Are you my neighbor? Prairie Living
I hope this finds everyone enjoying the weather! Gearing up for harvest, school starting back up and fall colors! As the seasons start to slowly change, living in small town North Dakota has its perks and advantages! After all, if you remember from my first article I would’ve thought you were crazy if you told me I would end up here! :) Life on the prairie is slow and rewarding all wrapped into one! But in the end we keep believing we are right where we are meant to be! One door closes, just for two more to open with opportunity. Are you from out of state? Did you grow up in ND?
Growing up I never thought a neighbor would be defined as someone 15 miles away. Truth is, that’s just it! They are your neighbors, your “North Dakotan” neighbors and I truly can appreciate that! They say it takes a village, small town North Dakota has been a great lesson in that. Neighbors around here don’t hesitate to borrow equipment and the favor is then returned.
This winter we had been dreaming a lot about trips and attractions we would like to see this summer. I think anyone living in the north can relate to this! What is your favorite family attraction in the summer? Do you prefer to stay more locally or travel a further distance?
We are so excited to be able to invite our children to become part of our operation some day! They talk often about wanting their own cows! We would love for them to explore the ins and outs of ranching! We are involved with 4-H in our local town and love being able to share education adventures with them. We would love if just one person walks away learning something new! This goes for you, the reader as well! :)
The work on the ranch never ends. There is always fences to mend, more pasture to figure out, the best recording system to document births, pedigrees and shots as well as continuously discussing the best management for our growing business.
We have begun to think about the next phase of our operation. Growing our herd, learning from our mistakes and continuously providing for our farmstead. We do all of these things by keeping the waters full, alfalfa fed, and kids learning while they become so excited to help out! We have added an automatic waterer called a “Ritchie” which has been a great addition to our ranch.
This life is not easy, but I have learn so much within the last four years of being here. Taking a step back and realizing how much information I have absorbed and gathered has been incredible. As always there is much more to learn as I continue to grow as a ranchers wife.
Did you know ewes have a gestation of 147 days (5 months) on average?
Fun fact, there are 60 different breeds of sheep according to the book “Storey’s Guide to Raising Sheep” by Paula Simmons and Carol Ekarius. Whether you would want wool sheep, hair sheep, horned sheep or milking sheep. I might also add that the A “ Storey’s Guide” book is a wealth of information. Check it out!
~Kelly
