We wean our calves over-the-fence from their moms. It reduces what little stress they have but can increase mucked up ground around the stock waterer – which is what happened this year during some extra wet weather. The waterer is a common place where and momma cows and their calves meet up during the day. Not having any wood chips or gravel available to put down, I opted to scoop bark from one of the wood hauling trailers. I then used our wheelbarrow to transport the bark to the waterer, dump, spread and repeat.

This is a choice I make by making do with what I have. I could have taken the truck to town and bought wood chips. I could have hooked up to the wood trailer, parked it by the waterer, unloaded then reparked both the truck and trailer. These options would have used time, gas and money. Yes, pushing the wheelbarrow back and forth from the trailer to the waterer took time, but I like my goal of making do with the resources I have, plus I get some good exercise. Country life – no gym membership required.

I also scattered dead asparagus plants, from last year’s garden, in part of the area. The calves saw this as a psychological barrier, which in turn encouraged them to avoid loafing in the mucked-up area. Again, making do with a resource I have on hand.