Goodbye Steers

Our two steers were slaughtered last week, on the 9th.

You might be wondering what Seppi is doing in the willow tree.

He is trimming willow shoots.

We cut a big pile of them to feed to the steers when the slaughter team arrived. They love it, they eat it like candy. Partially it’s a last treat for them, and partially it’s guaranteed to make them stand stock still right next to the gate so the guy can get a clean shot.

Of course the kids were sorry to see them go, but they have known since we bought them that their purpose was to become beef. Meanwhile, the regular work of the farm goes on. We harvested the last of the peas and pulled the vines. Partially this is because the they were done for the years (peas don’t do well past the 4th of July, usually. Too hot for them). Partially it was to cover up the compost because we put the contents of the steer stomachs in them. Partially digested grass will be a huge boost of nitrogen and beneficial bacteria to the pile, but it also stinks, and attracts flies. So we made sure to bury it under a big pile of pea plants, then tossed a few bushels of old bedding on that, and then a few bags of lawn clippings as well. That may keep the flies down.

Seppi really loves those brush loppers. Back at the house we finally got around to pruning the rhododendrons and lilacs, and Seppi was all about it.

He went to town on the lilac suckers behind the shed.

Don’t worry folks. They’ll be back.