Feedlot Finale

Today marked the last day of our 2015 feed-lotting endeavour! As the last five decks were trucked out early this morning, Heidi yelled "Have a good trip cows", Darryn muttered "Good riddance!"

 

After approximately 140 days, five mobs totalling about 300 head, excellent cattle prices have certainly made it all very worth while!  However, come 3pm this afternoon (normal feed-up time) I fear Darryn may have slight withdrawals from the routine that has made up every day of the last 140! It has certainly helped us through the extended dry period that greeted us as winter weather gave way to warmer days, which failed to yield rain until most recently.  These last animals to go were actually cull cows that we gave only 40 days on feed to just get the required 3mm of fat over their rumps so that they could be offloaded many months ahead of when they normally would have been fit for sale.  This in turn has freed up room and grass so that we are able to keep and join more maiden heifers.  So this morning it was all hands on deck as trucks were loaded, mixers were put in the shed, grain silos closed up and the gates to the feedlot chained shut. Job Done! :-)

 

However, the feedlot has not been totally forgotten with preparations being made to plant the crop that will make silage for next year's ration.  The new plough had its maiden voyage around the paddock, Daddy recruited his little 2IC to help pass the time in a job which he does not derive a great deal of excitement from.  Lewis was a little put out about having to stay in the buggy with Mum.  He is starting to make noise when he hears any piece of machinery start up, obviously decided he is old enough to participate in whatever adventure awaits.

We have been lucky enough to measure some rain around the place - totals varying from 70mm out the back to 54mm here at the house.  A wonderful relief and a great excuse to go driving with Dad, checking all the rain gauges.

This little boy slept in until 8am the other morning!  With Heidi's and my day well underway at that hour he enjoyed his breakfast on the lawn while we gardened.  As you can see he was pretty happy with the change of scenery!

And finally with the festive season upon us we have been partaking in a little Christmas craft.  I have a lot of trouble keeping paint and glue off kids and on projects but as you can see we ended up with some cute little trinkets which Heidi has been showing off to anyone and everyone.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS