Sunday, October 27 began the first snowfall of the season. We were driving north, towards home, from Bozeman, ending another football weekend when we hit the weather wall. The temperature dropped and the cold northeast wind slapped our cheeks with a wintery wakeup call.
The snow began in the afternoon, striking the north-country first. By Monday morning we had about two inches on the ground, and some minor drifts. The temperature went from the upper 50s/low 60s to highs in the low to mid 20s overnight. It feels wintery. The Farmers Almanac said it is supposed to be a rough winter this year, so I guess it?s getting started early.
Our calves shipped out last Thursday so we are left with just the mama cows, who we hope are now pregnant again. They?ll calve in March, like every year. Jeff and I again have the replacement calves at our place to overwinter. At this point in their lives, the calves are like preschoolers; they are energetic, excitable and nervous, but very curious.
Winter wheat planted earlier this fall should surely go dormant now. It will sprout again in the spring, spurred by warming temperatures and longer days. Winter wheat reminds me of a phoenix. It seemingly dies in the fall only to rise again and reach its full potential in spring and summer.
We spent time on Friday before heading to Bozeman winterizing machinery and the yard in preparation for the first snow of the season. I finally got around to pulling the dead tomato plant stalks and other dried stems from our container garden, and I learned how to use the weed whacker to do a little trimming around the yard. Jeff worked on machinery and moving rigs and implements into winter storage. We joked that perhaps we need the threat of a winter storm every weekend to keep us on track with chores and yard work.
Agriculture is married to the seasons and the weather. We cultivate life, either in plant or animal form, following the parameters set by the weather. Seasons change and cycles of life continue and repeat. Sometimes, like this past weekend, the weather kicks us into gear and reminds us where we should have been all along.
I always love seeing the pictures of your happy barn!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jim! This barn makes me happy every day! It is pretty photogenic, too. ;)
ReplyDeleteAgreed! What a happy barn :)
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