Not all changes are right, good, or positive so it’s imperative to evaluate the considered change in thinking or action as to how it will impact the environment, culture, family, and mental or physical health of you or those around you. Expand your thought process into the ripple effect of your decision. Try to determine the unintended consequences BEFORE they are upon you.
In regard to my last blog entry and the lack of early grazing in spring which led to poor quality stockpile, i failed to consider how that decision would so drastically lower the condition of the young and old nursing, pregnant cows. With more animals this year, grazing the land chosen for stockpile will surely be attainable.
It is further exacerbated by having calved early (15 April) and therefore needing to wean in early February, which led to feeding hay to weaned calves for far too many weeks before springtime grass is emerging. Another impact i had this past year (2022) was that i’d purchased 56 first and second calf heifers (25 of which had March born calves at side!) plus had taken in several of Allen’s ancient good cows hoping for one more good calf out of them. All these animals suffered the most in nursing their calves through the winter on low quality stockpile despite the offer of high protein lick tubs.
Thinking holistically has led to an annual timeline tweaking once again. Moving breeding season to 5 Aug – 23 Sep which will mean cows start calving 15 May through 1 Jul. The breeding season will hopefully, be better situated for turning in bulls and mustering them back out after ragweed season. However, this past year (2022) was exceptionally long in that pollen did not dissipate until 2 October!
These calving dates will allow me to push weaning to first week or so of April vs first week of February! Great reduction in labor and feed costs.
One would think that after 30 plus years, i’d have this tweaked out, but each year and each mob of cows is a bit different in makeup which reveals problems that might be unexpected or unavoidable.
Create beauty and harmony in your life!
Shabbat Shalom!
Tannachton Farm 
Hi Tauna. I’m looking to purchase 100% grassfed lamb/sheep. I’m not sure you’re selling but I’ve found your work incredible and I saw you listed as a traditional foods provider on the Wilmington clinic food directory. I’d love to get in touch about this and see if it’s possible. Thank you so much
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I actually no longer have any sheep. However, there are grass finishers in our north central Missouri area. I don’t know what the Wilmington Clinic food directory is, don’t know where you are located.
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Hi Tauna. Thank you for your reply. I’m located in Saint Louis, MO. Do you know of any 100% grassfed lamb/sheep providers close to this area? I appreciate your guidance. Thank you
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i can ask around – in the meantime check out websites like eatwild.com for producers in your area.
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