We awoke to rain and wind moving across the area, so a chilly start to our Flat Farmer November. Our high today will be 43 with a low of 20. There is a lot on the schedule for today. John will make bread while waiting for the storm to pass and then we will move cows. The cattle will be moved from the Fallen Tree Pasture to the Big Road Pasture.
We are working hard to bring the land back to a healthy condition and are using the animals to help us accomplish this. The project will take about 5 years, with each year adding a piece to the land. Last year we planted oats, peas, and rye to get quick cover on the land and to add nutrients to the depleted soil.
During harvest this year, we were happy to note the fields contain alfalfa, low red clover, tall white and yellow clover, chicory, and a variety of bunch grasses. The cows will continue to graze the stubble left from harvest until the snow flies. All animals here have access to protein and mineral tubs free choice. This not only helps keep the stock in condition, it also passively adds nutrients back into the soil via urine and solid waste. The cows knock down the large brush and push seed heads into the soil as they graze. The goats, sheep and mini donkeys eat different grasses, weeds and also eat the thistle heads which keeps the thistle patch from growing. At year three, we should have most of the thistle eradicated.
Part of ranching and farming is always looking ahead down the road.
One of the questions we were asked by our students is “How do you start a successful cattle farm?” Since today is Sunday, a day of reflection I gave thought to this throughout most of the day. My first response was how do you define success? Is success measured by the amount of money in the bank, the notoriety of your business? Or is success measured by how many healthy, content animals you manage, or maybe the joy in a healthy birth?
To me success is measured by contentment. The simple task of waking up to appreciate another beautiful day, the ability to manage the animals with the best science and common sense skills, the joy in seeing the wonder reflected in others eyes. Success is food on the table and plenty to share with others, a roof overhead, windows to keep the winter cold out. Success is sharing this life tied close to the land with those I love. Some would say the ties the land holds on you are confining, constrictive, and place limits on your ability. I feel the land gives you a steady home base from which you can conquer the world.
We hope you have enjoyed the Flat Farmer November update; see you in December!