A Snowy Day on the Farm: Feeding Day

 Morning Chores

I enjoy my morning chores of feeding the chickens and our horse, Ginger.  She loves her morning grain.  
  When it's this cold out,  I have to refresh the water and throw some extra bedding in the coop. 

I went out with Jeff to help feed today.  Well, I was designated gate keeper.  

The snow fell heavily, blanketing the roads and the farm.  Jeff and I set out to care for the cattle, a routine that doesn't pause even in the harshest winter conditions. Our first task was feeding the herd square bales.   Jeff loaded square bales onto the 4 wheeler. 

If you look closely, you will see a post-it note tucked in twine of the hay.  Jeff keeps track of how many square bales he has used out of the total he has stocked in the hayloft.  

It's neat to watch how Jeff's learned certain strategies through experience when it comes to feeding a cold, hungry herd.  The herd was waiting by the gate and followed us up the hill.  Jeff strategically spread the hay.  This clever trick distracted the cows, keeping them calm and occupied while we prepared to bring out the larger round bales. With the cows momentarily content, we headed back to the barn to retrieve the tractor.

I became the designated gate keeper, a helpful role in moving heavy hay bales into the pasture. While the cows continued munching on the square bales, Jeff carefully maneuvered the tractor through the gate and up to the hilltop where the hay rings waited. We made two trips, ensuring the herd had plenty of feed for a few days in the cold.