Moving to the Farm

Larro Darro · Nov 10, 2014

Back when we had livestock there was only a few mornings a year we would have to break the ice on the water trough. But two of our four pastures were either on the river or the pond, so when there was going to be a long cold spell we would move the cows. So far I haven't done any winterizing around here. But we have had two frost so far.

And learning about death is one of the good things farming teaches kids. Sister always named their calves when they were born. I used to kid her that they could all be called Hamburger. Now my BIL is old school. He named the two pigs he was raising Pork Chop and Bacon, Although he made sausage out of the first one he butchered.

Larro

Tororider · Nov 19, 2014

Chasing Quail, and It’s Good to be Back | homesteaddad

Tororider · Nov 19, 2014

Road Trip! | homesteaddad

Larro Darro · Nov 19, 2014

Glad you had a good trip. Great pictures. My sister lived in Colorado for about 25 years so we went out there pretty often. The choice was always west then north, or north then west. We have gone both ways, but the Texas hill country is awesome.

And I have only been to Memphis one time {since I have been an adult}. That was 12-15 years ago when I went with my coworker to get his son out of jail there. The kid was 18 and coming from Paris Illinois down to Blountstown Florida on the Greyhound. The last thing his dad said to him before he got on the bus was be quiet and keep your hands to yourself. Well he met a girl on the bus and was going to kiss her, even if she didn't want to be kissed. He kissed her but when the bus pulled into Memphis, the police pulled him off the bus. The Memphis Police Department told my coworker that the son could get out of jail if he would come get him. We got there about 0200 and turned right around and started driving back to Florida. The only thing I saw in the city was the Police Department Building. No BBQ for me.

Larro

westcliffe01 · Nov 19, 2014

Torrorider, I have seen your post on a different forum regarding the coyote issue. Just be aware that traps / snares are indiscriminate and problematic if you have livestock / dogs. Without your own animals, I think they are very effective. Also be aware that MI law requires that these devices have to be inspected every 24hrs. Right now we are in deer season, but night hunting comes "back online" on 12/01 That is one of the most effective times to control them, since it is when they are active. Just a little hunting activity will also change their behavior within a short time, especially if you start killing the boldest ones.

Tororider · Nov 19, 2014

Larro Darro said:
Glad you had a good trip. Great pictures. My sister lived in Colorado for about 25 years so we went out there pretty often. The choice was always west then north, or north then west. We have gone both ways, but the Texas hill country is awesome. And I have only been to Memphis one time {since I have been an adult}. That was 12-15 years ago when I went with my coworker to get his son out of jail there. The kid was 18 and coming from Paris Illinois down to Blountstown Florida on the Greyhound. The last thing his dad said to him before he got on the bus was be quiet and keep your hands to yourself. Well he met a girl on the bus and was going to kiss her, even if she didn't want to be kissed. He kissed her but when the bus pulled into Memphis, the police pulled him off the bus. The Memphis Police Department told my coworker that the son could get out of jail if he would come get him. We got there about 0200 and turned right around and started driving back to Florida. The only thing I saw in the city was the Police Department Building. No BBQ for me. Larro

I always enjoy seeing new parts of the country, which is why we took the different routes there and back.

I enjoyed your Memphis story and hope I never have to drive across the country to get one of my sons out of jail.

Tororider · Nov 19, 2014

westcliffe01 said:
Torrorider, I have seen your post on a different forum regarding the coyote issue. Just be aware that traps / snares are indiscriminate and problematic if you have livestock / dogs. Without your own animals, I think they are very effective. Also be aware that MI law requires that these devices have to be inspected every 24hrs. Right now we are in deer season, but night hunting comes "back online" on 12/01 That is one of the most effective times to control them, since it is when they are active. Just a little hunting activity will also change their behavior within a short time, especially if you start killing the boldest ones.

Good tips. I was checking the traps for the trappers at least once a day. They have since pulled them during deer season. My animals are penned and the dog has an electric fence he minds very well.

I guess the only good thing about the time change and getting dark so early is night hunting can be done before dinner. I will have to think about that. Thanks.

Larro Darro · Nov 20, 2014

25 years ago when we were growing melons the coyotes were putting a hurting on us. They smell out the ripest melons and eat several a night. And in the melon business, your early crop is when you make your money. We got a permit to hunt them at night with a light. The first night we shot one, but after that, never got another shot. They are very smart and hard to kill.

Larro

Tororider · Nov 25, 2014

Howling Outside My Door | homesteaddad

Larro Darro · Nov 25, 2014

Hope you can find everything in the morning. It's raining pretty hard here, but not too windy.

Nice bench. I can always use more shoe and boot storage. When you are piling up 13 wides, like I do, it doesn't take many to make a dozen.

Larro