Weather is changing.....

This is our son, Alan, with our yearling bulls just a couple of days ago.  Today we are down to about 6 inches of snow (some places are even bare ground)!  However, with that melting snow comes MUD!  The mud is just as hard to walk in as the snow and you might even loose your boot, if you are not careful.  The calves and cows are getting more active as the temperature warms.

We can always tell when a front is coming through the area.  The cattle are far less cooperative when the weather is changing.  Some of you may notice this with your children as well.  I have always said that if the animals are acting up of a morning during feeding, that the students will be the same way.  About 90% of the time this holds true.  Don't believe me?  Ask a teacher.  The moisture that the snow has left us is a Blessing from God.  Technically we are still in a drought, but it is improvement.  The snow also puts much needed nitrogen back into the soil which the grass and crops need in order to grow.  

There are times when doing chores in the snow and/or mud, that we are all arguing before we are done.  This is because we have all had to exert more energy to get things done.  After a couple of weeks of this, all of us get a little tired and cranky.  It is tough sometimes to remember that we are all in the same boat together and get further if we work together.  This is one time when nerves are raw and tempers are a little short.  

Until next time, remember.......Beef, It's What's for Dinner!

2 Feet of Snow is Melting.......

Last night, we had knocked down all of the overhang off of the barn.  This is what was hanging over this morning.  About five minutes after I took this picture, this snow came crashing down on its own.  I am so thankful that there were not any cows, calves or people under it when it fell.  Several of the cows/calves were obviously startled as this came down.

We received around two feet of snow in less than a week (more than our yearly average).  Walking in all of the snow made our legs and lower backs sore because it is a lot harder to walk in than when the ground is dry.  Now the snow is melting and we are starting to deal with mud.  While mud is no harder to walk in than snow, there is the chance of getting stuck and walking out of your boot(s).  Anyone whom has lived and/or worked on a farm knows exactly what I am talking about.  You're walking along watching the cows you are moving and all of the sudden your boot sticks and your foot comes up out of it and right into the sloppy mud.  Sometimes we are lucky and realize our foot is stuck before our foot comes out of it.  We have even had to dig a few boots out with shovels because we could not pull them out.  Even though the snow has been a pain and the mud is a pain, I am NOT complaining about the moisture.  We desperately needed it.    It is nice to see green grass where the snow has melted.

We had the privilege of having a friend come out and give the twins their bottle.  She had always wanted to do this and we were able to grant her wish.  It was a true joy to see her face light up as she was giving them the bottle and petting them after they were done.  Seeing those that do not live on a farm able to do things they have wanted to do is a great privilege.  We are so thankful that God has given us the ability and knowledge to share with others and let some of the public see that many farmers take great care when caring for their animals and/or land.  If we don't, we don't make any money.  If there is something that you have wanted to do on a farm, talk to a farmer near you and see if they can make it possible.

Until next time, remember.......Beef, It's What's for Dinner!