feeling well. While we have relatively small amounts of native prairie remaining in … Continue reading The Last of the Virgin Sod
Murphy’s Law of Irrigation | Saturday Afternoon Ruminations
I've recognized a few things today and wanted to jot them down for a reminder later on. And where else would they be realized but while in the pasture irrigating. After a crazy hectic week, it's an awesome feeling to sit here at the gate after changing out the hand lines and watch the sunset. … Continue reading Murphy’s Law of Irrigation | Saturday Afternoon Ruminations
Diversity in Forage Management
Remember the cross-country trip I took late this past summer? It was 2,600 miles filled with fun and new experiences. More importantly, it was a great experience to learn more about diversity in forage management from producers across the country. No matter the environment in, no one style of management fits every farm or ranch. … Continue reading Diversity in Forage Management
Breeding Season coming to a close
Earlier this week, I was busy in the barn at one of our farms despite the humidity and rain. We were working cattle and pulling bulls from the cow herds. The calves were receiving their first round of vaccinations (2 shots - one to protect against 7 different Clostridiums and Pinkeye, another for Respiratory diseases), … Continue reading Breeding Season coming to a close
Photo Friday: Green grass and happy cows
It's taken all summer, but we finally have some mud in the pasture. The grass is bright green, and the cows are happy. It doesn't take long to remember the drought that encompasses so much of the country though. I'm in Arkansas today and seeing first-hand the worst of the drought in the cattle pasture. … Continue reading Photo Friday: Green grass and happy cows
A look at the Arkansas Drought from the cattle pasture
View this post on CNN's Eatocracy - Praying for rain in the Arkansas drought This year's drought has been rough across much of the country. All year, my dad has been telling me of the dry conditions in Arkansas, how the first hay crop didn't make, and now how many farmers are selling their cattle … Continue reading A look at the Arkansas Drought from the cattle pasture
Wordless Wednesday: Morning in the Summer pasture
There's nothing quite like being out in the summer pastures before it gets hot. If only this grass could be a little more green... Related articles Wordless Wednesday: Sitting with the cows (agricultureproud.com) Wordless Wednesday: Word Cloud And My Dirty Job (agricultureproud.com)
How do I build fences for livestock?
Pasture Fencing: Everyone has their own way of doing it. Every situation is different. No two fences are the same. Whether the project is a short two hours of patching or an extended building project, each needs its fair share of planning! It's one of my favorite things to do when I need a little … Continue reading How do I build fences for livestock?
Why Am I Mowing Pastures: Part 1
As I'm bumping, bouncing, and thumping across the rough pastures lately one question comes to mind. Why am I mowing pastures?!? Why are we brush hogging pastures, clipping the grass and weeds, when we have cows that can do the very same thing? There are many, many answers to these questions. Don't forget to read … Continue reading Why Am I Mowing Pastures: Part 1
My Job, Better Than Vacation
Not sure who, but someone once said "My day job is better than your vacation." Pretty sure they were talking about my life. The past week has been quite a workout for myself, Pistol, and Grulla. We've been gathering bulls for the end of breeding season. Everything has been pretty smooth with the exception of … Continue reading My Job, Better Than Vacation