We have added fly tape as additional control of those pesky insects. While we welcomed the Spring moisture, it promoted a plethora of irritation for our cattle.
Six feet by ten inch lengths are put around empty ACV barrels and moved along with the herd.
A forecast of snow and ice is our cue to start sitting aside ashes from our wood stove. The past two months of mid-Missouri weather have been difficult. Deep snow and ice have kept us home bound, which really isn’t a bad thing. It’s still important to keep areas of travel clear though. Here lies the benefit of wood ashes. Scattered in the driveway and along walking paths, ashes create traction, help with melting and causes no harm to plants or animals. And it’s free.
Purebred Red Angus bull. This bull was born and raised on our farm. D.O.B. June 13, 2016. Birth weight 80 lbs. Very good disposition. Exclusively grass-fed. Last vaccinated in March of 2018 with a weight of 974 lbs. BSE and trich tested upon agreement to purchase and deposit. $2500. Contact Don at 573-687-3182 or redangus@sheribryan.com.
It is December 10th, and we still have grass in front of the cattle. Snow covers the ground, however the they do not expect, or bawl for, hay.
We move them into a new lot each day where they walk around looking for grass. As their hooves scrape across the snow, grass is uncovered. The cow behind begins grazing and so the process continues. 
A successful deer season is behind us now. Don opted to can most of the meat this year. It will be the main ingredient for stews and chili or shredded for sandwiches. Our daughter, Elizabeth, has her own secret recipe for sliders which she fixes for friends.
See our recipe category for venison parmigiano. This is a tasty way to prepare the steaks.
1-1/2 lbs. venison cutlets, 3/4” thick
1/3 c. flour
1/3 c. parsley flakes
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 (26 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese
Combine flour, parsley flakes and Parmesan cheese. Dredge cutlets in the flour mixture. Using oil, brown each side of the cutlets in a frying pan. In a single layer, place the venison in a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour spaghetti sauce evenly over the top. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Cover evenly with cheese and bake for 10 minutes more.
Pure bred Red Angus heifer.
From 2010 to May of 2017, our calf crop has been a large majority of bull calves. That was certainly good for us. May 2018, however, gave us a 100% heifer calves. I’m calling this a surprise opportunity. Over the coming months, Don and I will be deciding which heifers to retain and which to offer for sale.
Breeding season has begun. The bulls have been turned in with the cows, and they are taking their job seriously. The season will end in mid October. That may seem like a tight window of opportunity, however it works for us and our stock. I believe that calving in May is a healthy start for a calf. Not too hot. Not too cold. Good grass for lactating momma cows.
This timing also works well for our weaning program. May calves are weaned, at ten months of age, in late March of the following year. Again, calf health and forage are a priority.
Don and I attended a Green Hills Farm Project meeting, on April 8th, which was held in the loft of a barn that sits on a Century Farm. Our hosts, Nicholas and Melody, were seeking advice on grazing hair sheep and eventually moving into raising pastured poultry as well. This young, foreword thinking couple is hoping to carry on the tradition of keeping the farm viable and teach their children the benefits and responsibilities of farming stewardship.
The Green Hills Farm Project is a terrific resource for advice. Not limited to grazing, these folks can give you ideas and advice about: watering systems, solar energy systems, mineral mixes, fencing options, soil management, multi-species grazing, input reduction, permaculture, natural parasite control, A2 milk, making Kombucha tea….. For a $30 membership, you can attend any and all meetings which include farm walks to get a visual understanding of the groups focus. Earlier this year, we heard Jim Gerrish speak. Thirty dollars well spent. Come join us. https://www.facebook.com/GreenHillsFarmProject/
As a side note…. The barn loft is set up to accommodate square dances. How cool is that?
