A Muddy Mess on the Farm

Nobody is complaining about the recent bout of nice weather around here. Highs in the 50’s, sunny and no lows below freezing. The hens are especially loving it and took it upon themselves to start “free-ranging” again (i.e they are getting out). We still have piles of snow twelve feet high, but we also have areas where grass is peaking through.

Now that our over 60 inches of snow is melting, we have to deal with one sticky problem. MUD. As much as we want to go from snow to green pastures, we cannot. Thankfully, with the early snow last fall the ground didn’t freeze very deep and the snow melt is making its way into the ground, not just over it.

Mud, the necessary evil of spring, creates a few problems on our farm. First our tractors tend to get stuck, a lot. Second, since our dry cows and heifers have access to pasture, they also have access to mud. Third, our boys’ clothes get filthy.

To solve the above problems: First we don’t let Tim drive the tractors in the fields (he gets stuck the most). Second, we bed a large outside area with straw to give the animals a clean, dry place to lay. Third, we dress our kids in water proof bib overalls.

They are predicting rain this weekend, which will mean more mud. But, we all know the faster the snow melts, the faster it can start drying up. Thankfully, we are in no danger of flooding.

Emily

Zweber Farms is a 4th generation family operated organic dairy.  We are proud Organic Valley farmer members and sell our milk under that label. We also specialize in sustainably raised beef, pork and chicken and sell it directly to customers in Minnesota.Visit our website to learn more, www.zweberfarms.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitterand YouTube.