Daylight to Dark
Trying to wrap up all that needs to be done at the chickenhouses has kept me very busy. Disinfecting is set for the 18th and chickens are coming the 28th. There is tons to do before then. Seems there is time to sleep and work, that is all. Between the weather and the flu the kids have been home quite a bit so atleast I am getting to see them. They have been lucky not to get down too bad with the flu that is going around. Illness has caused the schools to close twice in the last two weeks. Garett and Madison have been hanging out with me at the chickenhouses quite a bit. We have internet and are in the process of getting Dish Network so they won’t be too bored. Hopefully I can make the chickenhouses a home away from home since I’ll be spending so much time there.
I did take time to spend the day at the Lake Cumberland Livestock Auction a couple Saturdays ago. We picked up 3 bred cows. Madison has named them all. There is a young black cow that is 1-3 months which Madison promptly named Oprah. There is an older red and white faced hereford cow that’s 7-9 she named Dixie. Then there is a younger solid red cow that’s 4-6 she has named Rosie. I was hoping to buy cows with calves at side or trios, but there didn’t seem to be too many head cows. There were lots of feeders, but I’m hoping to build a herd fairly quickly so I’ve been opting for older cows. I’ve heard lots of horror stories about first calf heifers. My mom wants to buy some younger cattle so maybe we’ll end up with some of both. Feeder prices are rising steadily, but head cows seem to be rising a little slower. One highlight of our day was I ran into a friend I had worked with for the last several years. Melvin is an older fellow who I respect immensely. He was raised through the school of hard knocks. He has virtually no formal education, but has made a decent life for himself and can fix almost anything.
We fixed our transportation problem. I picked up another 98 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. This one has less miles and a sunroof. The kids love the sunroof. My thinking on this was that I have all the parts to fix anything that might go wrong with this one. So far everything works good though. I found this one on Ebay of all places. I was a little hesitant to go this route, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a fellow kentuckian with what I needed. Ebay is one of those places where you meet both the best and the worst people out there.
Mom and Dad have a place in Owenton,Ky. Mom had gone back with dad for a few days, but started missing the grandchildren so we met them in Lexington, Ky and brought her back. While we were there we visited with my brother Paul. We had dinner at Chili’s and spent about an hour talking. Hopefully this spring and summer Paul will come and swap me some help in the garden for fresh vegetables. On our trip I noticed they are tearing down the stockyard in Garrard county. That stockyard is famous around here because John Michael Montgomery shot the video to his song “Sold” there. I thought it was pretty cool someone had spray painted RIP Garrard Stockyards on the front gates.
The 7010 has a leaking O ring on the loader valve so it’s out of commission for the moment. I’ve been in touch with the dealer and KMW. Both have promised an O ring is on the way, but it has yet to materialize. I can’t find one local that is the correct size. While at the dealer I picked up a couple of balls for the 3 point hitch arms. For the first time I found an unreasonable price on a Mahindra part. These balls are like $35 a peice. I’m checking with TYM to see what their price is. Since this is a TYM sourced part that may be the cause. Wouldn’t you know the weather would turn cold just when I need a tractor. Good thing I got the 6000 all spruced up. We took about 6 hours one day and greased every fitting on it, gave it a bath, and adjusted the brakes. It wouldn’t have taken so long, but neglect had set in on the loader pins. I ended up driving 4 or 5 of them out, sanding them down, and changing the grease fittings. Now every one of them is taking grease like it’s supposed to.
My neighbor Dennis Troxell called one evening last week with a cow down. She had trouble calving and cannot stand. We were able to get her in the bucket of the 6000 and take her to the barn where she won’t freeze to death. According to the vet she’s swollen inside and that’s causing temporary paralysis when she tries to stand.
The weather here is different every day. Today there is snow on the ground and a forecasted high in the 20’s. Yesterday it was 68 degrees. I’m ready for spring! I don’t mind the cold nearly as bad when it just stays cold. Well I better get some work done! Be sure to check out the pics I’ve added!
February 13th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Looks like the farm is going on nicley glad to see you are going to be ready to get the chickens soon. Sounds like they are needing to get you into prodution asap.I like the trans am. The new tractor looks real good so dose the chicken houses.The dish will be nice only problem we had was every time we got a rain storm the signal would go out.But other than that we loved it.well gotta get ready to go to california ill be checking back soon. later
February 13th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Jim,
Have fun in Californ I A! They are really pushing us to be ready. I geuss they’ve got birds that need a home! Thanks for the comment and check back soon!
