The corn from last year’s purchased kernels is growing well in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th rows. Only 3 of the remaining kernels from Simply Irresistible sprouted in the first two rows. We will most probably convert the first two rows to string beans if more corn sprouts before our bean seeds arrive.
Our goats now follow the Intimidator (electric buggy) around the yard and go under it for shade if we stop in the goat yard. To prevent running over the goats, we now throw corn away from the buggy to get them to move. Going through a gate is also truly a pain. I now understand why cattle farmers use cattle guards. Since goats can hop and leap and stand on practically any perch, I don’t think a cattle guard is in our future. I guess we best keep corn in a bucket when we go into the goat yard with the Intimidator (buggy).
Red Ants are an invasive species and spread quickly on any property. The sting is painful to humans. Red ants are also one of the causes for the reduction in the Mississippi Quail population. We use Amdro whenever we see a red ant pile. The ants take the Amdro to the queen and she dies and the colony ceases to exist. The yellow sprinkles on top of this ant hill are Amdro. We find at least one ant hill and usually several ant hills every time we visit the farm. Too bad we don’t have stock in Amdro.
Our large fig tree is not recovering well from the very late freeze. This tree was in full bloom when the freeze hit. The tree lost all of its leaves and the end of the branches died. The tips of the branches do not have leaves and will need to be trimmed. Fruit was abundant last year and it hard to find fruit on this tree this year. The fruit that is present is small and still green. I guess we need to wait until next year for a decent fig crop. Look through the slides below. We did find a few figs.
#1. Skippy and Butter #2#3- Butter, #4#5 Padme and Skippy #6 Padme, Skippy and Butter. These are our three goats who sky away form us instead of trying to get close. Skippy and Padme will eat from your had. Butter will not even eat from your hand. Butter just needs a little more attention and time. #7 is Einstein who loves all the attention she can get.
Goats will stay in a herd the majority of time. Even if the goats are eating corn in one spot and one of the goats leaves for another spot, the herd will most probably leave the corn and follow. They are very much into “the grass is greener on the other side”. There are exceptions, but rarely will a goat go off alone. Goats will also stay with their closest relatives even when in proximity of the herd. This short clip illustrates this. All of the goats in the herd are within 15 feet of each other and yet the goats have divided up into family units. The first group of 3 is composed of Miracle and her twins, April and Fool. The second group of two is composed to Skippy and Padme who no longer have any close relatives in the group. The third group is composed of April and Butter (these are the two remaining from a group of triplets. Last in this video you see the twins Tsunami and Einstein who have no other relatives in this herd.
English Tip of the Day:
If anyone tells you something that you already know, just respond with “thank you”. Responding with “I know” is rude and will keep that person from ever informing you of something you may not know in the future. Instead of being defensive, be open to the possibility that the person giving you advice is offering their help, not demeaning you. “Thank you” in work, sports, and play will take you a lot further in life than “I KNOW”.