Friday 14 February 2014

not the usual grocery bill...........

Grocery shopping for the cows..........
Never had a road train in my garden..........
Just to put things into perspective so you can understand some things about a drought........
This hay load is close enough to $11000 ($137/head)
This will keep the cows alive for a bit over 2-3 months depending on how much we have to feed out............our 80 cows are separated into 4 mobs.........since they are just about to calve or they are feeding a calf they need 1/2 a bale of hay/mob every 2 days............but we will see how they go on getting 1/2 a bale every 3 days...........each bale weighs just over 1/2 a tonne............not so easy to feed out since we don't have a front end loader to lift them around...........we borrowed the neighbours to unload the truck......
Didn't take long for the cows to find the hay that had dropped off the side brushing past the tree......once this hay is gone the cows will probably be gone............
Catch you later
Chookyblue

27 comments:

Grethe said...

My Valentine 's heart goes to you, glad to see the hay, hoping it will last a long time and that water is close by,xx.

Beeshebags said...

Such hard times for farmers everywhere....it must be really hard to see all your hard work and $'s going to waste. Big hugs

Nomes x

Maria said...
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Maria said...

Let's pray the rain comes before the hay goes. XXX

Susan said...

Hard to even comprehend that amount of feed......or the cost. X

The Naturalist's Daughter said...

Praying for rain for you and everyone.

Susan said...

Holy Moly... It doesn't go far does it....just watched your hubby explain that you had only just run out of your own hay, after about 7 years - that is a lot of squirreling away - hard to believe that the "admin" bosses think you don't know how to safe guard against droughts.

Mad about Craft said...

I am so worried for both you drought ridden farmers and our flooded farmers - it is a very mad world at present!

Denice Barker said...

I don't even know what to say that hasn't been said but want you to know I'm praying for you all.

Susan In Texas said...

Our weather here in Texas is finally starting to warm up after an unusually cold and icy winter, so I'm praying yours will start to cool off into a lovely rainy autumn. Some government help would be nice too, sigh, but I really doubt they would listen to me.

Thinking of you,
Susan in Texas

Sue SA said...

I hope you get some rain, the radar looks a bit promising. But I guess when in drought "a bit" is never enough.

Googy Girl said...

Here s hoping that the rain comes soon and that's the last road train in your garden..... You guys must have a big shed to store that in

Ali Honey said...

That's a huge added expense. I hope it tides you over.
I find it hard to fathom how you cope - not at all sure I would.
Wishing you rain and rain and rain.

Unknown said...

Far out.... the cost... $1000 a week for hay. Plus all the other things you feed them. More power to you girl, Sharyn:)

Fiona said...

It's good to see the reality of life for you although it is also tough to see it...
Hugz

maggie said...

Dear Chooky,

Everyday I read your updates and I want to post something and then I think to myself , What can I say to you that hasn't been said.
My heart aches for you and I am praying and expecting relief soon for you all.
best love
maggie

maggiemine42@gmail.com

Jan said...

Wow, Chooky, I've never seen so much hay in one go. I do hope you get good rain before it runs out. I bet the cows are happy. Thank you for sharing the reality of your life at present. Fingers crossed that the politicians are paying attention. Sending you good luck wishes and a big hug.

Jan said...
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Raewyn said...

The hay would have been a sight for sore eyes; both yours and the cattles'. Good that is there is some in the country that is available. Hope it lasts well and some rain kicks in soon.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

The cows will be happy....still hoping for rain here....have you had any x

Salley said...

Such heartache for you guys.
Ardmona workers shout out loud and get a huge injection of funds so they dont lose their jobs......
and
...you farming families need relief too.
Those poor hungry cows. Hope it rains immediately.

Pam said...

I am so saddened to read how terrible this drought has been for all of you. Such a tragic event. It must just break your heart when you are feeding those little calves. My prayers go out that you get real rain soon.

Nicky said...

I'm thankful that there is still hay that can be sourced, I guess it's in short supply though? Road trains are impressive, something we don't see quite that big here. Hope you don't ever have to see another one in your garden! Come on Mother Nature, bring on the rain....thinking of you Chooky...

Joolz said...

This is what people don't understand - $11,000 just to keep your stock alive for a few months - and you are paying interest on that $11,000.
The cattle will be happy with fuller bellies and I hope they put on some condition so that when its time to sell, you get a decent price for all this work, worry and heartache. Hoping you'll get some of the rain coming from the West, we surely missed it down in the bottom of SA whereas Adelaide had flooding. Go figure!

Jewells said...

Keep reading your blog and hoping and praying you got some of this rain today (Sunday). First time we have had rain this year and a long time before that...however we aren't as dry as you... hang in there!

DAWNIE said...

Oh wow the cows will be over the moon with some new fresh hay. I do hope you get some of the rain coming through

Janice said...

Thank goodness you were able to get onto some hay. Let's hope it is the last you need to get you through. Any luck with the Molasses? Thinking of you, as always.