It has been 30 months since my last blog. I thought I should do something grandiose, but that was a year ago. So today's post is just a quick slice of life on the farm.
This is our second winter with cattle. Last night was surprisingly snowy, given that the temperature only rose from -17C to -10C. A steady wind kept the wind chill about 7C colder, so I figured the cattle would spend the night in their shelter.
Here is how they greeted me this morning.
They also know how to take care of themselves: staying outside in the cold reduces parasite and disease pressure versus stabling them. Ee! Bah gum, they're all champions! I wish our old farm house was as well insulated.
Rob
Post authorA lot of people, including some cattle farmers, worry about the animals being outside all the time. British breeds like my Black Angus grow a warm fur coat for winter but only if they are outside all the time. The only thing they need is a windbreak: windchill has an asymptotic impact for humans but a cubic impact for cattle. On our farm we use tree lines and portable shelters to provide the windbreaks.
Thanks for asking!