The other night, we had gotten in from all of the evening chores, eaten dinner and cleaned up and I was SO sure it was 9pm....but, really the time was 6:30pm! That's not to say that there isn't a lot to do this time of year, but things do gear down some - the garden is not active, there are no baby goats yet, hatching season is over.
We have talked before about 4 Winter Farm Activities You Should Consider, but every year when winter hits, it really is shocking how things seem to just SLLLLOOOW down with the shorter, colder days.
So, with that being said, here are 4 (more) Winter Farm Activities we will be doing this year:
1. Decluttering & Organizing (outside and inside)
As things slow down, and we look around the whole house and barn really are a bit out of control. Papers are everywhere, feeders and waterers are not put away, feed bags are taking over the barn. The list could go on and on.
So, one main winter farm activity here is to declutter the barn (and the house). Get things put back into their proper places. Organize everything that is out of place. And, in general, just get things clean. Is it just us, or do papers seem to take over the world? We LOVE paper organizers like this. And are eyeing this wall hanger for barn papers.
2. Catching up with animal health records
No matter how good our intentions are at the start of each season, marking things on the animals health records is something that we always seem to fall behind on. It is so easy to grab a goat for a quick hoof trim during feeding time and then forget to mark the date down.
So, now that things are a littler slower, go through everyone's health record. Make sure that their latest treatments are notated.
3. Meal Stock-up - one winter farm activity that is really useful is stocking up on meals. We like to make some easy crockpot meals and freeze them for a later date. This is especially useful during the busiest times (like kidding season) when you may not know that you will end up outside helping a doe and her new kids right at a mealtime.
It is so awesome to be able to grab a pre-made meal out of the freezer. You can heat it quickly and it is healthy. One of our favorites is this chicken or beef chilli. If you do not have a crockpot, you are really missing out. It is the BEST kitchen appliance ever! We love this one, but for a little more money you can get a really fancy programmable one.
4. Working on all of the things that we missed
I will be the first to admit that my "to-do" list is longer than reasonable. There's all the things you have to do. Then all the things you need to do. And finally, all the things you want to do. And try as I might, there is never time to fit it all in.
So, during the winter, take a look at your "to do" list. Identify a few (key word: FEW) things that you want to tackle. Then, dive in! On our list for this winter is making cheese.
What winter farm activities will you be trying? Let us know in a comment below!
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