Some Scenes from the "New" Farm

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Few farms these days keep a bull, and most breeding is done by artificial insemination. This is the insemination station, a small "lab" where the semen is stored. Most large dairies hire an insemination "professional" to breed their cows, but at Two Ponds, Matt takes pride in doing his own breeding. The quality of his herd is a testimony to his success. .

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Nutrition is also critical to a successful dairy. Here Matt proudly examines his haylage while some of the ladies of the barn look on.
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The new bulk tank was so large that it wouldn't fit in the milkhouse. Here you see one end of it; the other end protrudes into the main barn... after a bit of remodeling.
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Sheila had been let out for some grass and a little exercise, part of treatment for an injury. Matt gently pursuades her to return to the barn. Note that this picture was taken before the new siding was in place (see bottom photo for a view of the barn after red siding was added).

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Ooops... an unflattering view of Shiela. As she was being herded back inside, she went down. It took three men to get her inside, right-side-up and returned to her to her destination. When that was accomplished, it was time to set new fenceposts along one of the pastures.

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This is the farm in summer of 2006. Isn't it a beautiful place to call home?

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