up rain free and barn kept is important, due to nutrient loss of hay stored in the elements or rained
on before baling.
We tend to mix grass hay and legumes for winter feeding, here. Finding local legumes is a challenge
in our part of the country, but searching out hay dealers that haul in from other sources has
provided our farm with good western-grown alfalfa. I do continue to provide animals in stages of
growth, lactation, or late gestation with extra energy from grains. During days of stressful weather,
like the current week we must endure, the hay bunks here remain full to provide a buffet of sorts to
all who want to partake. Our herd has access to free choice loose goat mineral at all times and
animals on heavy grain intake have access to sodium bicarb, or baking soda, also.
The most vital component to a complete diet is a clean, fresh water source. Our barn is rather
primitive and yet to evolve to the current trends in electricity, running water, and heated water
elements that seem to be everywhere you look. So, multiple trips from the house with warm water
and ice breaking checks is a must. Icy water on a frigid day is not comfortable on you and I, so keep
in mind the animals having to drink this. If you have ponds in the pasture as your water source,
please keep the water on the edge bu