Checking Cows

Our calving season is well underway, with 23 calves born and 13 more expected. Throughout the whole grazing season we check on cows daily when we move them to fresh pasture. During calving season, however, we check the cows twice a day to be sure everyone is doing well and see if anyone is close to calving.

Although we think we are the ones checking on the cows, some of them seem to believe that they are checking on us.

Our new calves are growing well, and so is the grass. This field is out at the far end of the farm, and has historically been one of our less productive pastures. This year we observed the grass growing much better and more consistently across the field. It is a sure sign that our winter bale grazing is working to build soil health and fertility on some of the poorest spots on the farm.

We've had exceptional weather for making hay this year, and we finished our first cutting last week. Each cutting takes several passes of a tractor over the field, mowing, tedding, raking, and baling.

Here you can see the tedder in action. It has metal tines like long fingers that spin around and fling the hay every which way. This fluffing action exposes more of the hay to sunlight and air, speeding up the drying process. We don't always have to tedd the hay, but it sure comes in handy when rain is in the forecast.

The final step of making hay is wrapping the bales. Our hay is baled at around 30 percent moisture which allows it to ferment. The plastic keeps oxygen out and creates the perfect environment for lactic acid to build up inside the bale, effectively pickling it. Cows love the fermented hay, which stores well and holds its nutrient value all through the winter.

Thanks for reading,

Leith, Mary Kate, Norah & Edith MacKenzie