Grass Farming

I failed to mention that biggest crop we grow in my recent post on Farm Production.  Like most livestock farmers, we primarily raise grass that the animals eat and convert to products we then sell.  So today was all about managing our main crop, grass.

As you can see, the grass is growing very well this year, almost too well.  So Tom fixed the tractor and sharpened the mower and then mowed one of the pastures.  He mowed the one the sheep came off of 5 days ago.  Mowing it helps the grass grow better and helps control parasites.  While he did this, I weed whacked the front yard.  I had to use the weed whacker since the grass is so tall and wet (plus I broke the lawn mower, still hard on equipment).  This activity is not farming technically, but I am trying to keep up appearances for the people coming over to pick up their new goats.  I then attacked the back yard.  Some of the grass there was taller than me (and I am not short).

Finally I took on the task that comes from the other end of the grass farming cycle.  I cleaned out one of the barn pens.  So with a pitchfork I removed the old grass (straw and hay) as well as the final products of grass digestion (poop and pee).  So, all and all, a long exhausting day dealing with grass.