Farming in Winter
Dinner Bell in Winter
“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass
My partner, Kait, and I celebrate the Winter Solstice on December 21st because as a farmer, each day I work is very tied to the shifting of the seasons. We love the first day of Winter because it is the shortest day of the year, meaning that each day after there will be more light. But after the solstice passes, January always reminds me that winter is still here even as the days get longer!
Winter work for me requires a lot of thoughtful preparation and attention to both the cattle and the pasture to make sure that we have a successful spring. Feeding the cattle during the winter months means unrolling hay bales across the pasture and moving them quickly to prevent my fields from becoming muddy. On days like the past few, my water hoses freeze and I’ve been filling my stocker cattle waterer by hose in the mornings and the evenings to make sure my cattle have enough water.
This winter so far has been fairly pleasant for the cattle. My herd doesn’t have access to a barn, but they grow a thick layer of fur over the winter months and as long as the weather isn’t too wet, cold, and windy at the same time, they don’t mind the weather. Snow offers a great layer of insulation on their backs. If the weather gets too harsh, I have windbreak shelters I can put them in that keep them toasty warm.
This time of year it is important for me to keep my eye on my cows to make sure they are getting enough nutritionally because calving season is always right around the corner. Last year’s calves are weaned in late Fall to allow the mamas to put on some weight for the winter season. My cows are looking good this year even though some of them had twins!
Winter is also a time of planning. Of looking at the past year to measure successes and to the future to plan changes. It is an ideal time to analyze what we do and how we can do it better or shift to practices that align with our values.
It also is a wonderful time for self-care. For catching up on books to read, projects to finish, and maybe some extra naps on the snowiest of days. We adopted a new puppy before Thanksgiving, Pooka, and part of my winter days this year are being spent training, cuddling, laughing, and playing with her and Marty. There are always things to do to keep busy on a farm, but also time for the things that build connection and make me smile.
One of my goals this year is to start blogging more regularly again. This looks like a post once a month to connect my friends, neighbors, and customers to what I am doing and thinking and farming. So cheers to a New Year! And I hope to see you all soon. If there is anything in particular you want me to write about…I’m happy to take requests!
Your Farmer,
Deanne
Marty on the left is an American Bully, Australian Shepherd Mix.
Pooka on the right is an Australian Cattle Dog, German Shepherd Mix.
They are best buds.