Well, it's been a few days since I've logged on to give any kind of updates. Since my last blog I had arthroscopic knee surgery and the flu. My knee is coming along nicely and I'm hoping to get riding in the next couple weeks. My cough is still staying with me, but I think I'm through the worst of the flu. Mitch has also been sick with the flu, he seemed to draw the short straw on that one as he was much sicker than I was. We are very fortunate to have my family so close by to help with the plowing and feeding of the round bales.
Since my surgery we've had another 5" of snow to deal with. We are now gearing up for another cold spell. This morning we took a trip out to feed the cattle and check the spring. We've been very fortunate that there haven't been any issues with the spring freezing up on us this winter.
Since my surgery we've had another 5" of snow to deal with. We are now gearing up for another cold spell. This morning we took a trip out to feed the cattle and check the spring. We've been very fortunate that there haven't been any issues with the spring freezing up on us this winter.
We have decided to make use out of my dad's extra round bale feeder and are now feeding the cattle out of two feeders. It seems like we are going through a little less hay when we have both feeders out there. As you can see, the cows are all fairing well and enjoying the sunny day that is on tap.
Today was the first time we had the horses in the barn for some grain and TLC since we weaned the calves in early December. It was a great feeling to have them in and to be able to spend some time with them. I was able to grab some DNA from Hope to get it sent in for DNA testing so her foals can be registered with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). Given the size of her we are quite certain she's pregnant. She is also the first horse I'm doing the testing for genetic diseases on. These tests will ensure we are breeding the best quality horses and improving the breed. As time goes on we will work on getting them all tested.
While we've been very fortunate that the spring where the cattle are has not frozen up, I can't say the same is true of the waterer that is used for Dixie & Tonka. The picture below has become a familiar scene this winter. At this time we are watering them with a heated tub instead of the waterer. We don't have to haul the water too far, but it is just one more thing that we have to deal with. When we get feeling a bit better we'll spend some more time at the waterer with the hair dryer and getting the ice out of the base. Once that's done I hope the waterer will work again.
While we've been very fortunate that the spring where the cattle are has not frozen up, I can't say the same is true of the waterer that is used for Dixie & Tonka. The picture below has become a familiar scene this winter. At this time we are watering them with a heated tub instead of the waterer. We don't have to haul the water too far, but it is just one more thing that we have to deal with. When we get feeling a bit better we'll spend some more time at the waterer with the hair dryer and getting the ice out of the base. Once that's done I hope the waterer will work again.