And We're Off!

Before we get going full speed ahead, we've got to make some fine tune adjustments.

repairing the semi so that grain doesn't spill out...

adjusting the grain bins and doing some necessary maintenance on them...

replacing the lugnuts on the combine...

And then it was time to begin! Harvest 2010

Jesse and Clay drove the grain cart while Seth and Jodie cut the perimeter of the field.

Now, Annie is on the combine trying to beat Bonnie, the tropical storm headed our way!

This is what we like to see!

Harvest Delayed

Since corn harvest has been delayed, all hands have been required at the hay field....

Beautiful skies with 100+ heat index...

Jesse loading the trailer.

Seth also loading the trailer so Jodie (scary, I know) can haul it to the hay trap.

Brittney and the men getting the tractor going so they can square bale some of the hay.

Hay is cut and waiting for the fluffer, rake, and baler to come through.

The cows are standing in the lane on the way to the hay trap keeping a close eye on their calves in the next pasture. We are in the process of weaning the calves and the mothers are staying close by.

Almost that time...

Harvest seems to come earlier every year. It is already that time again... or at least it's almost that time.

There's still a little green in the field

Seth checks the moisture on a corn sample. Almost ready...

Since the corn wasn't quite ready, Seth went on to check the progress of the soybeans. Looking good!

Next, it was time to wrap-up some dirt work on a drainage project.

Other farm happenings: 

• Mike, Zach and Brittney have been working in the hay field.
• Jesse has been spraying the beans with fungicide.
• Family visit! Jean and Matt, Julie, Taylor, Amanda, and Ellen (Taylor's girlfriend) came down for an extended weekend! Pictures from the fun-filled weekend will be posted soon!

Breaking news.......Tomorrow, harvest will officially begin in the 2,000 acre field. Check back for the latest.

Record Pace

Cow week was a success! We worked our entire herd in 2 days. A new farm record! The new sorting pen helped us greatly in accomplishing the arduous task of working such a large number of cattle. Here are some pictures from the 2 day extravaganza!

Dr. Character, Isabella, and Mr. David.

 Buddy in a staredown with a hefer.

Mike and Buddy getting ready for the next cow.

Brittney and Victoria keeping inventory.

Leonard, Zach and Seth

 Mike giving vaccines with Buddy's help.  

Isabella working the gates and keeping the cows moving.

Seth, Leonard and Zach pushing the cows thru.

Mrs. Annie showing Mr. Greg Powell the newest addition to the cattle pen.

Brittney keeping excellent records!

Buddy keeping the cows in line.

Victoria and Brittney.

              Zach and Seth .

Brittney, Isabella and Victoria

Mr. David and Dr. Character

Seth.

 

  Victoria and Mike scanning the calves.

Out with the old, In with the new and improved

Over the past couple of months, we have begun and nearly completed our new cattle pen! Under the lead of Mike and Seth, new plans were developed for a catch pen and sorting facility. Soon after the plans were in place, work began. First, we had to tear down the old facility. This was done in order to utilize the shade from the trees covering that area. The trees provide a cooler holding area for the cattle to wait to be processed. Next the pipe was laid out and welding began. After multpile trips to Illinois for additional pipe, long days in the sweltering heat, and countless Gatorades we are putting the final touches on the new and improved pen!

In addition to the new sorting pen, we added misters and shade panels to our exisiting cattle pen. This adds an element of safety and comfort for the cattle coming through the facility.

We will begin working cows this week so our new addition will be put to the test!

Welcome!

Welcome to Dee River Ranch's blog! This site is intended to inform friends, family, and other interested folks of the happenings around our farm. Check back often for pictures and details of daily operations and events. Don't forget to frequently check out our web site http://www.deeriverranch.com/.