Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Business End

6X6 Oil on Canvas Panel $125
Includes shipping and insurance in U.S.
Could not wait to render the drawing of yesterday into a painting today. Abbey is a great model and endless source of imagery.
Today was a milking day. I don't do it every day - just when I NEED the milk. She manufactures about 2 gallons a day and I take about 2 quarts every other day for just drinking. If I'm expecting company or want to make cheese or butter, I'll milk her every day several days in a row.
The procedure is as follows: At dusk, which is about 7:30 p.m. right now, when I go out to close the chicken house down, I call up Abbey and the calves (she KNOWS her name!) All three go into the pen for feed and I entice Abbey back out with cubes and pen the calves up by themselves. She sleeps outside the pen. In the morning, I milk her first before the calves get to her, and I only take milk from 2 quarters, leaving the other 2 for the babies. This way, I can leave her for several days and not worry about getting her milked and since she is nursing 2 calves, her production stays high.
Jerseys are known for being good producers on just pasture - not needing a bunch of extra feed, and so far that is proving to be true. Her body fitness is looking good despite the lean pickings on drought stricken native grasses supplemented with just a little coastal hay and minimum grain. Yep, Aunt Abbey is making do with what she has, and in fact, is thriving!
Jeremiah 17:8
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
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1 comment:

Susan said...

Debbie - I ADORE this little painting! It is such a gem! The crop and posture of Abbey are woinderful! And the color - just superb! I love this!