Chomping at the bit...

 We are really looking forward to being able to get out there again and install some fence posts, and some fence around the back field! I've got plans for the gates, and all kinds of good stuff.

AS it is, I'm stuck behind a wall of other responsibilities. Work, weather, caring for my elderly mother, other events that require my and my family's presence, Holiday travel ...the list goes on! 

But with all of that, I'm looking forward to the time back home, when we can make our way to the field, and hopefully get some stuff done! We got a taste of it last weekend, but we'll have to wait for after Thanksgiving (oh yeah, it will also be nice to spend some time with family as well! ;o) 

In the mean time, the only thing I seem to have time for is planning. I'm planning on brainstorming for ideas for the whole "shabang", breaking some of it down into bite size pieces. Highlighting some over-all goals, and how we might be able to make those happen, all in good time. 

So until after Thanksgiving, The tractor is ready with the post pounder that is mounted on it, and working good. 

Fall pasture clipping

 I've heard it said, that one of the most important factors regarding your spring flush in the pastures is ...how you manage them during the fall season. What you do in the fall makes a huge difference in your grass in the springtime.

I wasn't 100% certain of the wisdom of clipping down the old dead/dormant weeds that grew during the summer drought we experienced this year. But I thought by the end of it, it's better for the weeds/forbs to lay down, and feed the soil, adding to the organic matter by composting under the grass, and legumes that were trying to grow from underneath. 

All-in-all, had a blast out there myself, and with two of my son's and with the tractor. 

Fence planning

 A very good thing to have for a static pasture, is a solid perimeter fence.. 

Now in some instances it's not 100% required. But if you're thinking about the possibility of having more than one enterprise, it's probably a good idea. 

As long as you keep a close eye (and string trimmer) on the Electric fence (if that's you're only fence), you should be fine. However it doesn't hurt anything to have a solid post and 4' high woven wire fence around your entire pasture. Albeit lot's of labor, and a very large expense. It'll serve its purpose and make your money back eventually from the product you are trying to grow/raise.

"Good Fences make good neighbors." ...especially if you're raising livestock!

This photo was taken a few years ago of our two wonderful dairy goats