And by drive, I really mean we drive them over... in a trailer. Someday, we envision a police led road closure and annual town event, guiding the cattle on a true horseback drive from the ranch itself over to the Summer Pasture with neighbors and friends out to watch... but for now, we're working with what we've got!
Sunday, we loaded up a good portion of the herd and hauled them over to the Summer Pasture. We spent some time there before seeding the pasture and mending fences after winter did its worst. A few fallen trees to cut back and broken sections of wire, but overall it was in good shape. The herd is thrilled! They got right to work munching on nutrient-dense grasses, living their best life.
We are glad to be released of the responsibility of feeding round bales for the warmer months, too. It gives us time to attack our plan of further tree removal and attention needed to the Winter Pasture back at the ranch. It has gotten sloppy with mud - an unfortunate reality given our swampy land. The land still needs more sunlight to dry it out, and some grading to allow drainage. We're working on our plan to cut back the overgrowth and get it to a point where it can be seeded and dry for the herd when they are here, or have the ability to use it for our horses when the cattle are at the Summer Pasture.
The cows will require very little graining during these months, predominantly being grass fed is a lovely treat! We will continue to provide them with Corner Point Brewing Company's spent grains - upcycling an unusable by product to create the best local beef we can! The cows love their "beer-based" treat and we like keeping them happy.
There are a handful of cows left at the ranch, but we'll get them moved over soon. Rancher Rob wanted to relax for at least a small part of Father's Day (no days off on the ranch - ha!). The kids had a blast catching frogs and exploring the pasture. I savored all of the sights!
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