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Second summer of a Grassfed Dairy—much improved!

We’ve celebrated the 4th of July and are officially plunk in the middle of Ozark summer. Days in the 90-100, nights 70-80. Blah!!!

But! We had so much rain this spring that we’re doing fine on pasture for the cows even with the dry spell the last couple weeks. We’d planned to plant a cover crop of Sudan Grass in May, but the fields were too wet and then too dense. Maybe we’ll try later this week after the rain passes through. Sudan makes a huge amount of forage!

After discovering that sunflower seeds were almost the same price as alfalfa pellets, we’ve started adding some to the cow’s milking diet. I think it’s helped balance it substantially.

And the cows?? They’re doing AMAZING!

Today I bred our last open cow. No promises that she’ll take, but at least when they’re coming into heat you have a chance! There’s a couple that have been a month later than 90 days first heat, but I can deal with that. I’ve had a lot of girls settle the first service which is also a huge improvement over last year. Heifers are breeding close enough to schedule (24 months at calving is ideal, but I’m happy as long as it’s by 30 months).

Our steers (a Zebu and a Brahma) are gaining weight and look fat and shiny. The Zebu is ready, but Big Blue will wait another year.

Pinkeye has been harsh despite few flies and plenty of minerals. There’s always something to plague the stock!

That’s it. A short and sweet update!

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