From the Pastures: Shifting up a gear

Hello from Graze-N-Grow. Pastures and crops are looking good around here, at least the stuff that’s not underwater, and those spots looked good before the monsoon started. We’ve had right at 8 inches so far, but by the time you’re reading this we will probably have another inch. I’m getting way behind on cultivating, and the corn — and weeds — aren’t waiting, so I hope I can shift up a gear and get through it all before it’s too late.

I had Tommy who runs the bean planter do 40 acres into standing rye, but haven’t yet rolled it. Mostly in dry dirt for a while, but the recent moisture has brought up a decent stand. I was beginning to worry. I’m glad we are organic, but I don’t like all the tillage I’ve had to do, so I thought I should try no-till on some and see if I can control the weeds with a thick rye stand. Another learning curve I hope I last long enough to overcome.

The recent ethnic holiday lamb slaughter is over. We didn’t have many lambs old enough to accommodate all those calling and told the ones who did come this will be the last time since it’s encroaching on the busy cropping season. Plus the regular lamb market was outpacing my on-farm price I’ve had for years, so I will take the easy road for most of the male lambs.

The females I predict will be in great demand next fall and winter as many folks wanting to get into the game are recognizing the advantage sheep have over cattle. OK, I knew it would sink in to the smart ones sooner or later. For those still on the fence, you better get off before you hurt yourself and get some of these “mortgage lifters.” That used to apply to hogs in my younger days.

I went on my first-ever tractor drive on June 13. I’ve been wanting to for years and my neighbor, Gary, finally convinced me to go along. I drove a 70-year-old tractor 80 miles by the time I left home and saw a lot of new country. Lots of corn and beans, but very few animals — a few cows, one small sheep flock, a few horses, but hogs outside were scarcer than hippos. Not like the old days.

On a sadder note we lost our beloved Jersey, Ella. She was our pride and joy and miss her greatly. That’s all part of life when raising animals whether it’s dogs, horses, cows or sheep and, yes, even cats. As our vet from years past, Doctor Mac said to me as a young farmer facing this ordeal, “life’s not all roses.” But there are plenty of rosy days ahead, so I hope you all will take time to smell them. Happy trails.