February 13th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
I\’m sorry to hear your kids had the flu! As a reminder to your readers, vaccination is the single best way to protect yourself and people you love from influenza. If you come down with the flu, there are still things you can do such as taking antiviral drugs if your doctor says you need them. To protect others from the flu, take preventive actions including frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes. For more information from CDC on influenza and how to protect against it or keep from spreading it, visit CDC\’s www.myFluNews.com
February 13th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
A good friend of mine is a dairy farmer in central Michigan and the way you describe things is a reminder of his life on the farm. It is a way of life for sure. And the work never ends, as you know.
This is a solid idea for a blog and it’s great that you take the time to give people a glimpse into life on a farm. And the pictures give it dimension.
And yeah, I’m ready for spring too. Everywhere I go is paved or sidewalk so I don’t get to appreciate mud as much. Lots of ice and slush though.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Joel,
Glad to hear that everyone is on the mend. Some of the schools here have been taking part of the week off because of the number of students out ill.
Our weather here is just as goofy. Today’s high is going to be in the mid 50’s and our overnight low is supposed to be in the mid teen’s and tomorrow’s high isn’t supposed to be above the 30’s.
Tell your mom that an old cow can produce as good a calf as a younger one, and for starting a herd the idea is to keep your best heifers for breeding stock and sell off the old cows when they are dry. You’ll make almost as much off of a dry cow as what you paid for one that was bred or had a calf at side. The oldest one you bought, unless she has other problems, will probably produce a few more calves for you before you will need to sell her. (The biggest problem most old cows have is getting enough nutrition for themselves and thier calves after they have gone bald mouthed.) Just make sure to keep on buying good stock and breeding back to a good bull.
Take care!
February 15th, 2008 at 1:49 am
Ya spring will be nice we drive a over the road truck as well as farm winter is no fun at all.we r hoping to buy another tractor with a cab by the end of the year.
by the way id like to know if u would mind giving me some info on the deal with cobb were trying to make the farm our only line of work.u can email us a jim @7csfarm.com if u dont mind to thanx. glad everones getting better. god bless
February 17th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I take time at least every couple of months to read this blog and have it bookmarked. I am small town raised and while I was not, quote, farm raised, I had many friends who were. I myself am a blue collar factory worker and I must say the plunge you have taken becoming self employed doing something I hope you love, and making do with what you have is a continually amazement to me. I admire you for your work and family dedication everytime I catch up on your blog. Keep at it man
February 18th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Nice to see the update. I been waiting for some new pics on the houses. My son Chad just arrived at Fort Knox KY for Basic. How far are you away from there, a good piece or what. Hope the tractor problems are fixed soon. Godd luck with all.
February 18th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Just thought I would drop a note. Keep up the good work and keep us the loop of what is going on. I just had to let my farm of the last 4 years go due to a break-up and I am already missing it even in these lower (for my operation) demand months of the middle of winter. Will be envious of you come spring or even when you get your chickens and such.
February 19th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Just a note for o-rings: Check at http://www.motionindustries.com
You might have to register and get a log-in, but once you get the hang of it, that\’s the place to get metric or standard stuff like o-rings, sprockets, chains, etc. I have a local store to go to, but sometimes I order online and pickup.
I usually get a bagfull of big o-rings for my old NewIdea loader at a time, and they cost what a single one would cost from an ag dealer.
M.I. is also handy for those bearings in old stuff that you only have a measurement for.
February 20th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Spike,
Thanks for the comment. Good to know the pictures help bring this blog to life. I’m hoping to add some video soon. Spring is just around the corner. Only thing is with spring comes lots more work to be done. Check back soon!
Kevin,
I’m trying to be selective in building a herd. I find that you’re better off to go to the market and come home with nothing than to buy something you really aren’t happy with. Too many times I see folks run out and try to buy everything at once. 2 of the cows I bought aren’t very old. They’ll make nice herd cows. Plus they can hang around a while. The older one is such a pet we have been feeding her gluten and corn mixed in a seperate pan to see that she gets a fair chance at making good milk. They get plenty of hay too. Probably too much since I see them laying in it, but it just isn’t as much work to put it out in the cold and rain when you got that nice heated cab. Geuss you take the good with the bad.
