Winter has arrived on the farm. We had a quiet Thanksgiving and did as little work as we could. Our focus was mainly on getting all water pipes and pumps winterized so they would not freeze. It did get cold one morning; down to 18 degrees. That was enough to kill off the summer flowers in the garden.

Fence work continues and we are in the final stretch. The cold rainy days have made it more difficult. We spent most of the week working on a wash-out at Rocky Branch. A small spring branch that runs a trickle normally, from a spring, turns into a 4-5 ft wall of water in rains. Everything we have build has been washed away. Once again we are taking this on in a temporary fashion as we look for a permanent fix (low cost one). If only we had some stimulus funds.

The cattle are eating lots of hay and getting some alfalfa. The bulls get a regular ration of alfalfa as we get them ready for breeding season. We still have baby calves at the barn near the house to entertain cabin quests, but I think we shall soon send them to Rocky Branch. It is time they join the other boys and girls.

Other than that dang coyote killing a heifer calf,not much really exciting has happened. When you lose a heifer it is a terrible financial loss. Heifers are valuable as breeding stock or as a calf factory if retained for 12-15 years.