Farm Field class

Saturday, April 12
     Today, Joe and I attended our first Farm Field Class sponsored by the Extension Office.  We visited a local farm and learned about pasture management with animal rotation from field to field to help the soil and allow the grass to have a few weeks to grow before regrazing.  We learned about different types of field grasses,  using temporary electric fences,  and movable water tanks for livestock.  There was no charge for attending, and they provided a wonderful bar b que sandwich, coleslaw, potato salad and cookies for lunch.  Joe and I might become participants just for the lunches. Just kidding.
    The morning was very informative, but walking up and down a few steep hills kicked my butt. I had to take a nap when we got back!
     I had started putting up a temporary electric fence around the front and back yard and I learned a few pointers from the field class today.  This knowledge will really come in handy sooner than I expected.  My horse, Bo, has discovered grain in the Guinea pen.  He can just stuff his fat body all the way in the pen to eat the Guinea food.  I leave the pen gate open so the Guineas can come home to eat or roost at night .   Bo scared them and they didn't come home tonight.  Hopefully they are in the trees and safe.  I will get the yard electrified Monday as soon as the feed store opens and I can get the rest of the temporary fence stakes.  Eventually I will electrify a pasture to put the horses in so they don't eat too much of the new grass and get foundered.  They will be locked up during the day and let out to eat at night.  About June we can let them out full time as the grass won't be as potent .
    All and all a great day with beautiful weather.