Jim,
I feel for you out there driving around in all that snow and ice. I sent you an email about the chickie biz.
Zach,
Thanks for the comment. I can certainly relate to being a factory worker. That’s where I had been since I turned 18. Where do you work? All I can say about the family dedication is I get up and go every day for them. I hope that I’m setting a good example. It is so very tough today to balance work and home. I’m sure the kids don’t believe it sometimes, but they have always been at the top of my list. I’ve worked a lot of hard and silly hours both here on the farm and in the factories that I would rather have been spending with them. As for the farm venture I just hope it pays off. It really is a leap of faith, but in today’s world nothing is guaranteed. Glad to have you reading!
Wade,
Fort Knox is up the road a piece. I’m not sure how far, but I know it’s a pretty good ways. Tell Chad to hang tough. Of all the things I have done and haven’t done I regret not joining the Army the most. I’m too old now or I’d join the Guard. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there to stand up for other folks rights. Both Mahindra and KMW sent replacement parts a day or so after I posted. They both seemed more than eager to help. It sure is a lot better putting out hay for the animals in the heated cab of the 7010. Thanks for the comment and check back soon!
Ray,
Thanks for the comment. Sorry to hear of your troubles. It’s tough starting fresh, but sometimes it’s just what you need. Granny always said “if it don’t kill ya, it’ll make ya stronger”. Good luck and check back soon!
Dan,
A day or so after I posted I got a new check plug complete with the internals and an o ring from KMW and a whole O ring kit for the loader valve from Mahindra in the mail. Motion Industries never entered my mind. It should have because we bought a lot of stuff from them at Kingsford. I’ll have to make a note of them. Thanks for the comment!
February 21st, 2008 at 12:17 pm
J: A great BLOG and congrats for having so many comments and readers. We do a radio show about the Rural Lifestyle here in Des Moines and talk about many of the same things that are going on in your world. If you would like to see the blog for the show just Goggle Highway 6 Radio…we\’ll be right there. Once again..good stuff and a smart way for Mahindra to market.
mpl
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:51 am
This site is great. Really good stuff. There are tons of farms out here in Stigler, where I live now. Definitely a change of pace from where I\’m from. I think the people on the coasts would enjoy reading this…
If you\’re bored and want to experience the culture shock of a city boy living in the country, check out http://www.stephenAmurphy.com
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Nice farm blog! Love all the photos, which actually loaded up so quickly! Great job.
Saw your ad on my own blog: http:nickersandinkblog.blogspot.com
You might enjoy my horsey blog: http://themanepoint.blogspot.com
or my home blog:
http://practicallyathome.blogspot.com
Blessings,
Linda
February 25th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
joelw got your email thanx not real sure what im gona do for now. we had a truck crash the 17th in tx. totaled the truck and trl. messed up my wrist and back not sure how long ill be off work hoping not long had to rent a car to drive home from south tx where we crashed and that took three days. well hope all is working good for you.well man ill talk to you later.
February 29th, 2008 at 1:41 am
Yeah I’ll come help bail, I want the cab tractor with air LOL. Do you do round or square? You said pine knot right? I saw you on the mahindra site, then about a month later I saw you on tbn. You’re always trying to recruite people to help with hay LOL. I’ve done my fair share of that. I currently dont have to do any. I just might come on down & help. How many bales do you usually get per cut? Last year was a bad year here for hay. We had a bad drought. Did it affect you? Take care Todd. I’m guessing you do square.
February 29th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Michael,
Glad you like the blog. Pass it on to your listeners and friends so I can get add more. I’m always looking to add some more friends. Glad to have you reading and thanks for the comment!
Stephen,
Thanks for the comment! I’ll check out your blog. Glad to have you reading!
Linda,
Glad you enjoy. I’ll check out your blogs. Thanks for the comment! Check back soon!
Jim,
Sorry to hear about your run of bad luck. Hope you heal up quick. That sure was a long drive home, huh? Check back soon!
