Too Hot!

Just a couple days ago it was still cold and today it was 87 and humid!  We let cows out into the yard today but this time we let 2/3 of them out together.  We learned the first year we had cows grazing that it helps if they get to run around outside a bit before they go out on grass. There was not nearly as much running around today, probably because it was just darned warm for what we are used to.  When we get them back in we have found its best to shut their stanchions as soon as they are in.  Bruce lets the cows in the door and is quick at identifying who is who since he feeds and sees them from the front routinely.  I need to see their address tags, or udders (since I prep cows) to know who they are.  The older cows he just let in and they went to their place.  Cows that he knew would be confused we escorted individually which is much less stressful for both the cow and us.  We have found that the less chaos involved when they come into the barn the quicker they find their place.  Adding the next group will be trickier since many are not familiar with their stalls and they will need to turn left when they come in.  So far everyone has turned right.  The dog was good help getting cows in today but the yard was pretty sloppy wet with yesterdays rain.  I can't say he was impressed with a bath before noon but I do know it helped cool him off after working so much.

We continued to fix things today but the list is a bit less stressful and more just maintenance.  The tractor that looked abandoned in the snow pictures earlier in the year had starter problems last summer.  Last fall it got parked by the barn and then buried in multiple snow storms. It is our smallest tractor but useful for moving equipment around and hauling loads. Our intention was for it to spend the winter in my fathers shop where he could work on the starter and wires but the early storm sidetracked that plan. Today Bruce drove it 1 hour to the shop and I brought along the starter from another tractor that had also been giving us trouble.  Having older equipment means a bit more maintenance.  We are lucky to have some pretty talented people around to help.

The forecast is for rain nearly every day for a week.  With the heat the alfalfa will be growing like crazy.  Timing is everything and we can definitely feel the days closing in around us.