From the Barns: Return to normal

Our area is still drying out from our last rains. We had some flooding, but weren’t affected too much. All our forage seemed to jump right past mid-maturity to maturity. Our heifers in the reed canary are over their heads in grass. So, there is more trample than we generally like, but need to remind ourselves that trample adds to valuable organic matter and soil structure that always pays later.

Our next concern, of course, is with eye irritation from first the pollen and then the seeds that shake loose. Rarely can we find conditions that suit us perfectly. We are leaving behind some very ugly paddocks as we rotate, but a good rest period and rain and sunshine always works wonders.

We had our first lightning damage to our largest of the three electric fencers we use. A quick trip to Bergman’s took care of that, but I remain concerned with our grounding system there and the apparent ease with which a board blew up in the fencer. I wish I was more of an expert on the best grounding systems and the best lightning inverters for these fencers.

The clover hay is on the ground, so we hope to take advantage of the first haying weather of the season. A group of heifers can clean up the edges and then we hope for our grass to favorably compete with the red clover regrowth.

We have some ideas for a good summer and fall of visits with the Western Illinois Grazing Group. Stay alert for emails or text messages as these are announced.

Mark your calendars for the Heart of America Grazing Conference to be held Aug. 10-11 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. The conference rotates between states in the heart of America and this is our year to host. The event will feature an evening pasture walk and meal on Aug. 10 and then an all-day lineup of speakers at the DoubleTree on Aug. 11. I am excited to be part of the producer panel on Aug. 11.

We had three couples over for dinner last weekend. It was the first time we had all been together for over a year. We stayed inside to avoid the buffalo gnats. I hope some similar normalcy is returning to your household. Stay safe and sane and enjoy all things growing green.