Pasture had been meticulously prepared. The motto “Follow cow comfort to realize human comfort” had been put into action, and all that was needed was to liberate the cows. Some cows were gathered and led to the gate. Karl, who has a cautious nature couldn’t bring himself to open the gate. After all, it was a different farming system than he had learned about in school. Impatient, Robert rushed passed him and threw open the gate.
Before everyone could throw their weight behind rotational grazing, including father Ed, Jerry first had to throw his weight behind the last reluctant cow, and push her out the gate.
... What took place was an AHA! moment — the sheer joy on the faces of the cows, walking and grazing for the first time on the lush meadows nature had bred them to enjoy, brought smiles of joy to the brothers’ faces.
Even the reluctant cow, after a week or two, was running in the fields, her hooves now cushioned on fields of grass.
...cautious at first, but convinced by what they saw, Karl enthusiastically won father Ed’s approval for the transition to rotational grazing. And that is how Saxon Homestead Farms began its return to life-enhancing farming.
Our cows truly enjoy being on pasture. Since that first paddock was built many years ago, our families have developed a highly efficient, livestock sensitive and environmentally friendly farming system. Cattle are more content on pasture; the pasture system provides a solid foundation for high levels of cow comfort and animal well being. Of course, our milking cows have comfortable barns to take shelter in during the coldest days of winter, and during spring and fall wet periods if they want to.
... What took place was an AHA! moment — the sheer joy on the faces of the cows, walking and grazing for the first time on the lush meadows nature had bred them to enjoy, brought smiles of joy to the brothers’ faces.
Even the reluctant cow, after a week or two, was running in the fields, her hooves now cushioned on fields of grass.
...cautious at first, but convinced by what they saw, Karl enthusiastically won father Ed’s approval for the transition to rotational grazing. And that is how Saxon Homestead Farms began its return to life-enhancing farming.
Our cows truly enjoy being on pasture. Since that first paddock was built many years ago, our families have developed a highly efficient, livestock sensitive and environmentally friendly farming system. Cattle are more content on pasture; the pasture system provides a solid foundation for high levels of cow comfort and animal well being. Of course, our milking cows have comfortable barns to take shelter in during the coldest days of winter, and during spring and fall wet periods if they want to.
Karl Klessig.
