Converting to sand bedding

We're doing a big project - changing the barn to sand bedding! (It is a popular choice due to cleanliness and cow comfort.) This means we have to remove the free stalls and mattresses, cut the concrete, remove sections of concrete, pour a concrete curb, replace mattresses ... plus many other steps. Beach for cows, coming up.

It was a lot of work for our team to remove the free stalls and mattresses - and to be careful with them because we're going to reuse them.  Then we brought in a local company to do the cement work.  This was yesterday:











And 24 hours later, the cement is removed, and the curb is halfway done.









We're doing half of the barn at a time.  They are moving quickly.  And ...



It's not bad outside, either.

Also, Kris and Jake were putting the calves from last year out on pasture while I was running by.  Three ran through the fence and I ran to help get them back in.  Running after cattle is so different than running on the road.  First, sprint to the right spot.  Second, crawl under a fence.  Third, race a heifer so she doesn't go into the woods to be lost forever.  Fourth, hop a stream to herd them in the right direction.  Fifth, get manure (or mud) on your shoes.  It's hard to tell without smelling them. Repeat steps 1-5. Sixth, ask Kris for a ride home because after all of that, you're late!

Want to know more about the farm?  Like the page on Facebook, on Twitter @carlashelley, or sign up to get the blog by email - the form is on the right side of the page.