Weekend Happenings on the Farm

Spring is in full force here in our area. We spent the weekend with rain, wind, and cooler temperatures. Our farm is starting to come together. I spoke with Robert, the man who is clearing our land, and he said that it would only be another day or two and it would be finished. That leaves the clean up left to do. He won't be back for a few days because it is so wet here.

Michael mentioned that we will be starting on the next fence project for the sheep. We are going to fence in a large lot so that we can rotate them from pasture to pasture. This helps us manage our grass better and it is also healthier for the sheep. If they are rotated correctly, they will not have to be wormed on a regular schedule. I am surprised at how quickly they ate down the 1/4 acre that we put them in last week. We are all out of hay, but Michael will be picking up some more today. There still isn't enough grass to support our flock of sheep.

Michael and Jacob caught the Black Angus cow that we are going to feed up for our beef. They put her in the area that we last raised our pigs. Michael found a great feeding system to feed up the cow before butchering. I know that grass fed beef is healthier. I know all the pros for that. However, I just don't like it all that much. I so prefer the flavor and texture of the meat like I buy in the grocery store. I know it looses its omega 3 fatty acids when it is taken off the grass, but I don't like the flavor of the grass fed beef. I probably could train my taste buds to get used to it, but I am not there yet. I figure we eat organic garden veggies, we eat our own eggs, and pork. Surely, eating our own beef without hormones but still fed grain is good enough. I hope so or else I guess I would just have to eat only chicken and pork!

I still have a soft heart where animals are concerned. I don't like seeing the cow that I know we will be eating soon standing next to the barn. I try not to look at her. I felt the same way with the pigs. At least we always butcher 3 or 4 pigs at a time so I don't know which one I am eating! The same will be true when we butcher the lambs. (I don't like that either if truth be told). Sometimes I think it is so much easier just picking up a nice package of meat at the grocery store. I know that the animal had a poor life, but at least I wasn't involved. I know our animals have all had a great life while here on our farm. That does make me feel better about the whole thing.

grace and peace,
julie