Todd,
BJ has already spoken for the 7010. Funny how she suddenly doesn’t care to help with the hay. Looks like I’ve lost my lease on 48 acres of hay. The folks told me for years now it was mine as long as I wanted it, but suddenly backed out. Of course that was after I put tons of fertilizer and lime on it last year. I think a so called friend of mine stabbed me in the back on it. Geuss I need to get out and look for some other fields. Most years I roll the majority of my hay, but sometimes when I can get the help I like to square bale. There is cerainly more money in squares if you’re going to sell hay. Most years I do I the neighborhood of 150 rolls and 750 squares. Honestly now that the chickens are here I might be better off just to buy my hay. Thanks for the comment and glad to have you reading. If I don’t do much hay this year you can come and help with the chickens!
February 29th, 2008 at 10:45 am
As long as I’m not in some sort of mess around here, I will come down. I’d like to check out your operation & tractors. Farm work is fun to me. Its either in you or not. I’ve got friends that just dont understand. I really like cutting trees & splitting wood. Last weekend me & my cousin started cutting downed trees in the 30 or so miles of trails around here in the shawnee. People were like, why are you doing that? We said, well the trees arent gonna move themselves. We love to ride through there & it sucks riding when you constantly have to find ways around the trees. Did you get the chicks yet or is it the 28th of march? Talk to you later Todd.
February 29th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Oh yeah, I forgot something. Dont you have 172 acres or so? If so cant you get enough hay out of a piece of your ground to feed your animals? You wont probably be able to sell any, but at least your not buying any. If your cow heard gets bigger thats alot of hay you’ll be buying.
February 29th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Nice looking group of heifers. Though my personal experience would have me shying away from the solid red girl.
And glad the car troubles worked out okay!! Have a great one!
March 3rd, 2008 at 7:52 am
Todd,
Farm work is a lot more fu when you don’t have to do it. Several years ago I started out small and it was fun because if I didn’t want to do something I just put it off or didn’t do it at all. We have 172 acres here. A lot of it is in trees though. I’m working on getting our tree farm certification renewed. Part of the cleared land we have was just recetly cleared and still has a lot of roots and sticks in it. I figure it will be a few years before they rot enough to use that for hay ground. It will make good pasture though. Really I don’t even need much hay. Plus I’m sure I can buy it as cheap as I can cut it. Thanks for the comment!
paintsmh,
What’s the reasoning behind shying away from the solid red girl? Pickins are slim here unless you want to pay ridiculously high prices. The car seems to be doing okay. Thanks for reading! Check back soon!
March 8th, 2008 at 9:53 am
I’ve never had the privilege of working with a solid red beef cow that didn’t turn completely insane. The college I went to had a mixed breed herd. Everything from Simmentals to limousines to Herefords to black and red Angus and a few crossbreds. It was a nightmare to work with the reds. It took seven of us to catch one weanling because she turned so crazy. And a buddy of mine has red angus and a few limousines and he can’t keep them in a fence to save his life. And one darn near killed his brother a few years back. They just make me nervous, not that the others wont turn nasty I’ve just never had luck with them. Some feel the same way towards blacks.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:14 am
paintsmh,
I noticed she is quite unpredictable. Never heard anybody complain about that before, but now I know. The Hereford had her calf a couple days ago. Pretty little black and white bull calf. Why do the dumb animals wait until it’s cold outside to have a calf? It was 60 the day before, but she had to wait until it was in the 40s. I froze out there making sure it got up and started sucking and getting them to the barn. Thanks for the comment!
March 9th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
My two year old Holstein dropped a red bull calf yesterday. On my only day off for two weeks. And the first nasty day we had in a week and a half. It was pouring rain. Thankfully she was indoors. Now my two Jerseys (one a two year old the other her six year old dam) are both thinking about having their babies. It’s only oh say five degrees out at best. And the wind is howling!
March 17th, 2008 at 5:19 am
ya that was along drive home norm with both of us doing
the driving we can get do that trip in a day in a half.
so about double the time.If your thinking of buying hay I hope the price gose way down.we sold some bales tthat we had stored out side so they were not the best.
we still got 40.00 per 1500# bale.and that was cheap
some guys are getting up to 80.00 a 1500# bale. small
square bales are going for up to 8.00 a bale. Im still
off work hoping to get back to work after easter.hope
the chickens are going good. and thanx for your consern
over me and mine hope yall are doing well. well god
bless all of you.