The Adventures of Elise: Making Hay and Caring for Farm Animals

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Meet Elise, the Jersey Calf
2. The Unexpected Purchase
3. The Process of Making Hay
   • 3.1 Cutting and Drying the Grass
   • 3.2 Raking and Baling the Hay
4. The Importance of Dry Hay Storage
   • 4.1 The Dangers of Wet Hay
   • 4.2 Preventing Hay Rot and Fires
5. Caring for Elise and the Other Animals
   • 5.1 Feeding Elise
   • 5.2 Dealing with Geese Troubles
   • 5.3 Apples for the Piggies
   • 5.4 Maintaining the Wood Shed
6. The Journey to Creating a Pond
7. Differentiating Between Hay and Straw
8. Organizing the Courtyard
9. Future Plans and Woodwork Projects
10. Conclusion: The Adventures of Elise the Calf

Introduction: Meet Elise, the Jersey Calf

Allow me to introduce You to Elise, our newest addition to the farm. Elise is a lively Jersey calf that we recently purchased from a nearby farmer. She is the last offspring of the season, and we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have gotten her. It was a stroke of fate that led us to her, as we stumbled upon Elise and her mother while visiting a local market. Intrigued by the opportunity to have our children witness firsthand where their milk comes from, we inquired about the owner and subsequently decided to bring Elise home.

The Unexpected Purchase

Elise's arrival took us by surprise. We didn't anticipate buying a calf that day, but sometimes life presents unexpected opportunities. After parting ways with her mother, Elise quickly adjusted to her new surroundings. It was her first day away from her mother's milk, yet she settled down effortlessly. As avid grass-cutters, we decided to make our own hay for the animals on the farm. This summer, I have been diligently cutting and drying the grass to ensure we have enough high-quality feed for the upcoming months.

The Process of Making Hay

3.1 Cutting and Drying the Grass

Making hay may seem like a simple task, but it requires specific steps to keep the feed nutritious and safe. To start, I use a side cutter to mow the fields and cut the grass at the optimal length. The grass is left to dry naturally in the sun until it reaches a bone-dry state. This crucial step prevents any potential fires that could occur from storing wet hay.

3.2 Raking and Baling the Hay

Once the grass is sufficiently dry, I meticulously rake it to ensure even drying and remove any weeds or debris. This can be a time-consuming process, but it contributes to the overall quality of the hay. After raking, I bale the hay using strips of Fabric instead of traditional strings. It may not be as convenient as using store-bought twine, but it does the job and adds a unique touch to our homemade hay.

The Importance of Dry Hay Storage

4.1 The Dangers of Wet Hay

Storing hay properly is essential to prevent mold, rot, and even fires. If wet hay is piled up in an enclosed area, it can generate heat and Ignite, leading to a disaster. To avoid any potential risks, we make sure our hay is thoroughly dry before storing it.

4.2 Preventing Hay Rot and Fires

To ensure our hay remains safe and of high quality, we built a well-ventilated wood shed for storage. Proper airflow prevents moisture buildup, reducing the chances of hay rot. Additionally, we regularly inspect the stored hay for any signs of increased heat or spontaneous combustion, providing us with peace of mind.

Caring for Elise and the Other Animals

5.1 Feeding Elise

Elise's well-being is of utmost importance to us. While she initially struggled with drinking from a bottle, we quickly adapted by offering her milk in a bucket. This method seemed to work better, and Elise is happily nourished. We also ensure she has access to fresh Water and, of course, plenty of the hay we have worked so hard to make.

5.2 Dealing with Geese Troubles

Our farm is not without its challenges, and one such challenge comes in the form of our geese. These seemingly harmless birds have taken a particular interest in asserting their dominance over our resident rooster, resulting in some feather loss. Though the geese do not pose a direct threat, their behavior adds unnecessary stress to the rooster. We Continue to monitor the situation and look for ways to mitigate the geese's behavior.

