Barns and Babies

The days of spring down on the farm are 

always busy with cattle working to improve the health of our beef cattle

and fertilizing the fields that will bring on the growth of hay but

this year we added barn building onto the schedule.

This barn will be used to store hay.  When complete it will 

also have areas on the side that cattle can rest under for shade or 

for protection from inclement winter weather.

Truly a picture of modern day barn raising with all family members

involved as the crane was lifting the trusses in place.

We still manage to enjoy the beauty of spring 

as we check cattle and watch the new babies

stay  close to their mama or run around like crazy,

                                          to celebrate the spring birthdays with the family,

                        

                                                and appreciate the beauty in the garden.
 

                           

                                          I hope you are enjoying and celebrating spring

                                    as much as we are down on the Arkansas farm!

Spring's Celebrations

Spring has sprung down on the farm!

Just the day before the calendar claims that spring has begun

we were blessed to celebrate my Mother's 92nd birthday.

As you can see, it's a family tradition to help in the 

candle blowing ceremony!

Even the beef cows are celebrating the warmer days

of spring  and didn't seem to mind posing for 

a picture while hanging around the hay manger.

Spring finds us celebrating the birth of new calves.

Although most beef cows have plenty of milk for their 

babies, we do have an occasional calf that may need a 

little help when Momma doesn't have any milk or the baby 

is not trying to nurse for whatever reason.

That's when the farmer instinct takes over  and he  feeds the baby.

Celebrating spring with a farmer always brings

a smile on my face as you see the passion 

he feels for his farm and family!

Happy Spring!

 

Thankful Thursday

Where would we be without the women in our lives?

Women's History Month and International Women's Day

gives me  the opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments

of women across the world and  the women

that have made an impact on my life.

Here's to

Strong Women

May we 

Know them

                                                                 

                                                                             May we

                                                                     be them

May we

raise them.

                                       I'm thankful for the women that have blessed my life.

                                         

February's Farming and Fun

                                               Can you believe that February is almost gone? 

                             We did manage to have a little fun mixed in with the  daily work

                                             down on the farm  of feeding cows and calves.  

                                                It was a little challenging walking around on

                                     the layers of sleet and ice that took a week to melt but  we 

                                               took our week without any bad falls as a win!

Here is just a sampling of a little fun in February:

Farm dogs are always loyal and would

never stay too far from the action.

Papa Ryan made a trip to the local hardware

store to purchase a sled  so that Hattie and Breck could enjoy the 

sledding experience from the hill at the barn.

Memories for a lifetime made down on the farm.

Valentine Pie was the perfect treat for my farmer Valentine!

With spring just around the corner,

Breck finally managed to get his tractor charged

up for a chilly ride.   

February is still holding on 

but  we are seeing the signs that spring is not too far away.

                                         I'm not really wishing February to hurry and be done

                                                but I do look forward to the promise of spring!

January Reflections

January is in full swing...

freezing weather and high winds,

 a little fog,

lightning but no rain,

a little sleet,

 single digit  temperatures followed

by 

70  degree days...

 

but what can you say?

It's crazy January!

The calves are handling crazy weather better than the 

farmers.

I will say, January also gives time to reflect on some

of the fun times of the holiday season...

and a special Christmas gift of a visit from 

my friend Nancy.

Life on the farm just can't get any better when you 

have the love of family and friends.

It's that love that keeps us going on the 

toughest days.

 

Century Farm Barn Preservation

More than one hundred years ago, this barn was the hub of the everyday

farming operation.  Ryan's grandfather Grover milked cows

 in this barn and used it to store hay and grain.  During World War II, 

Ryan's mother milked cows in this

same barn while his father was stationed in Japan.

Even though  the everyday activity of this barn has changed,

it is still used for storage and provides a reminder

of its history on  our century farm. 

  

It seemed the right thing to preserve this part of our 

farm history by adding new tin and new doors to 

this important part of our family and farm history.

The barn certainly dresses up my calf pictures!

More importantly, the barn can continue to

be used daily and preserved for others to enjoy

as our  rural farming area in Benton County

continues to blend  into city life.

 

 

Thankful Thursday

Pictures don't always tell the whole story. 

After the first cutting of hay this spring, we were faced with drought

conditions. What hay we did harvest was extremely expensive

due to increased input costs such as fertilize, diesel and even the 

net wrap.  There is no such thing as cheap hay this year!

There were times this summer during the drought

 combined with extreme heat, it was doubtful that we

 would have another cutting of hay .

 I'm thankful that the rain did begin to fall and we were 

able to get a badly needed  second cutting.

Farmers in many areas are still dealing with drought

conditions and are buying hay to feed their beef and

dairy cattle.

I'm thankful that we were able to provide  hay to a 

Texas farmer friend this week and for the 

                                                blessings we receive in sharing our bounty.