It's Like Musical Chairs

Our farm uses rotational grazing because it is environmentally sensitive. This procedure allows for our grasses to have adequate time to rejuvenate, and it assists in decreasing soil erosion and overgrazing. This practice allows for optimum grass growth while preventing damage that would negatively impact the quality of our soil and grass. This means that our cow herds spend one week in a pasture and then move to the next pasture. So essentially our pastures have one week of intensive grazing and three weeks of rest. Rotational grazing is considered one of the best practices for proper grassland management.

Our mama cows have this system down to a science. These ladies know exactly when it's time to move and all we have to do is open the gates. The herd moves easily to their new home each week. This morning it was time to rotate pastures and I took some pictures of our mamas and babies. Everyone is happy and healthy. I can't imagine a better way to start a summer morning.

Where the Green Grass Grows

Having just moved across the country from Wyoming, I am so thankful for the green grass and green trees that surround us here at Vistamont Farms. Green grass is the main menu item for the cows on our farm. An abundance of green grass means that our cows are well fed and healthy. All of this grass also means that it's the season for haying which keeps Harry and Rich very busy.

Haying is a three step process that includes cutting the hay into windrows, raking it to turn it so it can dry all the way through, and baling it into large round bales that can be fed to the cattle. This process is a science that requires close attention to the condition of the hay and of course, current weather patterns. It often seems like we are in a race against time to make sure that Mother Nature doesn't rain on our freshly cut hay. Another major factor in this race is that equipment sometimes has a mind of its own!! But there is nothing that signals summer is finally here better than the smell of fresh cut hay!!