I know it has been a long time since I have posted anything. It's hot out and I don't want to go outside again yet.
First thanks for checking in to see if I have posted anything.
It was great to meet our fans and followers that were able to get tickets for the Garden Festival tour.
I think I will just post about what a day in the life of Farmer John has.
Most mornings I am up at 2:30 am, Thursdays is 2:00 am. I wake myself up and am in the barn by 3:00. Bah-Bah greats me with his loud BLAAAAT. and then the kids and Chance all chime in.
I get the milking equipment ready and carry to the milking room. Wheel the bags of grain from the garage to the feed bins, feed the kids their grain and the barn is quiet again, somewhat. The yearlings are anxiuos to get theirs and to be milked. They are the first group, there are 20 in this group. They get milked, enough is saved and pastuerized for the kids that are still on milk. That is set aside and cooled for when I am done with milking. Next comes the older girls they are 2 years old to 8 years old. There are 62 in this group. It's now about 7 am. Feed the kids I feed, Jason has fed his last group of kids just about weaned and has started doing the "dishes" as he calls washing up the milking equipment. I feed hay and make sure all is well with water, feed the laying hens if Jason hasn't and the chicks. Now it's time to feed me.
After breakfast I usually try to take a nap for at least an hour. Check my e-mails write checks for bills.
Now it's time to do any lawn mowing or weed whacking or barn cleaning.
When we need to Jason and I go to town to get groceries and any supplies from the local feed stores.
Then by 2:30-3:00 pm it starts all over again. I do have my fathers help and most afternoons my nephew Jacob comes after school to help. This cuts out about a half hour to 45 minutes of my work load. Some nights I'll do a little more mowing or weed whacking if it really needs it. Otherwise we go in for dinner and some down time.
Thursdays I am up earlier to make sure I have enough milk for the Cajeta milk run. Brent and Stephane need it ready by 6 am to get to Kingston on time.
There are other things that get done in between too. Milk pick up days requires washing the milk tank. Fence may need repair, vaccinations, dehorning, etc.......
I hope to get my kids for sale list out there at some point.
Thanks for staying with us.
John
Thank Goodness, you are back to posting! :)
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I watch FBB just to see you, the goats and Polka Spot. (Please don't tell Polka Spot I put her last!) I have goats as well and if I got a chance to visit up there, I would spend the whole time in the barn!
I understand your schedule...I get up at 3:30 am to feed and milk. It's worth it, though, as goats are wonderful animals!
Hi Farmer John,So glad to see you here. You have such a busy life it's no wonder you even have time to think! I was a little disapointed with this years show...there wasn't enough of you and the animals...I could watch them all day! I haven't forgotten about buying a few goats just trying to put a few $ aside.Stay happy and say hi to the girls from me and my gang.
ReplyDeleteHi Farmer John,
ReplyDeleteThanks for waiving to me and trying to coax Polka Spot out of the barn last Friday. Even though the little devil wouldn't come out in the rain I was happy enough when you waived. It's wonderful that you and Jason are so dedicated to your goats. Keep blogging....your fans really enjoy it!
John,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy watching the show and especially your story and the goaties. I have a small goat herd (100 depending on kidding season). I know how labor intensive it is and love to know that it's not just me. Like you said "some people are just goat people". It makes all the work worth while when you see their little faces. Goodluck with the kidding season. We have started here a few days ago with triplet boys. They are darling!
John...please update! WE MISS YOU AND JASON!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, your web page is down...did you move it?