Rather than ride the side-by-side out to see the cows, I decided to just hike out there. Our property is 1000′ wide (more or less) so it’s not a long walk. Along the way, my dog Toby (an Australian Cattle Dog / Red Heeler mix) decided it would be time to herd the cows. The… Continue reading Barking Dogs and an Evening Stroll
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Keeping Cows out of the Poultry Pen
The cows were crossing the poultry netting and likely eating the chicken and duck feed. They also left some giant cow patties. We set up a perimeter fence and chase the cows out. They know to respect the fence.
Moving the Cows 1/2 Miles
It was finally time to move the cows from the back of the pasture to the front. It’s a long walk as our property is 2,560′ long — exactly 1/2 mile. It’s hot, but we get it done.
Dusty gives us #18, a Beautiful Baby Bull
When I went out to the field Monday morning, I had a little surprise waiting for me: Dusty gave me a new calf. He was already running around and very healthy, though a bit thinner than I’d like. Dusty seemed to be a good mom. My biggest question was whether I would be able to… Continue reading Dusty gives us #18, a Beautiful Baby Bull
Moving Muscovy Ducks to Pasture
I decided the muscovy ducks were big enough, and the pen where I had to keep them was small enough (the fire burned all but 1 of our poultry nets down) that it was time for an experiment. The muscovy ducks got busy murdering grasshoppers once they met the cows. They eventually got along. I… Continue reading Moving Muscovy Ducks to Pasture
Cow down
I noticed the hereford (336) lying down in my rounds Sunday 10/3 afternoon. On my way back, I noticed she was still down. As I approached her she tried to get up but couldn’t. So I gave her some food and water. My friends told me to call the vet in the morning. Monday morning,… Continue reading Cow down
More calves
Morning Exercises
Wake up at 6 AM. Get your teenage kids awake too. Head out to the ranch, wearing long pants, boots, a long-sleeve shirt, and of course a decent hat. Gloves are also necessary. Grab a handsaw, and saw a branch hanging over a fence about 3″ in diameter. Make sure to stand near the barbed… Continue reading Morning Exercises
The Fence
Every ranch needs a good fence. If you don’t have a good fence, you can grow hay instead. The property I bought is 60 acres, and it has very good 5-strand barbed wire surrounding it. I want to install electric fencing, both to serve as a backup perimeter fence, as well as power the temporary… Continue reading The Fence
Reasons
We moved down here to NE Texas in December. We bought a nice house on the edge of civilization, next to fields and farms. Down here they only raise cows and hay, that’s all the ground is good for. Why did I leave the “city”? For several reasons. But what’s more important is to focus… Continue reading Reasons