I don't really worry about the feed and minerals too much. We use Ranch-Way which is made in Fort Collins just a few miles away. So we have very easy access to the feed. But the hay and alfalfa, I think about. A lot.
Today we have 39 bales of hay and 10 bales of alfalfa. At a half-bale of hay per day and one bale of alfalfa per week, it should keep everyone well fed until mid-April-ish.
That means the hay we bought is lasting about as planned. However, now that I'm thinking about the idea of buying hay in April, I suspect I should buy enough to bridge us to August-ish then buy for a year at a time.
We are making an emergency run tomorrow. What I thought would get me through until mid-March...didn't. Argh! We have a new place to store the hay next year so I won't have to make mid-season trips next year. It's all a process.
ReplyDeleteNo kidding. Each year is a learning experience. I now know we can store a year's worth of hay.
ReplyDeleteI was so concerned about not having to buy in the middle of winter that I didn't realize that early spring wouldn't be much better. :-/
We are always needing to get more hay. As our herd grows, and the cold of winter sets in, we use more and more of it. Thankfully there is a farm less than 10 miles away that sells hay. And, there is a hay auction nearby every Monday afternoon. The down side is loading up the trailer with hay in the snow and slippery roads. My husband is on a hay run this afternoon (I *have* to work :) I actually do. When I can, I work my hours out so I can help, hay is a big job
ReplyDeleteI think counting bales of hay is a farmers duty :)
Cara
@Cara - stacking hay is a whole lotta work. So far it's been worth it to pay for delivery.
ReplyDeleteWe have a hay auction nearby too, but I haven't been there yet. Will have to check it out.