Every by-line farmer , from neophyte to old - timekeeper , has a metaphorical bag of tricks : a diverse collection of clever strategies , technique and tools that aid us redeem time , frustration , money , or even living and limb while handle for our livestock , crop and farms .
When we start out as farmers , our udder tend to be on the cheeseparing side ( I know mine was ) , and the new trick we see often dazzle us into “ Wow , I never thought to render that before ! ” moments . But soon , our bag fatten up with a deal of trick gleaned from books , ag magazines , site , classes , other farmers and a unfaltering dieting of first - helping hand , heavily - earned , often test - and - error experience . Enough time goes by , and we may follow to take our own ofttimes - used methods for granted — their dazzle dims — and even call back our bag are full . Like Mary Poppins ’s bottomless carpet bag , though , a farmer ’s bag of tricks always has elbow room for more .
We asked 10 farmers across the United States to dip into their own bags and pull out a favourite john to share . experience free to serve yourself to whatever tricky technique or tool might jibe your farm . ( I project to do the same . ) Who knows ? The results could be double-dyed magic
1 . Stick to a Routine“People always ask me how I can influence full prison term and still take care of a farm , but because I grew up on one and realize how things influence , I can be really effective . Most of import — I do the same routine every day . Horses love a subroutine , and when they can anticipate what make out next , it makes things easy and then ordinarily nothing will happen to make me late for work . One time , though , the neighbor ’s pigs escaped and tried to run into the horse b . I ’m running around screaming at these big pigs , ‘ You ’re not go into my barn ! ’ until lastly the owner come and got them . I was late for workplace that mean solar day . ”
— Pam Gras works as an occupational therapist and be in a converted barn home on 6 - acre Clearwater Farm in Wakefield , N.H. , with her golden retriever , three cats and four horses ( who domicile in their own barn ) .
2 . jazz Your Preferences and Your pig
“ Get to know your pig , and let them get to bang you . peach to your pigs and announce your presence when you are go about their pens . They will learn to recognize your interpreter and will sense safe . Do n’t intentionally make loud noises or upset them , as they will shy away from you next time you fare around . When you are done handling them , give them a bit of food as a advantage .
“ cop number in all form , sizes and colors . Choosing a pig [ breed ] that matches not only your farming method but also your personal penchant is authoritative . Pigs chosen for predilection will bring you a sense of pride , and you will take better care of them . While druthers is of import , attempt to be objective with your requirements . Many people have colouration predilection or sizing orientation . Choose the stock that equal your personality , but also choose the unspoiled beast in that breed . ”
— Bret Kortie is the co - rancher , along with Arie McFarlen , Ph.D. ( author of Hobby Farms Pigs ) , ofMaveric Heritage Ranch Co.inSouth Dakota , a spread dedicated to save and promote endangered stock strain .
3 . buy Your Cattle with Bread
“ When it ’s fourth dimension to work our cattle and sura , we just call them into the corral from their 53 - acre pasture . What persuades them to hail in ? Inexpensive bread and tail from the day - old bread entrepot — an irresistible treat ! We can safely separate cattle by throw out clams to other areas , and it ’s invaluable for keep mama cow in use while we ’re doctoring or tagging her baby . True base hit in the field ! During our farm tour of duty , the nipper larn the ‘ cattle call ’ and are delighted to see the cows running in from the fields to feed bread from their hands . ”—Cher Boisvert - Tanley , a retired chiropractor and rodeo doctor , runsChestnut Hill Ranch Bed & Breakfastin Tennessee with her hubby , George . Along with tending to their animals , the firmly - work couple host wedding , farm spell and other event .
4 . Herd Ducks with a Light - verge
“ To protect ducks from nocturnal predators such as raccoons , Fox , bobcats , coyotes , skunks and hooter , they should be locked in a predator - proof enclosure every night . In many locales , the safe strategy is to put them inside at least a half - hour before shadow . If you ’re belated put them in their nighttime quarters , ducks can range a fair distance from base since they ’re enthusiastic forager of earthworms and other delicacies that emerge at nightfall . [ If this happens , ] a good torch with a hard beam can be used as a low-cal - wand to herd them back to their natural enclosure . By shining the lightheaded several feet behind the duck’s egg , you may guide them to their twenty-five percent ( but do n’t shine the visible radiation direct at them , as this can make panic and sprinkling ) . With the right flashlight , salutary technique and a little exercise , you may conglomerate a unconnected good deal of forage ducks from several acres in just a few minutes . ”
— Dave Holderread is the source of Storey ’s Guide to Raising Ducks ( 2000 ) and The Book of Geese : A Complete Guide to Raising the Home Flock ( Hen House Publishing , 1981 ) . He and his wife , Millie , arouse more than 45 water bird stock and varieties atHolderread Waterfowl Farm & Preservation Centerin Corvallis , Ore.5 . Paint Your Cows
“ To help me key out cattle out in the field , I just spray them with Quik Shot Livestock Marking Paint , which comes in brilliant fluorescent colors . If I have someone new do job for me , this help them , too , because to someone who does n’t know the herd , they all seem likewise . I might number the cows , or if the cow is named Evie , I might spray an E on her . It ’s also an easy agency to identify an animal going off to calve , or to keep track of one coming into heat . I ’ve even had neighbour stop and say , ‘ It look like # 3 is cash in one’s chips to be calving soon . ’ One time , I had this fantastic advertising mind : I ’d put a letter on each animal , and my kine would be walk billboards . But then my neighbour asked me , ‘ What ’s TEA FEBE ? ’ They were hypothesise to import out EAT beef cattle ! Cows do n’t sleep with how to spell … or do they ? ”
— Kathi Jurkowski has raised Belted Galloway cattle on Klover Korners Farm in Rockton , Ill. , for more than 20 class . She exhort hobby Fannie Farmer to teach more about this audacious old Scottish breed and — sorry , kine — energy - efficient convertor of grass to tasty , warm beef atwww.beltie.org .
