New Hooves

Busy and wonderful time of year introducing our new herd to our pastures, our routine, our dog Bear and his neighbor Beau.  This is a great looking group, two steers, a red and black angus cross along with a brood, good looking Charlaise with a 3 month calf at her side.

And it's still raining......And we're still waiting to work between the raindrops, to re-seed, seed and overseed the pastures, to plant a few more fruit trees, to lay the foundation for the new hay barn.  Of course, can't wait to repair the fence line, the pig pen, cut down some dead and dying trees - wow!
Come on warm weather.....

Hurry on the Spring

This time of year when we get the last "blast" of winter, always makes me whine for warm weather and lament the delay of spring.  Just when you think you can get out ahead of those spring time projects, preparing the garden, cutting the mistletoe, fixing the irrigation and pens that are always in need - "NO winter is not yet over"!  The rain, hail, snow and cold is clinging to life halfway up the Sierras and we must keep busy with indoor projects: painting, fixing trucks, repairing straps, oiling tractors, building planter boxes - all in anticipation of a fine warm day to begin the drying out and the jumpstart of the green pasture grass.

And on Feb 9 we welcomed our second little girl grand, Crosby Rae, into the Bryant clan, here she is pictured at a month and is adorable.  This exemplifies the circle of life since she comes quickly after the passing of our patriarch and GG - Ed Bourne.  Her name was chosen for her paternal GG Raymond and I sincerely hope that she gets a legacy blend of spirit and honor from them both.  Truly legends in their time.

It's early Feb - and the final organic dormant spray has been applied to the orchard, weather has been warm and the fruit trees are starting to bud.  Early winter, Early spring.

The first winter grown pigs proved bountiful albeit more messy.  The pen and the piggers were ankle deep in mud, the fence suffered from aggressive moves - maybe because there were four or maybe they were wanting to get out of the mud.  The house and shade shelter will need rebuilding and the feeder needs repair.  They were the largest yields, outperforming others by as much as 40 lbs each.  Incidentally, these were purchased from the Rough and Ready Simply Country Farm Store - best growers ever.

The steer harvested at the same time has the best look of any previous.  I think caused by the rains of last year, the longer keeping green pasture before going into summer irrigation.  Looking for replacement steers, would love to have a pair.

Looking forward to spring.....