New equipment

Some of our best workers came out to help put together a new hay wagon. We were going to rebuild one on another set of running gear but all the rims were rotting out around the valve stems and the hubs were 5 lug pattern which is a bit more difficult for us to find. So we looked in the most logical place, out behind the old shed and behold, there was some gear with a more universal rim. A few tires will be needed as they have some age, but those can be replaced as needed. A good portion of the lumber is from previous projects so the cost was minimal. Building projects around here are overseen by Roger, isomebody starts with an idea of what to do and Roger handles the design and fabrication, I just put is screws and bolts when and where I am told!

Enjoying the down time

People often ask what do you do in the winter? Or if we are enjoying the down time. Well today we moved 12 calves by trailer 1 mile, and it took all day. First we had to dig out bales to use as a wind break and haul them, this meant starting the loader which out of pride fired off with minimal starting fluid and no need of the 3rd heater, it was a balmy 22 degrees. Then we pushed snow, dug out gates so we could open them, dug out the hay trailer, dug out the livestock trailer, dug out a water hydrate, dug out a water tank. Then we hooked up the snow blower to blow out the pen the calves were going into. Than after a few other minor details  we loaded the calves. Then we sorted out a few heifers we are going to keep which will go in with them, unloaded the calves and moved all the critters in. Then fixed up the water tank complete with heater, added a new circuit off the fuse box to deal with the extra heater load, put all equipment back in sheds and a few other minor details. So if you ask "what did you do today, I mean it being winter down time?" I will answer, "Oh just moved a few calves..." Now just to be clear I am not complaining it was very enjoyable, and besides what else will you do all winter, drink coffee and do internet research?

1st annual snowshoe adventure

In celebration of my birthday we went for a snowshoe excursion. It was about 5 F and windy, Simon was in the.kid.backpack on my back so he is not in the photos. I bet we went close to a mile round trip which was plenty for the crew. The cows didn't know what to think, they must have thought we were idiots for being out in that weather for fun as they had no desire to go out in that field that cold morning. I had to take an empty bucket and walk them out, they thought I had corn in the bucket and followed me longingly. Based on the facts presented here the jury is still out on who has the greater intellect, them or us.

Family recipe

Here is the recipe to get our loader started. Set temp to -5 F let marinate overnight. Apply 2 engine heaters for 5 hours, add 1 brand new 925 CCA battery, top with 110000 btu reddy heater for 40 min. Just before it is done add 225 amp jump starter and sprinkle with 1 can of starting fluid, yes the whole can! It seems like a lot but you will need it. This recipe changes based upon time and temp marinated, for example if above 32 F one heater and 1/2 can starting fluid works. I learned much of my extremely average operating skills running this loader an Oliver 1650 gas and Oliver 1655 diesel when young. This loader has faithfully served scooping and feeding for years, it still has some life left.

Punch counter punch

Punch counter punch

Winter is sparring with us. Here is 1 degree F and 5 inches of what will most likely be 8 inches of powdery snow by storms end. Fortunately we have this gem in the basement cranking out heat. The wife says this is the warmest winter she has ever had since we have been married. I suppose I better get the chainsaw fired up next week in anticipation of next winter.

Fall calves

We weaned the fall calves last week. Pretty even group, a couple odd looking critters. Not bad though considering these are out of group of cows that we bought this summer and didn't know to much about their history. The cows look content and dry and pretty low stress dispite low temps and snow. They are not even bothered by the guineas camped out under a feed bunk in the shed.

A lot can change in 24 hours...

A little snow this week made a big change as you can see. But this young farmer knows chores must be done no matter what the weather.