Out Around the Barn

In todays economy we have to make use of all the things that we already have on hand.  We just cannot afford to go out and buy new stuff and put it on our credit cards anymore so we must improvise.  It is amazing what you can find around the barn, house or yard that you can make use of.

On of the things that we have started getting a lot of use out of is a drop sided wagon.  (Look in the background of the above picture in the doorway of the barn, and you will see our wagon.)  If and when we need to haul several buckets of feed at once but really don’t need the truck or tractor, it comes in very handy.  A bale of straw or hay fits in it just perfect and you can pull it with you right into the barn.  This little wagon can go places that other equipment cannot even fit into.    It has rubber tires and maneuvers well.  Having a bad back, it has became one of the farm supplies that I cannot do without.  It saves me from having to carry feed out to the cattle because I can just load the buckets and pull them out to the feeders  in the wagon, unload and dump.  The stress and strain is no longer a problem.

Another item I have made use of is a hard rubber water trough.  I placed it up next to the house under a downspout and now collect rain water in it.  I have discovered that by using rain water on my seedlings and plants  in my green house is better for them than city water with all the chlorine.  I bottle it in milk jugs and plastic bottles and store it to use for my house plants all year round.  It really works great.   Even in the winter, I’ll fill the jugs and keep my supply stocked.  I only have a problem if it freezes. 

Look around, see what you can use out of all the things you already have.  You may be surprised.

On most farms or ranches you see several out buildings.  Some are for the hay and feed storage and some are for equipment and repairs.  Others may be for livestock, whether it is for just the purpose of feeding or for holding them in stalls.

Most farmers/ranchers I know and have talked to have a barn for their cattle and livestock.  Most of them are used to feed, not to contain them.  We rarely contain our cattle in the barn unless we are vaccinating, sorting or working them for some reason.  Cattle do well out in the open but, they do need shelter from the weather.  In the summer, it is good to have a place to get out of the heat and away from the flies.  In the winter, it is good to have a place to get out of the wind, cold and wet weather.  They will withstand most all weather but do like to have a comfortable break from the worst of it just like we do. 

Our Longhorns roam the pasture year around but we have a specific area where they are fed and they have  one side of the hay barn for shelter to get them out of the weather.  If the barn is too far away when a storm hits or it is too hot, we will find them down in the valley in the trees down by the creek.  They are pretty smart animals.

Another reason to have a barn for your cattle is so that you can work your cattle safely.  It is not always necessary that you personally have to have one but, at least, have use of one available to you. 

So, no, a barn is not necessary but shelter is.  It can be considered as a part of your lifestock or farm supplies.  Make sure they have some kind of protection and they will be happy.

Here we are almost a year on our blog.  We have posted over 70 blogs and would appreciate comments from our readers.  We would like to know your opinions and ideas about our blog.  If there is an article that caught your eye, let me know your thoughts on the subject.  We look forward to hearing from you.

If there is a subject that you would like to know about, we can do our best to find an answer to your question.

We are a farm family and enjoy our animals and farm life.  So talking about the farm and all that it requires is a passion of ours.  From equine supplements to chicken coupes, we will discuss just about anything.  Comments welcome.

Merry Christmas everyone.  It is the holiday season and we are all getting ready for the parties, family get togethers and presents.  Now, who doesn’t get excited over receiving a gift?

Well, can you believe that your animals like to receive gifts also?  Now I am not necessarily talking large animals but if they are a pet, they will let you know in their own way that they are happy.  Larger animals, like cattle appreciate a new bale of hay set out for them or an extra bucket of feed, even an extra bale of straw for bedding and to show their appreciation, they jump right in like it is a new toy. 

If they are pets they are more loving and affectionate.  Our horses enjoy an extra and unexpected brushing and even that unexpected walk just because they spend time with their master.  Our calves get an extra bale of straw for bedding and my pet, Buster, gets to be led around and pampered a little, he is my Little Holestine bull calf.  Our dogs, Jessie and Bella may get a new tennis ball and treats for a day or two and my goat herd will get new bedding and a little treat, animal crackers. Even livestock vitamins are a treat for your animal.  My horse enjoys peppermint and if I give him a piece of peppermint candy after a good ride or just because.  I can tell he loves it.

They really do appreciate the extras that we can give them just like we appreciate the gifts we receive.  So do something special for your animals this season and show them your love.

If you have animals you will have to have some type of livestock feeders to feed them.  Now, I do not mean cats and dogs, I’m talking cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs and such.  Depending on the animal or animals you have will tell you what size you will need.

Goats, sheep and pigs usually need a low feeder where the trough is low to the ground or sits directly on the ground.  This makes it easy for them to reach.  Horses and cattle, unless  babies, can be higher.  High enough so that they do not have to eat off the ground and low enough that they can easily reach without struggling to reach their feed. 

Once you have determined the size, how high and how many will be eating from this one feeder, you will need to purchase supplies.  That will include lumber, treated or non-treated, some 2×4’s and 2×6’s, strong sturdy posts and some screws.  How much of these will depend on the size of the feeder you want to build.  Then you get your measuring tape, saw, hammer, if using nails, drill and begin to build.  I am certain that if you do not have an idea of how to do this you can find instructions on the internet or contact your local farm bureau.   It will take some time but in the end well worth it.

On the other hand, you can purchase livestock feeders at any online or storefront farm supply company.  There are several to choose from, all shapes and sizes.  If you are not one to build things or work with your hands, then this may be the way to go.  Check out our website by clicking on livestock feeders and look around.  Click out our affiliate “Barn World” and you will also find some feeders and ideas there.

If you do not live on a farm or if you have never been on a farm this question is not that silly.  I was always told that no question is silly if you do not know the answer.  To someone like me, the first time I was asked this, I was surprised.  It seemed so funny that y0u wouldn’t know what is around a barn.

I guess the first thing most of us would say is animals.  Whether it be horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs or whatever livestock we raise.  Then, of course, there is the feed, horse feed, cattle feed, salt blocks, minerals and cat and dog food.  Also, there is the hay for the animals to eat and straw for their bedding.

Then the next thing would be the equipment, such as, tractors, wagons, combines, disks and maybe plows.

Of course, there would be all the neccessities of farm life such as fencing supplies, shovels, rakes, pitchforks, manure spreaders, buckets, log chains, hammers, wrenches and all other kinds of tools.  

It may be surprising what you find out around the barn.  You might find lumber, where someone has been building something or horse shoes lying on the ground where they have just finished shoeing a horse, halters and bridles hanging and saddles on saddle racks in a tack room.  There will be lead ropes and sorting sticks and sorting paddles used for herding the livestock.  You might even find a skull or two of bulls or deer. 

There is just no telling what you may find.  I do know that a farm is a great place for a treasure hunt. 

Any how, these are just a few of the things you will find on a farm, out around the barn.