fall forage for grazing: week 10

It is now week 10!

A herd of cows is now grazing a field of turnips, rye, and oats in the harvest corn field. I was really excited to cows open the pasture gate for the herd to graze. So the cows were ready to graze the lush field, we set out high magnesium blocks for the herds.

 

 

farm chick favorite

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texas + illinois

These adorable baseball caps are from Pink Armadillos! I ordered custom caps for my cattle chick friend and I. The baseball caps are black and tan. And, I chose turquoise glitter for our states... Texas + Illinois. I am in love with them! And am sure she will enjoy it too!

 

#farmchickfavorite

Friday on the Farm

turnip

Turnips, rye, and oats were seeded eight weeks ago. Next week, a herd of cows will start grazing the fall forage.

 

It has been so much fun watching the seeded fields grow over the eight weeks. The turnips have been quickly growing since the corn was harvested. We have had rain and warm temperatures as perfect growing conditions.

[ agriculture photos @ monicastevens.photoshelter.com ]

fall forage for grazing: week 8

It is week 8! And, I am checking in from the field...

The turnips, rye, and oats have quickly grown since the corn has been harvested.

The herd of cows on the farm where I live will be turned out to graze on the turnips, rye, and oats next week. I am excited to see them graze!

weaning vaccination program

weaning health program

We are weaning calves on Saturday. So, we have been very busy preparing this week...barn and lot cleaned, barn bedded with wood chips, hay in the lot, scales ready to weigh calves, corn and oats available, protein ordered, and vaccines picked up from our veterinarian. 

 

I spoke with our veterinarian earlier this week about our health program for calves at weaning. We discussed in length about our weaning health program. After chatting with Dr Baird, I ordered product to vaccinate our calves. Over the past 30 years, we have developed a great herd health program with our veterinarian. Throughout the year, we vaccinate our cows and calves to prevent disease and sickness.

 

Our calves will receive four shots when we run them through the cattle chute:

2cc BoviShield Gold

2cc 20/20 Vision 7

4cc Vitamin ADE

8cc Penicillin

 

Our weaning health program costs $7 per calf. This program will ensure us that our calves will remain healthy.    

fall forage for grazing: week 6

It is week #6 in the field!

It has been six weeks since the fields were aerial seeded with turnips, rye, and oats. I have very much enjoyed watching the seeding grow by each week. It has been so amazing! Every time I drive by the seeded fields, I smile. The fall forage is beautiful!

10.19.16

We finished harvesting corn early Monday evening! When we finished harvesting corn on the acres seeded with turnips, rye, and oats, it let us fully see the seeding. Amazing!

10.14.16

It is unbelievable how quickly the seeding grew after the corn was harvested. We had sunny, warm weather that was perfect for the turnips, rye, and oats to rapidly grow. From a distance, you can now see the corn fields turning green.    

It will not be long before the corn residue will be covered by the fall forage. Our cow herds will soon be grazing the luscious fields of turnips, rye, and oats!

corn residue rests along the turnips, rye, and oats

 

Friday on the Farm

turnips, rye, and oats in corn residue

This afternoon, we started harvesting corn in one of the two fields seeded with turnips, rye, and oats. While riding in the Gleaner with my dad, it was so neat viewing the seeding from the combine cab. It was so pretty...emerald green growth among the dried corn field! Corn residue covered the ground with the turnips, rye, and oats were peaking through towards the sun. After riding along in the combine, I continued to haul corn to the grain bin to unload. Cows in the pasture watched as the combine rolled through the field...it is time for them to graze.   

checking in on the rye



rye



Six acres of corn were chopped and bagged as silage for our cattle on September 19. The acres that were chopped were then seeded to rye on October 3 to protect the soil from possible erosion.

 

This morning, we checked in on the rye that was no-till drilled.  It is looking nice! The rye emerged quickly and started growing on these sunny days. It is amazing how much the rye grew in just a couple days. With rain this afternoon, the rye will continue to grow well.