Loose hay and milking shed questions
Apr 15, 2017 10:31:31 GMT -5
grammagrace, susaq, and 1 more like this
Post by bethanyh on Apr 15, 2017 10:31:31 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I'm new to the boards and just getting myself set up at the moment- no animals yet. I live on an old farmstead in Northern Ontario, Canada, and there are 2 old barns, both which were obviously at one time used to milk a small number of cows. Its been a long time since they've been in use however, and while not ready to fall down, they are ageing quickly. I am planning out our fencing, and I have alot of options because I'm only fencing in 4 acres out of about 70 acres of flat pastureland. This is both wonderful/lucky, and difficult- its taking me forever to decide exactly what to fence in, what the best layout will be. I was planning on connecting up the fence to one of the barns, but it would be a little bit of a walk for the animals. Then I realized that central to the fenced in area, and sheltered by forest, are two new-ish implement sheds. They are three sided wood structures, with dirt floor. They are right next to eachother, with a beautiful big path going from the pasture up to them.
I have pictures but haven't figured out how to upload them yet.
My questions are two fold. First, I'm wondering whether anyone has experience with loose hay. I'm thinking of storing unbaled hay in one of the sheds. Can you foresee any issues with this? I know they are usually stored in haylofts but I figure thats about making the most of one building. If I use one of these sheds I can back the hay trailed right in and unload it, and then feed the animals right by it.
My second question is regards to milking: I know everyone has a different setup, but do people milk in three sided sheds (I plan to put in a wood floor)? I know weather would be an issue but its very sheltered in the trees and I can't see that being a problem really- not any less cold or sheltered than my barn. Is this a bad idea?
I'm new to this board, and to boards in general, so I'm sure I'm leaving out helpful information. My apologies!
I have pictures but haven't figured out how to upload them yet.
My questions are two fold. First, I'm wondering whether anyone has experience with loose hay. I'm thinking of storing unbaled hay in one of the sheds. Can you foresee any issues with this? I know they are usually stored in haylofts but I figure thats about making the most of one building. If I use one of these sheds I can back the hay trailed right in and unload it, and then feed the animals right by it.
My second question is regards to milking: I know everyone has a different setup, but do people milk in three sided sheds (I plan to put in a wood floor)? I know weather would be an issue but its very sheltered in the trees and I can't see that being a problem really- not any less cold or sheltered than my barn. Is this a bad idea?
I'm new to this board, and to boards in general, so I'm sure I'm leaving out helpful information. My apologies!