Yesterday we got a chance to visit Rick's sister and brother in law's farm, who have a new barn where they are using a compost bedding pack.  A compost bedded pack most likely uses sawdust or shavings for bedding instead of straw or sand.  The pack is stirred twice daily, mixing the shavings with the manure to create the compost.  These barns are less expensive to build, having not to pour concrete for the barn floor or purchase free stalls.

The cows love it!  We do too-so much that we are looking at putting up one of these barns.  This way, when the cows are on grass in the summer months, we can use this barn to store other things if needed.  Currently our cows are out-wintered, which means that have access to a wind break, but for the most part they stay outside.  We have not had any problem with out-wintering, and the cows are very healthy, so to be real honest, a new barn would be more for our own comfort......

Robin and Randy have an exceptional herd of cattle with awesome genetics.  They show them across the country at dairy shows and have more trophies than can be displayed in the house.  Their cows are giants compared to our crossbred New Zealand Frisian Holsteins and Jerseys. They are also very friendly.....   



Somehow, even when we get away from the farm, we still end up on a farm!