Fall 2019 Update

Technically it may still be fall but snow has blanketed the ranch and at least weather-wise, fall is definately over and has been for a few weeks now. Looking back it was a nice one though. 
We got to press cider with family, begin clearing land that will become paddock 6 next year, add to our firewood stack, slaughter our free range broilers and get them in the freezer, and did a lot of preservation of the garden harvest. The garden harvest was good this year and we were able to get cover crop down on it just in time before it got too cold...always planning ahead for soil health. Of course got the garlic planted as usual, around Halloween. The new high tunnel we constructed proves to be a great asset in growing as much of our own food as possible. The hives have been moved to their winter location and have been put to bed for the season...here's to hoping they make it til spring!
 As for what is new with the herd, on October 21st we welcomed our last calf of the year. A healthy bull calf from a trusty cow and a great mother. We developed a high use area in November (in an already highly trafficked area with no grass growth) using several dump truck loads of road grade gravel. The purpose is to provide an area with solid footing which is valuable during times when our pasture is muddy. When the ground freezes this isn't an issue but during thaw/mud season and fall rains this has been a problem for us and the herd. We can now feed hay on this high use area and our pastures wont get damaged by our tractor when feeding and our cattle wont be standing in mud while eating. With all the cold weather and snow, the cattle have pretty much gotten into their winter routine. 
To our customers we want to say that we are all sold out of beef for 2019. Thank you for your business! We will have more available in March 2020 so call us soon to reserve a quarter or half.

October calf, about a minute old. His mother licks him clean.

The herd loves cleaning up fallen apples from the many apple trees around the pasture

2 first calf heifers being nursed