I have been reading about the drought throughout the country and the possible hay shortage, fortunately here the hay is growing fine. I was able to have 100 bales delivered last week and my hay guy asked me if I had room for 100 more. Seems he has a field cut to dry and he wanted to move directly to my house if i had room.
We were able to get 40 bales into the ram shed and the rest was split between the goats and the ewes.
I figure I have room for another 20 bales in with the goats so if I can't fit the rest above the ewes I will find somewhere to stash it. It will be nice to have 200 bales onhand, it is easier to move it now than when the snow has fallen.
Goats milk, its whats for dinner! We have cranberries year round instead of only at Thanksgiving and Christmas, do you?
Is it wrong that I just keep clicking on the hay pictures and sit and stare at it?? That looks like beautiful hay! And to have 200 bales now and not have to worry for the rest of the year would be great. Will 200 hold you for the year? If you don't mind me asking, what do you pay for a bale?
ReplyDeleteI need to get hay soon as well....and like you, our hay is growing just fine. In fact they're talking about possibly getting 4 cuts this year if the weather continues the way it has been. I've been following the drought stricken states and I really feel for them...no hay, the corn is drying up and dying and they are left trying to figure out how to feed their livestock over winter...or just throw in the towel and get rid of them all. It's all very sad. :( Glad you got your hay in!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - I don't think 200 will get us through the Winter, we have too many mouths to feed with all the sheep and goats. We will probably top the supply off again late Fall, easier to move before the snow comes. We are very fortunate to get each bale at $3.00, this also includes free delivery!
ReplyDeleteStacy - I thought you grew your own hay? I'm hoping people aren't forced to throw in the towel, but a poor corn crop combined with hay shortages spells big trouble - for everyone!
Getting 4 cuts in Vermont is miraculous!
Our hay is just getting ready for cutting. WE will need our normal 300 bales. We will likely be away when it is ready, but our supplier has told us not to worry, they will stack and store until we get back. That beats field picking it onto a half ton, 35 bales at a time!
ReplyDeleteI make two loaves of bread a week, and add a handful of cranberries to the cinnamon/raisin loaves each. loa
Ian - Horses obviously eat a lot more hay than goats! We love cranberries so much around here, I have tried them in bread before and they are delicious! You should post your recipe.
ReplyDelete$3! Last year they were $15 here. This year they are down to $6. Sounds like you got an amazing deal.
ReplyDeleteKim - At that price I'm not sure we could afford to keep the animals. Here is to hoping you get some rain to break the drought!
ReplyDeletewe need this drought to break for sure. i'm afraid we are going to have to get round bales for the winter. and with no tractor that is going to be tough. good thing we have "determination and foolishness" - thats gets 'er done.
ReplyDeleteOFG - I would love to get the round bales as they cost so much less but without a tractor we could never move them either. I'm SURE Nibbles and the other goats won't mind wading through the snow drifts and bitter wind this Winter to eat outside wherever the hay bales sit.........
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