Winter Damage to Horse Pastures

Mar 23, 2018

The 2017-2018 winter was tough on pastures. If your horses weren't on a dry lot, your pastures will likely need some renovation this spring.

Many horse farm owners are looking with dismay at the damage that their horses inflicted on their pastures if they were turned out during this challenging winter season. Fluctuating temperatures, frequent freezing and thawing, and above average moisture has produced muddy conditions and extensive damage to the pasture forages. Development of properly designed heavy use areas (animal concentration areas / sacrifice lots) with a good base for drainage and screenings for surface materials can be used to protect pastures during adverse weather conditions.

If you are not fortunate enough to have ACAs on your farm and had to turn horses out on pastures, you are most likely going to have to reseed and repair damage to your pastures. The fact sheet Basic Pasture Management for the Equine Owner provides tips you can use to successfully maintain and improve your pasture quality.

Source: psu.edu

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.