[Rod]

Hi George

I haven’t used it yet but plan to load by hand since it’s only for firewood size poles. The pipe stakes on the sides come out so I think by lifting one end of the wood I can slide the bigger pieces on.
It has 18″ stakes so 10x4x1.5 is 60CF, probably more than a full load for my mule. It also will tow behind my tractor and I then could heap the wood higher or put in higher stakes, the frame and axle would be able to take the weight.
Thanks for the compliment on the work which was done by my part time helper who is an excellent welder, my design and his workmanship.

[Rod]

The forwarder is designed to move 8 to 10′ firewood poles which I will drag to my furnace and cut to length while on the trailer.

[Rod]

I have another photo but have used up my quota. How do I delete some old photos?

[Rod]

Hi Kevin

The most efficient animal for a home milk supply is a small goat. The give plenty of milk for a normal size family and do not need a lot of feed or elaborate housing. Some goat milk has a strong taste and it varies with the breed. I think Alpines might be a good choice but would recommend trying the milk before buying. Years ago we bought a couple of Toggenburgs for family milk and the seller gave us a glass to try before we bought them . The milk was very good, tasted like cow’s milk which later we became convinced that it actually was as no one in the family would drink the goat milk that we got because of the strong taste.

Dexters are another choice, one to three gallons per day, and I have heard of people sharing the milk with a calf. This frees you up to milk according to your need and schedule allowing the calf to suckle the rest which is plenty for the small Dexter calves.

[Rod]

@Does’ Leap 22378 wrote:

Both Kristan and I read the book and enjoyed it a lot. As an added bonus, they are horse farmers. Here’s a link to buy the book:http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Life-Farming-Food-Love/dp/1416551603/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291139624&sr=8-1

Thanks, ordered with 1 click.

[Rod]

So where do we get it?

[Rod]

Neat, mule are so interesting and can be comical at times.

[Rod]

Depends on the cow, the situation and her stable mates. I know someone who got broken ribs from a tame milk cow that went after a fly at the wrong time. Most of my present Dexters have horns but one is going to lose hers because of her behavior. I had a horned Dexter give a hernia to one of my calves by getting it in the corner and jamming it with the horns. I have also observed that when you take the horns off the personality of the cow changes significantly for the better. I have had rough cows turn into tame and gentle simply by taking them off. A cow with horns can be rougher on fences. Mine use the horns to knock down the plastic paddock separator posts on the electric fence. They use their horns to run young stock off from the feeders and to harass cows that are locked in the head locks. I guess if you only have one cow that you like to look at and are careful leave them on. If you plan to get other cows or would like to simply want to simplify you management I would take them off.

[Rod]

Thanks for the thoughtful comments, they keep the wheels turning (in my head). My latest thought is to construct a laminated rubber and wood brake shoe. The wood would take most of the friction (bigger surface) and the rubber would be their to add friction. This can be done (I think) by cross bolting the materials together and attaching them to my steel shoe.
The comments on friction and heat are good. In my case however the hills are not that long and I do not need to drag the brakes, even locking the back wheels would work as I could have my mule drag the wagon down the hill which is gravel, no pavement.

[Rod]

That’s great to know, about the friction rubber to rubber that is. I thought it might be good but have never tried it. Thanks.

[Rod]

I have this idea which I am going to experiment with. Basically its using a boat trailer winch (which I have) to add leverage to the friction brake system. And I am going to try some pieces of rubber tire tread bolted to my brake shoes to increase friction against the trailer tires.
The plan is to mount the winch on the side of the seat where I can move the lever with my right hand. The brakes are moved against the tire now with a cable and lever setup. By using the winch I will have a ratchet lock in either direction and a free travel position. Because it will have a much better mechanical advantage than the existing pedal setup I should be able to really put some good pressure on the brake pads. The way I envision it the brake pedal which I now use can still be functional but the winch will provide an override for those steep hills and heavier loads. I will let you know how it works out.

[Rod]

If she still has her horns taking them off can be a big help. I have noticed big changes in aggression with cows that lost their weapons. And it’s much safer for you to be around her if they are gone.

[Rod]

Pretty sharp looking.

[Rod]

[QUOTE=Carl Russell;

…We also feel that along with the shortcomings of farmer/presenters comes a different type of validity that can’t be gotten in more polished arenas……

Carl

I agree and thought the speakers were great, (I especially liked the lumber camp joke), and find it to be refreshing to hear real people who are doing real things speak about their experiences. We are a hands on group and most of us probably relate best to the same.

I had a thought on the fees and admission cost and the obstacle course on Sunday (which sounded like fun). Would it be possible to schedule events where folks could bring their animals and either compete, participate or have workshops which included hands on stuff with each participants animal.

I noticed this year it seemed like more folks were doing this on an ad hock basis I assume and were participating in some way. If this were formalized and opened up to members only (the $50 crowd) or have entry fees if you bring your animals I think it could not only add interest but might enhance the income picture as well. In effect their would be two tiers of participants, the public or lookers and those interested in the deeper shared experiences, showing off their animals, and hands on training/workshops, professionals so to speak although somehow this term does not quite fit.

Think about it, through the DAP forum we almost know the participants animals as much as we do the posters. It would be nice to see some of them in action or in training workshops etc.

[Rod]

I can second that. Although we were only their on Saturday it was a really good and inspirational event. I liked the format and vision for the future that Carl spoke about in the keynote address and which can hopefully come to fruition through the membership plan. Especially the thoughts about smaller regional meetings and the leverage possibilities available through organization. I am anxious to hear how that meeting went as we were unable to participate on Sunday.
As far as the weather was concerned my good wife reminds me on occasion that when living in Vermont if you let the weather interfere with your plans you won’t end up doing anything at all.
Anyway it was good in a different way as seems to be the case each year. Let’s find a way to keep it up, make it solvent and grow and encourage Carl and Lisa in the process. Thanks to all the teachers and volunteers who did their thing to make the event a success.

[Author]

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