01/19/2025
It's a cold week on the farm. People ask how the animals manage. The goats are fine as long as they are dry. They have space in the barn but have access to the west pasture. They get unlimited hay to keep their rumens going. Sheep, goats and cows eat plant fiber which is digested by bacteria in the rumen. That process produces a lot of heat.
The sheep dont care if it is snowy or not. Last week they layed outside during the snow instead of sleeping in the barn. There was plenty of room but the do not mind cold. They are much more comfortable at 20 degrees than they are at 90. Julia and Billie are shut in the barn for the winter, not because of the weather but because they are retired from breeding and our buck, Hollywood, is in with all the show goats. Lambing starts in March and most of our kidding will be in June.
