And just like that it is full on winter.
After a weekend of snowfall and wind we spent the day moving snow and sheep to a new winter feeding area. For several years we have wintered the flock south east of the yard where there is ample bush for shelter. Feeding hay out on the pastures in the winter results in layers of hay residue plus urine and manure naturally spread by the flock, which over time, becomes a healthy layer of organic matter. It’s also much healthier for the ewes.
Through these past few years of minimal rainfall this winter feed area stood out from the rest of our land base. Even this year, with only a few inches of rain received, that area of pasture was thick, thigh-high tall grass. You could walk through this area and feel that it was much healthier than the other pastures. The flock just came off grazing it before the snow arrived. With the usual winter feeding spot responding so well we’ve decided it’s time to move to a new location and repeat the process.
The ewes already passed through the stockpiled forage we try to save for early winter grazing and it’s early for us to be feeding hay, which is sign of how dry it has been here. As difficult as it is to get around and tend to the regular happenings on the place with a lot of snow on the ground, the snow is sure is a welcome sight.
