Ararat Farm Newsletter January 2024
A brisk winter Hello to Everyone!
It’s crazy we have almost wrapped up the first month of January already. It’s been an uncommonly busy winter on the farm this year. Normally the winter season tends to be slower and even with less animals on the farm we have stayed very busy. The cows have maintained their hay and winter grazing and not moving near as often. Matt has done several of farm excavator jobs over recent weeks and been plowing snow for contractors over this latest big snow storm!
Summary for the month January:
Snowy Cows!
Pigs coming soon
Excavator Work
Snow, Snow…more snow!
Little Farm Hand
The Herd
The herd are all wintering very well. They have been eating all hay as of late due to the heavy snow that we got. Even though we got up to a solid 8 inches of snow the entire herd stayed in their fence which was such a relief. In the past snow will pull poly fence down and short it out and the cows just walk through. Now as the snow melts and rain comes in we will be watching the creek in hopes that we don’t have a major flood.
The Pigs
Since December we have not had piggies. It has been a nice little break and especially with the weather been helpful to have one less animal to worry about getting out. We will be getting our new piglets soon so we are prepping the barn for their arrival. The pigs will be in the barn for the remainder of the winter and until they are big enough to be in the field and not slip under the fence.
Busy Excavator
Since the excavator has been back it has been busy working a several week water line job and 2 other jobs off the farm. It also was very busy fixing a long term leak we have had on our water line. It has proven itself useful in so main ways over the last few weeks and is chugging right along to each new job!
Let it Snow!
We like so many this January got a tremendous amount of snow during a big storm that blew through the several states. Thankfully all animals stayed safe and we stayed warm. The only major damage was the shed which collapsed due to the weight of the snow. It’s annoying but now we will just have to start over and build another one. Always something to add to lists. It’s a good reminder that farming isn’t always a romantic idea. It’s hard work and always keeps reminding us that we aren’t in control!
Little Farm Hand
Little Farm Hand has been growing like a weed and is becoming more and more involved with everything. She helps with some chores and has started a little schooling time too. She of course loved the snow and was out sledding every day this week. Snow is magical especially in the eyes of a child!
That’s All Folks
Well that wraps up this month’s update for you. We hope you all enjoyed this latest update. Thank you for visiting and we hope to see you next month! Stay warm!
Your Ararat Farm