Before the fateful power outtage a couple of weeks ago, I had planned a winter chore post. However, not all of my pictures were recovered, so here is a sketchy view of what winter feeding entails. Nate uses all his weight and strength to pull hay from half ton bales placed by the tractor. Behind him (in pictures that I lost) is the calf corral. He simply turns around with a forkful and places it in the feeder. Once the calves are fed we cross the corral, climb a fence, and enter the cow (Mama Cows) corral.

Then pass through a gate to the alley and haystack. Nate and our oldest cowboy determine where to take the hay from.

Then with pitchforks the hay is spread in the alley for the Mama Cows.

These are some happy cows. While they and the calves are happily eating, we focus on the iced-over watering troughs. More lost pictures. What you don’t see is Nate and the children breaking the ice and using pitch forks to toss chunks of ice out of the trough before filling them again.

Now it’s time to feed the horses and bull. Each gets their own individual spot of hay. They don’t like to share. Wish I had the photo where you could see the bull and each horse spread out munching their personal meals. Or the one showing the bull’s approach after Nate dropped a pile of hay for him. Alas, maybe another time. Use your imagination. This is why Nate works all hours of the night to bring in the hay during the summer.

There’s always time for sledding after morning chores.

(At least during the holidays when school is out.)