Welcome to Painted Hand Farm

Painted Hand Farm is a 20 acre Civil War era farm located in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. We raise meat goats, veal calves, turkeys and organic vegetables using humane and sustainable agricultural practices.

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Monday, May 21, 2007

Another Step in the Right Direction

With the first new paddock for our rotational grazing/browzing plan in this spring, we were able to take advantage of some of the lush forage from the pasture seeding last spring. Looking ahead, you can see the cross-brace where the next paddock will begin about the middle of the image on the right. The center lane is also visible, although, that too, will get finished with the next fencing phase.

During this process I've learned some important things. First, don't skimp on the wire spools. I bought the cheap models without the tensioner and guide. Spring for the better models. I know I will next time. Measure the electro-braid before putting it on the spool...don't just estimate. I've got one spool with much more on than the other.

Two strands of hot wire will keep in adult goats, but I'm going to have to add that third wire for the kids.

And never, ever try to roll up temporary fencing with animals, especially bottle kids, spoiled rotten attention grubbing heifers or overly lovable LGDs with you in the pasture!

3 comments:

  1. We have hot fences but we just use the existing barb wire and make the top one hot. You never want to try crawling over it that's for sure.

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  2. Those goats are so damn lucky.

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  3. Hey there, I came across your blog while searching for yak farms, and was amazed to read that you're so close to my hometown (Somerset)!

    Do you ever have yak fiber for sale? If so, I'd be happy to have more info, please email me at amandamshaffer at gmail dot com.

    ReplyDelete