It’s been a busy summer so far. Our grandsons came to visit us from Anchorage Alaska. Because of this anything that didn’t have to be done immediately probably didn’t happen. We took them camping, a first for our youngest, caught some fish and celebrated our oldest grandson’s 10th birthday. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with them but they went home yesterday so it’s time to get back to work and do a little catching up on the site.
The cow milking is coming along far better than I could have ever expected. Olive is up to 3 quarts at the morning milking. Bobbie Jo gets the rest. Speaking of Bobbie Jo, she is growing like a weed and has almost outgrown her halter. She is also changing colors. She is no longer a fawn brown. She has taken on a brindle appearance like her father (registered mini-Jersey bull).
You can see the brindle coloring better in this picture.
Rosie and her new baby
One of the piglets has taken up with Rosie our Dexter cow. When we bought her she was drying up because her calf had been sold. I thought she was completely dry but the other day I noticed a piglet nursing from her. I thought it was a one time thing and that she would kick it off and move on but she didn’t.
They actually became a pair and the piglett would hang out with her and the rest of the cows instead of the sow and other piglets.
I decided to break up their happy relationship. I was afraid that he might eventually damage Rosies udder. I have read stories about pigs cutting cows udders to the point that they could not be milked or even nurse a calf. I don’t know if it is true but it wasn’t worth the risk. The pig needed to be weaned and Rosie needs to dry off anyway. Now Rosie paces along the fence and bellows at the pigs. Her udder isn’t full by any means, so she shouldn’t be uncomfortable. I think the pig was a replacement for the calf that was taken from her. I hope she will dry up soon and stop bellowing.
Thunderstorms have dropped 2 trees on the fence. They have been patched, but now it’s time to fix them correctly. The garden and oarchard need to be reclaimed from the weeds and brush. It is also time to prep for the fall garden.
