Raised Beds, Bloat Blocks, and Broodmares

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This past week, I got to help make raised garden beds for host’s garden. We are planning to try a different weed prevention tactic in each garden bed, including wood chips, cardboard, and weed barrier. These tactics were learned from another farmer who’s raised bed were covered by a greenhouse. For this reason, I believe these tactics may not work as well because the beds will be exposed to new seeds blown into the garden or dropped from birds.

My host and I also visited and toured the gardens in Lander belonging to Central Wyoming College. Although gardening is not my favorite activity, this experience taught me a lot of different growth methods and commercial harvesting processes. The gardens in Lander had several examples of innovation and creativity, such as a lettuce spinner made out of an old washing machine. These projects showed me how many items can be repurposed instead of thrown away.

I also went with my host to look at some new pasture to lease for our cattle. We had to troubleshoot around some alfalfa and weeds that could cause health problems or bloating in our cows. Although nothing has been done yet, we decided on either bloat blocks or cutting alfalfa to allow it to dry before being consumed. When it comes to noxious weeds, I am wondering what the best tactics are for control. On many operations herbicide use is customary, but my host does not use herbicides, which has taught me many other methods. One method to control weeds is to cut the weeds before they form seed heads and reproduce. Learning about toxic weeds and plants that can cause health issues in livestock has been a lesson that will help me grow healthy livestock if /when I have my own cattle.

The cattle on the farm have been consuming a large amount of minerals, they seem to be consuming more than normal and are finishing their usual amount twice as fast. I am wondering if their high consumption of minerals could be related to a deficiency elsewhere in their diet. Correcting any deficiencies that could be causing an increased mineral consumption could save money on salts and minerals by bringing their consumption back to usual levels.

I also had the opportunity to help our neighbor take photos of her horses to be posted on her horse sale website. This experience taught me a lot about marketing and the horse industry. I now know what some of the common things buyers are looking for and how the quality of a photo can determine if your horse sells. Our neighbor also taught me how to recognize signs of impending foaling in mares, which is a critical skill in a breeding operation.

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