Trample and Graze

One aspect of the work we are currently doing with the cows is getting a thick layer of grass, thistle, and other biomatter to cover the soil. By doing this we hope to encourage greater soil health and thus better plant and animal health.

Right now it looks pretty good. Through our grazing practices, most places have the desired ground cover. The idea is that by covering the soil, we are promoting microbial life that in turn creates better soil. By keeping the ground cool and protected from the sun, it is better suited for bugs and other microbes to flourish. It also helps retain greater amounts of water and reduce evaporation that may be caused by direct sun light. When it rains, the ground will be in a much better condition to absorb water rather then have it run off.

I am trying to document our progress somehow. I've been taking pictures of the ground cover in the different areas that we have grazed. I hope to be able to compare the pictures with some other data and try to figure out what we are looking for, visually, when we are out there with the cows.

Escape Artists

Yesterday, Joe and I went over to look at the cows and to open up some more fences. Upon our arrival we found a totally destroyed poly-wire reel right in front of the gate. After the initial irritation we rolled up what remained of the reel and proceeded towards the cows. What we found was the other half of the reel clinging to a destroyed fence. Almost all the cows were out.

We spent the morning gathering up the cows, bringing them to water, and rebuilding some fence. Some days, it seems like no matter what we do, the cows always get out. Escape artists.

Today, Joe's nephew, his friend, and I went over the the KT and built some fence to get ahead for the week. Tomorrow afternoon I'll be running the farmer's market in downtown Hollister and won't have much time to spend with the cows. Also, Thursday is a delivery day in the Bay Area, so Joe and I will be making our rounds all day.