5.3 Apples for the Piggies

We consider ourselves fortunate to have generous friends who donate apples from their trees. These delicious fruits become a special treat for our piggies, who enthusiastically gobble them up. It's heartwarming to witness their enjoyment and see them relish the natural sweetness of the apples.

5.4 Maintaining the Wood Shed

Aside from caring for the animals, we also dedicate time to maintaining our wood shed. It houses not only the hay we meticulously prepare but also serves as a storage space for our collection of wood. It did become quite disorganized over the summer, as the chickens decided to treat it as their daytime retreat. Nevertheless, We Are in the process of tidying it up and implementing measures to prevent its future misuse.

The Journey to Creating a Pond

One of our ongoing projects has been the creation of a pond on our farm. This ambitious endeavor has been in the making for the past 18 months. While it is still a work in progress, we can already envision the beauty it will bring to our surroundings. The pond will not only serve as a tranquil spot but also provide a habitat for various aquatic lifeforms.

Differentiating Between Hay and Straw

As we work diligently to make hay for our animals, a question often arises: What is the difference between hay and straw? Contrary to popular belief, they are not interchangeable terms. Hay is made from dried grass and retains its nutritional value, making it a valuable food source for livestock. On the other HAND, straw is the stalks left behind after harvesting grains like wheat or corn. It is typically used for bedding and has limited nutritional value.

Organizing the Courtyard

Our courtyard, while functional, still has a bit of a "farmery" look to it. We have plans to transform it into a beautiful garden space, but for now, it remains a work in progress. This past summer, we did not have the time to dedicate to its complete makeover. Rest assured, though, it is a priority, and we hope to turn it into a charming garden in the near future.

Future Plans and Woodwork Projects

Speaking of transformations, we are excited about the future plans for our farm. With some expected financial assistance, courtesy of an upcoming project, we intend to add two more ceilings to our house and finally install a staircase. This means an influx of wood, and we anticipate busy days ahead. Our goal is to enhance our living space while preserving the natural Charm encompassing our farm.

Conclusion: The Adventures of Elise the Calf

In conclusion, our farm is always filled with unexpected journeys and delightful surprises. Elise's arrival has brought us immense joy, and caring for her and our other animals remains our top priority. From making hay to dealing with mischievous geese, our days are always filled with necessary tasks and unforgettable moments. As we continue to cultivate our land and nurture the creatures within it, we are grateful for the connection we have with nature and the simple pleasures it brings us every day.

Highlights:

• Welcome to the world of Elise, the Jersey calf
• The unexpected purchase that changed our lives
• The meticulous process of making hay on our farm
• The dangers of wet hay storage and the importance of proper care
• Caring for Elise and our other beloved animals
• The journey to creating a beautiful pond on our land
• Understanding the difference between hay and straw
• Organizing our courtyard and future plans for a charming garden
• Exciting woodwork projects on the horizon
• The adventures and delights of farm life

FAQ:

Q: How did you come across Elise the Jersey calf? A: We stumbled upon Elise and her mother while visiting a local market. It was a stroke of fate that led us to her.

Q: How do you make hay on your farm? A: We cut the grass, let it dry in the sun, rake it to ensure even drying, and then bale it using fabric strips.

Q: Why is proper hay storage important? A: Proper storage prevents hay from rotting, molding, or causing fires. Dry hay is crucial for the health of our animals and the safety of our farm.

Q: How do you handle the challenges of caring for geese? A: Our geese can be quite mischievous, especially when it comes to asserting dominance over our rooster. We continuously monitor the situation and look for ways to reduce stress and maintain harmony in the animal kingdom.

Q: What is the difference between hay and straw? A: Hay is made from dried grass and provides nutrition for livestock, while straw is the leftover stalks from harvested grains and is mainly used for bedding.

Q: What are your plans for future woodwork projects? A: We have exciting plans to add two more ceilings to our house and install a staircase, which will involve a significant amount of woodworking. The aim is to improve our living space while preserving the natural beauty of our farm.