Happy New Year
We've been making steady progress toward a few of our long term goals for the farm.
The goat barn is almost done.
We've placed reservations on two livestock guardian puppies due in spring. They come from a farm with goats and chickens. The parents are experienced LGDs.
The goats and I have embarked on a daily exercise ritual. We spend about 30 minutes each afternoon jogging up and down the mountainside.
Jerry and I have been auditing local stockyard auctions trying to get an idea of the FMV for a few healthy feeder calves. After talking to a few bovine experts we've got a plan to purchase two calves from a CL/CAE free herd. We just need to find one nearby.
I am taking my DHIR tester training course online this week and have prepared the paperwork to start our first year on milk test. I am very excited. I hope Lily earns her star.
Since bringing home our sweetheart buck Trump Card two months ago, we expect Lily to be bred for Easter babies. I am taking her for an ultrasound in two weeks and I hope to know for sure then.
I plan to have Joyful Hearts CB Adelaide and DesertNanny BE Trump Card linear appraised. I am still working on finding a host herd within a short drive.
We have plans to repair the irrigation system in the 5 acre pasture above the house and I hope to begin re-mineralizing it and seeding it with good forage for the goats and cows.
The last year has been the best year I can remember. I learned so much and enjoyed many new and exciting experiences. I hope that 2014 is full of more new adventures.
