tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9027191706980748713.post8595325049721986784..comments2023-09-29T18:37:14.377+10:00Comments on Eight Acres: Farm update - March 2014Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9027191706980748713.post-51196189734157382792014-03-07T06:57:51.087+10:002014-03-07T06:57:51.087+10:00I know what you mean about the farmers! They must ...I know what you mean about the farmers! They must be a tough lot because I get depressed every harsh summer and we have income coming in. Congrats on Grassroots! We're off to the library today. I'll have to have a look.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10975556587020883049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9027191706980748713.post-20472839536339795742014-03-06T12:12:55.050+10:002014-03-06T12:12:55.050+10:00So interesting to read about your struggles and th...So interesting to read about your struggles and the terrible drought. Down here in Melbourne, it's generally been pretty mild and not as dry as previous years. I love sunflower seeds in bread!thingsforboyshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11025820476772182937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9027191706980748713.post-4883416835050683762014-03-06T06:31:08.412+10:002014-03-06T06:31:08.412+10:00Hi Liz, Have you looked at sprouting grain for the...Hi Liz, Have you looked at sprouting grain for the house cow? Hay has a very low energy value and is far more expensive per Kilo Joule. Cattle only need a small amount of roughage (hay) to accompany the sprouted grain which spins out your supply. We soak 5 kg of Oats each day and then 24 hours later drain it and let it sit for another 24 hours. It is then fed out to our three cattle with a very small splash of molasses and a small biscuit of hay. The process doesn't require much effort at all and their condition is exceptionally good. There is still enough roughage in the paddocks for them to fill their stomachs. We don't believe in feeding out straight grain but sprouted grain is very immature grass and at that point the carbohydrate has convereted to sugar and it contains the highest concentration of minerals and vitamins. Even though we have had rain the grass will not have any body in it for a couple more weeks. By delaying putting them into new paddocks there is time to allow the paddocks to fully recover and build bulk and feed value.JohnandJeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06506275036086045557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9027191706980748713.post-11868477898212594242014-03-05T21:57:31.495+10:002014-03-05T21:57:31.495+10:00Hi Liz, sorry to hear you might have to sell your ...Hi Liz, sorry to hear you might have to sell your cattle, will you be keeping any for breeding? It is really dry here too and although we have had about 5 mls of rain over the last few days it has not even penetrated the soil. We will probably be killing our last cow earlier than expected due to the lack of feed too. Your bread looks great is it yeasted or sourdough?Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9027191706980748713.post-43826186513329578472014-03-05T13:07:32.396+10:002014-03-05T13:07:32.396+10:00Hi Liz,our farm looked much the same as yours and ...Hi Liz,our farm looked much the same as yours and we were considering selling our cattle - now everything is green here again. I really hope you get some rain soon - I know how it feels. Here's hoping you get some rain soon.xKimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09958193502828236814noreply@blogger.com