Through the magic of Craigslist... we have been blessed with batches of free excellent goat and sheep feed in the form of tree trimmings. This time we got a call about a huge willow tree that was being trimmed back. Tree trimmings are great supplemental food for sheep and goats (as well as horses and hogs as a treat) as long as they have never been sprayed. Trees tend to be organic anyway, as most people have no reason to spray trees in their yards. Nevertheless, always best to make sure.
We loaded our trailer full of branches and leaves tonight At the end of the day we had loaded about 90% of the pile that was waiting for us. Tomorrow they finish trimming the tree and e can expect about that much again!
We would like to say a heart felt thank you to everyone that is donating tree trimmings to the farm. We use the leaves for feed, and then the bark cleaned branches go into the chipper to become clean bedding. that way nothing goes to waste!
For the goats, we expect the constant diet that includes tree trimmings will increase the milk supply without feeding grain. We prefer to not feed grain as a regular food, as it isnt what the goats would eat naturally in the wild. In cows the feed drastically changes the quality of the milk, and we expect the same from goats. Grass fed cow milk is completely different from grain fed cow milk, so leave and grass fed goat milk likely has the same benefit. We are investigating the difference and the ability to produce milk without grain. so far the results are promising.
So.. for now.. we go out once a week or so and retrieve a load of fresh organic tree trimmings! ITs actually easier than loading bales of hay :)
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| Kaelyn collecting pine needles |
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| the tree it all came from |
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| The pile when we started |
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| Loading branches.. what a workout! |
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| Hunter sure enjoys farm work! |
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| Levi prefers chasing bugs and collecting things |
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| The pile shrinking slowly |
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| Heave ho! |
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| Kaelyn meticulously cleaning her pine needles |
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| How much more is there?!?! |
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| Finally her needles are ready to take home |
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| What is this young fellow concentrating on? |
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| Dont worry Dad, I can do this |
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