From the Barns: The cows are grumpy

The fields are empty and several days of rain are in the forecast. And the bins are full and the outside piles are impressive. If we can get some rain and some cold weather here at River Oak, we would be very happy. Rain would improve our soil supply and set us up for a good freeze this winter and some mid-20s temps would let us begin grazing our stockpiled fescue paddocks. All of those things will surely happen, but the sooner the better. The cows are grumpy after wearing out the cornstalk fields and now being supplemented with hay.

When you read this, the election will be over. That will be a relief, but only if the loser in the presidential contest is a good loser. So many mean things have been said and both sides act as if life can’t go on without them. I really feel like we could have supported better candidates from both sides, but unusual circumstances is what we had. Nevertheless, I am praying for a smooth transition followed by some good congressional work to move our nation forward with strength and determination.

I did something in October that rarely happens here, since we have pride in being a low-input grazing operation. I purchased a new track loader and a brush mower and grapple as needed attachments. My excuse is that as I age I will become unable to keep up with the brush mowing and the need to pile downed trees for burning or logs or posts for harvest.

As of this moment, I already have 40 hours on the machine with all trails and fencerows mowed and 10 piles of dead trees or brush for burning, as well as dozens of medium-sized dead ash for a friend’s wood burner stacked waiting for transport to a splitter. Never would I have thought that I would operate such a machine, using my left hand on a joystick. I have been slow to perfect the left side, so my operation is sometimes herky-jerky.

We are in that tough phase between decent residue grazing and great stockpile grazing. It is the hardest time of the year for grazing management. One thing I am very pleased with is how good we are leaving our permanent reed canary grass paddocks. They stand at 4 to 6 inches and will be ready to thrive come April. For now, the coming weather determines our actions, so patience is the best answer.

Be watching for late fall and winter grazing events. And stay safe and sane.