Margali's Griffin Wood Ranch

[KodeshAcres]

2024 Review
Tons of babies born this year. Life on and off the farm has been utter chaos.

• Livestock Guardian Dogs
  • Hera passed from old age.
  • Leo failed as a LGD and is now a family dog and massive headache.
• Spring Predator Attack
• Adult sheep
  • Cassandra got Scarf from @Baymule
  • Sold registered ram Mr Snickers and
  • Sold 3 registered ewes to @KodeshAcres
• Lambs
  • 2024 lambing - 17 lambs born
    • 3 died before weaning (1 stillborn, 1 eye/infection, 1 heatstroke?)
    • 2 lost to predator attack (wether, 2402 Vanilla)
    • 3 ewes retained for breeding (2410 Coconut, 2411 Socks, 2417 Gell)
    • 1 retained ram lamb (2415 Albus)
    • 2 registered ewes sold (2406 Cocoa, 2416 Gywnn)
    • 6 sold for meat
  • Sold registered ewe 2302 Cinnamon to @Baymule

We are happy to have a flock from you, thank you

 

[Margali]

I spent some time yesterday cleaning up the sheep area and setting up my hay tent. I spent $1,047 to buy hay last year. Most of that was square bales at $14/each from feed store. I can get it $8-$10 from local farmers but need to store it. That was higher than normal due to spring lockdown with predator issues and swampy rain.

I will still buy 1 load of round bales for the self serve winter hay buffet. I pulled tarps off ends and they feed themselves. I’m making sure bale wrap is trimmed up out of reach.

 

[Baymule]

Get ready for the big freeze coming at us.

 

[Margali]

Hay tent is up and handling the 38mph wind gusts okay. Trick is to upgrade the wimpy earth anchors and use smooth headed sheet metal screws to join the frame pieces.

When fabric sun rots in a couple of years, I’ll put tin on it. Can beat it for $200 including the extra anchors and screws.

 

[Baymule]

It looks good!

 

[Margali]

And I’m picking up hay today. We are supposed to have snow on Wednesday night so work is freaking out.

 

[Margali]

I feel rich. Mouse control inspecting mid load. 21 coastal bales for $160.

 

[Baymule]

That’s a good price for the square bales.

 

[Margali]

Yep, $7.62 vs $14 each at farm store. A bundle of 21 is at max weight on my little trailer.

They also sell alfalfa by bundle or individual for $18. I’m think about switch the show sheep to alfalfa in combo with the 15% protein Martindale sheep & goat. I can’t find high protein feed that isn’t medicated around here.

 

[Baymule]

I bought alfalfa for this cold spell we are having to give the girls some extra nutrition. It’s high, but it helps. Plus all the grass hay they want and I let them out on the field.
I think your plan of adding alfalfa is a good one. Alfalfa is a complete feed. People who say they never grain their sheep, they only get hay, ask them what KIND of hay. My mind goes to grass hay, but in other areas alfalfa is the same price as grass hay is here. So yeah, they don’t have to feed grain to condition their sheep.