Winding Down

Things are winding down for the year.  We delivered our pigs to the processor 2 weeks ago.  We will be taking the "three that got away" tomorrow and then our feeder pigs will be gone.  We have 5 more feeders to finish off in Feb. That will be it for the year of hogs.  We are hoping to breed 5 sows/gilts to farrow next spring/summer. 
Our steers will be going in January then our harvest year will be complete. 
The barn project is winding down as well.  I just have a little block work to finish, then we will be done with that.  I must say, the barn is working out nicely.  We have been able to catch our animals to work them without much problem.  The breeding process has been going well.  I have bred 6 of our animals with 5 left.  Starting next week, I will get to see if I got them or missed.  If they come back into a heat, I will have to try again. 
The chickens will be getting a new home this weekend as well.  I began their hoop house last Sunday but ran out of daylight.  I should be able to get to it today.  This house will be able to comfortably host our 100 up and coming layers for the winter until next spring when we can get them out onto the pasture.
We are also going to get our Christmas Tree today.  We will be going to Sanford's Trees in Youngsville.  It is great to be able to support local businesses at this time of year.  One of my reasons for refusing the use of an artificial tree.  The Sanfords work all year to provide some beautiful trees for us.  It is only fitting we help them out during their harvest.  I would encourage everyone to support a local grower during this holiday season.