Out Around the Barn

Most of us assume that when individuals such as farmers and homemakers work at home; they have a very simple and easy life.  Well,  that is not the case. Working at home doesn’t mean that challenges and deadlines aren’t a part of their lives just like everyone else.  They face them everyday and it could be as simple as being interrupted by excessive phone calls, upset and crying or sick children, nothing going as planned, the overwhelming feeling lack of social contact, and too many projects that need their attention.  Working at home can be very economic for some and it works out well, but it can also be frustrating when there are other distractions at home that we do not have to deal with when we work away from home.

On the farm, there is always something to do.  Livestock needs to be fed grain and hay on a schedule, morning and evening, a ample supply of water must be available to them at all times, if one is under the weather, so to speak, it needs the necessary attention to get it back to good health so it can return to the herd.  Having a vet on speed dial is pretty important when an animal goes down, depending on the illness or injury, it may need immediate attention and professional help. Animals go through stress, as well, when they become sick or injured, so it is imperative that we remain calm while tending to them.  The barns and shelters must be kept in good shape and dry for the livestock to have a place they can go out of the weather so hauling manure is a job that must be done on a regular schedule and the fences must be strong enough to turn cattle and horses so that they stay contained within their boundaries.  If you have close neighbors, it is not a pleasant experience when you have a few stubborn head of cattle that like to test you and push the fence.  People don’t like unwanted animals in their gardens and yards.

When the time comes for breeding your herds, keeping a record of the day the bull or stud went in with the cows or mares, is extremely important.  This goes for goats, sheep and other breeds as well.  By knowing when you put them together, you will have an idea of when to expect the birthing season to begin and can prepare your barns or make the necessary arrangements for the events to come.  Records are also important in keeping track of vaccinations, days bought and sold, births, and injuries and illnesses.  I keep track of when I de-worm my goats, when their hooves get trimmed, when I change feed and minerals and etc.

It is a wonderful life, living and working a farm.  It has its stresses and challenges on a daily basis but, on the flip side, it can be a peaceful and calming life.  Every job has a place for schedules and time management and that includes those jobs at home, it really doesn’t matter what you do, we all have them.  Life does feel a little simpler on the farm when out working with Mother Nature and God’ creations but it is LIFE, and with that there is never a dull moment.

We all wished for summer and now it is here, 100 degree weather and the humidity, oh my!  With the weather reeking havoc on our crops and our own bodies, please remember the animals.

Several years ago my wife and I purchased three acres of property about an hour and a half north of Seattle. After living in urban areas for the last three decades, we found ourselves pining for a respite from the concrete jungle. For the first few years, our new home served as a welcome oasis from the cluttered nature of city life.

In recent months, however, there has been a drastic increase in the number of residents in the area; it appears that other people have developed a yearning for the simplicity of rural life. In order to maintain some of our privacy and separation, I’ve constructed a fence around the perimeter of the property. And in order to ensure our easy access, I’ve even included a drive through gate.

Anyone who has spent time on a farm can attest to the nuisance that gates can be. On large ranches, you may have to stop to open two or three gates before you even reach the stables. Recent innovations have, in large part, eliminated the need for traditional swing gates and locks.

There are many easy-to-install, versatile drive through gates available today. Unlike conventional gates, these models “pop” open and close quickly behind you, eliminating the need to get out of your vehicle or dismount from your horse. You can even find models that have adjustable lengths, so they can be utilized in a variety of applications.