Wrap Up To July

July was a busy time and although I took photos and videos, I didn't always stop to post them. Partly because of our travel, and partly because of the heat, the goats got moved a bit more quickly than usual. They seemed to browse through the fields much faster, and I'm not sure if the lack of moisture in the grasses, weeds and brambles made them less filling, or we are into a new season of grasses and plants that they don't favor as much.
VIDEO OF THE GOATS BROWSING - EARLY JULY.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXxD9VpmIT8
There is a lot of high growth, but as they pick through what they like first, much gets trampled and wasted.

Not to suggest the goats are not eating well. Hardly! At the end of July, the goats got moved to the far end of the paddocks from the barn, and we mowed down the stubble in the closest fields for a clean start, and to try and shorten the life span of any parasites. Without moisture, the parasite has a difficult time surviving.

However, other creatures survived the goats and us. Or should I say we survived them. Twice this summer I have mowed the paddocks after the goats were rotated out, and come to a spot where it appeared the goats did not enjoy the growth. Although I have a good sized tractor, the mower is a basic underbelly mower, and can only cut so high and so thick before it chokes.

The first time this happened, I started to push into the tall weeds and grasses before I checked my sanity and backed away. I looked at where I had mowed and thought at first I saw a carcass. Then I thought newspaper? Then I though BEES! RUN!
In my haste at backing up, I almost took out some of the high tensile fence. When in forward, I went as fast as I could, waving my arms at my approaching husband. He was hospitalized eight years ago after hitting a ground yellow-jacket nest, so we've got a history here.
The above paper wasp nest is on a post along the fence where the goats just left. I was suspicious this time and rightfully so. This is a busy nest.
I now approach the fields with much more caution as I work. One never knows where these nests will show up.

Another blurry photo of these beautiful pheasants that have thrived on the farm and are now escorting their young down the paths and through the paddocks. We hear them much more than see them, because the males are constantly "crowing".
My latest theory is that they follow the goats, especially in the mornings, because they like what they find in the droppings. A coexistence I favor. They too are helping reduce the parasite life cycle.

The heat has been tough on everyone, and the water troughs and buckets have been well used. The cats have had the toughest time coping outdoors, but Mia was doing her best this day.

We started this month with Julia working on her 4-H project. Her workbook is finished and checked off, and she is ready to go to the fair in two weeks. A bit more training of the does, and its Westmoreland Fair time. Ariel and Adeline, above, along with Ali and Abi, have been spending time in their own stall at night. This is in preparation for the "cold turkey" weaning that will happen to the two that will be at the fair, and also because we are coming into breeding season. We need to give the nannies a break, and time to fatten up and get ready to kid again.

And we came to the end of an era on July 30th. After many good miles, we had to trade in the old Explorer because it would not pass state inspection, and they were not sure how much it was going to take to fix it.

With rebates, the timing was right to trade in my dear friend and get the Escape. Its a bit better on fuel and could meet my basic needs. The key requirement I had was that it could hold the large dog crate - for the goats.

Fall Flowers

Sunny Sunflowers

Can you look at any more sunflowers?

Even the leaves are huge and impressive.They are just gorgeous.

Sunflowers

Meanwhile, back at the farm... The volunteers are taking over the vegetable garden, along with the weeds.
I did not plant these sunflowers.

A head fell into the ground,
got tilled in several times,

and lo and behold, ten foot flowers.

This picture is not to show my sweaty head, and comment on the heat and humidity, but to try and give some perspective to the size of these buggers.

Last year when I planted them, they hardly reached half this size by Fall. These are not only more vigorous, but I think they have "personality". The bees are enjoying them also.

Sunshine and Leftovers

One of the many sunflowers we can see over the weeds!!! Thank goodness they are tall.

Snickers trying to look hungry and needy. Did it work for you? Mom was heading to the composter with the corn cobs and mussel shells from a great dinner, and the barn animals always come looking and hoping.

The chickens ganged up and got half a corn cob from Mia, who carried it from the compost, but was too intimidated to grab it and run further.

Snickers got the other half of the cob and spent a good deal of time with it. The corn was sweet, so some did not even have butter remains. I guess sweet corn is a cat food now.

One of the hens did not heed the growling and got a bit too close for her own good. I wonder how well chickens hear. Hmmm?

VIDEO OF SNICKERS EATING HER CORN COB - HEAR THE GROWLING? Listen very closely.

Hay and Happy Swallows

Today a delivery of hay arrived for the horse, and then Dave went out and cut down our "hay". The only problem is that we can't bale it since we don't have the machinery.

For the little amount of hay that we use, it really isn't worth the huge expense. We just cut the grass high so that the new growth has a nice start.

Hopefully it will be in perfect shape for the goats later in the fall when we put the electronet outside the main paddocks. They'll come out of this gate and access this area. Then they can eat the hay on the stem - no machinery involved.

It was my idea to mow some of the fields, but then I had to run out and get a few pictures of the flowers before they were cut. As much of a pain the thistle seeds will be later, the flowers are stunning now. They look like fireworks exploding.

This flower attracted a few busy pollinators. Later, the goldfinches will share the seeds and spread a few around.

The Queen Anne's lace looks regal.

The butterfly weed had so many bees loving its flowers. No shortage of bees here.

The butterfly settled on this thistle as I was shooting it. The camouflage eyes on its tail are impressive, and make it look like a bat.

The barn swallows were feasting as the mower stirred up the insects. They looked like a Hitchcock movie, sweeping around Dave's head. The babies in the nests will be fat and happy tonight.

This should be perfect hay for the goats in the fall. They'll do the next mowing. No machinery - no diesel. As it gets colder, they'll be less choosy, and clean up this area pretty well. That will let the areas inside the high tensile fences gain more growth for the winter. Makes for happy goats!