Science and money - I am through listening to the big money boys and I am through spending it. BSE has turned me into a cheap skate - and it has had some benefits.
We have one 150 acre pasture that was over run with willow and some type of blue flowered weed. Local boys wanted a ton of money to come in and spray it off.
I turned the cows into it early when the weeds were tender and the willows just starting to leaf out. Kept the girls there for about a week longer than normal. They had to eat the stuff or go hungry. So being cows - they ate.
We then took them off long enough for the pasture to start to recover - and turned them in again for a period of time that forced them to eat everything.
Over the past two years we have continued this plan.
Today the willows are pretty much gone and the weeds have never had a chance to go to seed - so they too have disappeared.
We are now down to almost a straight grass - and yes - dandelion pasture. The cows love it and I have saved a fair dollar. Dandelions are probably my next target, but the cows eat them and seem to really like them - so I am in no hurry to push this one.
I listened to the scientists and the "special advisors" for years. Spent money that I should have saved. Now I could use that money.
The next target is another pasture that is overgrown with Golden Rod. I think I can turn that into a straight grass pasture in three years.
Funny thing is the cows seem to be doing as well now as when we were spending the big bucks. Pastures are better now than ever. I have come to the conclusion that I will continue to keep my money in my pocket and control the pastures my way from now on.
Bez
We have one 150 acre pasture that was over run with willow and some type of blue flowered weed. Local boys wanted a ton of money to come in and spray it off.
I turned the cows into it early when the weeds were tender and the willows just starting to leaf out. Kept the girls there for about a week longer than normal. They had to eat the stuff or go hungry. So being cows - they ate.
We then took them off long enough for the pasture to start to recover - and turned them in again for a period of time that forced them to eat everything.
Over the past two years we have continued this plan.
Today the willows are pretty much gone and the weeds have never had a chance to go to seed - so they too have disappeared.
We are now down to almost a straight grass - and yes - dandelion pasture. The cows love it and I have saved a fair dollar. Dandelions are probably my next target, but the cows eat them and seem to really like them - so I am in no hurry to push this one.
I listened to the scientists and the "special advisors" for years. Spent money that I should have saved. Now I could use that money.
The next target is another pasture that is overgrown with Golden Rod. I think I can turn that into a straight grass pasture in three years.
Funny thing is the cows seem to be doing as well now as when we were spending the big bucks. Pastures are better now than ever. I have come to the conclusion that I will continue to keep my money in my pocket and control the pastures my way from now on.
Bez