LUCKY you. Free hay is always a good thing -- no matter the use. I actually went out and BOUGHT 3 bales today. It's "OK" from last yr but, you know how the dairy goats cannot get wet! Well, we've had rain every day for past 6 -- often very heavy! -- and same for next 6
I've gotten almost 12" now, geesh! They have been good about grazing in between and days not heavy rain. BUT they need more as it was a total downpour last night. I felt bad -- so, got it for them. They were so happy!!! Will get some more if this does keep up. Plenty of pasture grass, so didn't buy more when last was used up a couple months ago. Couldn't even use the pelleted as they won't go out and eat in the rain.
also grass this wet has less nutritionally. Those milking get grains, those not, get some every other but not as much. Always vit/min avail. They just needed a little dry roughage
They didn't need the pushing -- so I went in to remind them! We had almost 3 " just before daylight & with already wet ground, it was standing in puddles everywhere! I saw overfull ditches everywhere as I drove to work. Farmers won't get into any fields around this area for quite a while. Ok as nothing ready to harvest.
Last winter I bought those HUGE 1000# bales and used it from the horse trailer. Yep, didn't unload. Guy who sells it is just 1/4 mile up the road, so I buy and pick up as needed/used. It's been good hay. We both moved in close to same time...almost 20 yrs ago! He used to raise/bale/sell & had a little feed store. Health issues, now he buys to resell, only hay. I think we are both "retiring"
at least partially. But he can store hay for me!
Goat breeding is on hold until I have time to deal with it. We have NEVER been this busy all summer! I love the payck but it is sometimes exhausting with juggling 2 jobs & the farm. I cannot wait until next year, when I can slow up a lot.
I got it home and DH looked at it and says....Ummmm... how ya gonna get it out? Duh - opposite of the way it went in. MEN - ARGH!
time)
