[Jacob-list] Fwd: Re: Hay woes

[Linda]

I wish we still had to drive an hour to get to a Walmart.  We seriously dislike Walmart on all levels.
 
In some areas, there was enough land to support the livestock until this last year or so of drought.  We are faced with a difficult decision - should we depend on hay during this time? Or should we take our rare breed sheep to an auction, where they will more than likely go to a similar drought situation and the lines be lost to the registries?  Or take them to the butcher where the lines will certainly be lost?  
 
Yep, I'd love to see every Jacob in the country surviving on lush pasture, especially mine!  But, I'm sure happy to have some wonderful old lines in my flock that came from flocks that raised sheep on a drylot.  That's part of what I meant by adaptable.
 
I'm not hissing and booing and I appreciate hearing your thoughts.
 
Linda
 
www.patchworkfibers.com
Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun Yarn 





> This is just my two cents worth.  I am relatively new to Jacobs but

> have been raising livestock since I was 6 years old and got my

> first Arabian to show in Halter Class.  I don't think we (people)

> or animals have an "in area" any longer.  The world is transient. 

> We have much less area in which to graze livestock now than we ever

> have and believe me it is getting scarcer and scarcer.  I have 6

> Jacobs that I allow to run on 40 acres of pasture and wooded land. 

> They wouldn't eat alfalfa if you paid them.  They will take a bit

> of sweet feed but I think it's only because it is novel.  They came

> from a breeder who had them on dry lot and they quickly learned

> what grass and forage is. 

> I also raise Arabian horses in Alabama not on the desert.  I doubt

> any of them would prefer to go back to the sand and tents although

> that is their "in area". 

> My point is due to the nature of the world, we have all had to

> learn to acclimate ourselves to our surroundings.  The way in which

> people choose to keep livestock is a very raw thorn in my side.  I

> know I will probably be hissed and booed but I don't think you

> should keep livestock of any kind if you don't have the land

> necessary to raise them.  I have seen those 4 horses on a half acre

> of land that Linda referred to.  I think it's simply cruel.  We

> have two seperate hay pastures that we rotate cutting and grazing

> with horses and cattle.  I know some of you will say land is

> expensive and I grant you it is, it is also an investment in a

> lifestyle.  We live off our farm, it's not a weekend project or a

> money maker.  We have adapted to things that some people would die

> from, such as a 45 minute to Wal-Mart, and our animals have adapted

> as well. 

> I've rambled on enough.  Thanks for allowing me to express my

> thoughts. Melissa



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