Out Around the Barn

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.

Allergies are a common problem these days.  I never had an issue with allergies until I became diagnosed with Diabetes.  Now, it seems that Spring and Fall bring out the worst in me.  Always feeling congested with headaches.

So why do I live and work on our farm?  The answer is so simple, because it makes me happy.  I am the happiest here with my animals and the outdoors.  I lived in the city for 15 years and will not return if I can prevent it.  I only suffer from mild to medium cases of allergies, just enough to make me miserable but, my partner suffers from Asthma and allergies and has major issues.  But, more so than me, he would not trade this lifestyle for anything,  He has lived and worked here all his life and loves it. 

There are so many allergies out around the barn and outside in general.  Just like us, our animals have allergies also.  For their symptoms we give them livestock supplememts similar to our own supplements.  It helps them through their suffering  and makes it easier for them to deal with the tearing, congestion, sneezing, wheezing and coughing. 

Some of the things we face are pollen, mold and dust.  When hay season is in full swing, you can pretty much bet we are tearing up and sneezing.  Benadryl really helps. 

My Jack Russell has major allergies and has to have an injection every year.  She just cries continuously otherwise.

So to answer the question that was asked of me, yes, there are allergies on the farm and OUT AROUND THE BARN.

I was looking through the December issue of “Cowboys and Indians” the other day and came across an article that just surprised me.  It was about a steam cleaner for hay bales.  Have you heard of this?  Is this considered a  farm accessory or is it farm equipment?

It is called the Haygain Steamer made by Jiffy Steamer Equine along with British partners at Propress, Ltd.  I had never heard of such a machine.  When I first saw the photo, I thought I was looking at a way to haul bales in your vehicle, such as a car, without the mess.  Was I surprised when I read what it really was. 

I, also, did not realize that one in six horses have allergies to the dust and fungi in hay.  I guess that is something that is well over looked where animals are concerned.  Even though I have a Jack Russell (dog) that suffers every Spring with allergies and has t0 have an allergy shot,  I still did not consider the larger animals as being susceptible to allergies but, it is not so uncommon.

According to the article, the Haygain has found a way to eliminate the millions of spores found in hay and purifies it with steam.  This machines improves the hygiene quality without leaching the nutritive content and creating a sweet – smelling feed that the animals really enjoy.  Quite a breakthrough.

If you would like to read more and see a photo of this new product, check out the December issue of  “Cowboys and Indians” now available.