Each month we will publish this column so that members who may have never met can get to know each other. This month’s answers is provided by Lucy Hatcher of College Grove, TN
1) What is your favorite thing to do with your donkey(s)? LUCY: Valentine loves to be part of the Hatcher Diary Farm Tours. Each Thursday she looks forward to loading on the trailer (she loves her treats for the effort) and going to her "station" where she and her sister (Poppy-the miniature horse) are our official greeters. I have trained her to jump up on a platform and walk through a tunnel.
2) Tell us one thing about you we don't know. LUCY: I am a Level 4 Parelli Natural horsemanship student and am passionate about equine psychology. I love the concept of training through the natural drive and want to of the animal vs make and mechanics. Fear and intimidation never work in the long run. I want an equine partner.
3) Do you have other animals? If so, tell us about them. LUCY: I have 6 full size horses and a pony in addition to the mini donkey and horse. 3 cats and numerous dogs as my husband is a dog trainer. On Hatcher Dairy Farm of course we have LOTS of cows. In addition we have sheep, a few goats, and lots of barn cats.
4) You are granted a day of perfect weather whenever you like. What day do you place it on and why? LUCY: Sunday- That is the most flexible day for me to get to spend time with my equines and not feel guilty about all the other stuff that always needs done on a farm.
5) Have you learned a new (household or farm) short-cut/trick/hint lately? If so, what? LUCY: Do one more thing today to lighten tomorrows load. I don't like to be overwhelmed so being organized and managed as you go pays off in the long run.
Showing posts with label hint. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hint. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
HAYtainers—The No-Brainer Storage Solution
HAYtainers—The No-Brainer Storage Solution
by Marianne Smith (Relax Your Ass Ranch, Gallatin, TN)
After purchasing a new farm that didn’t have a barn, we were in need of an immediate hay storage solution. The first winter we used a single open bay in a three-bay shed located at the far edge of our property. We hung tarps over the entrance to block rain and wind. Still, the hay in front occasionally got wet, and we battled varmints that found the hay to be a great nesting ground. Since we had limited storage in this single bay, we had to purchase hay when we could find it, driving the price up later in the season and the quality of the hay down. That also meant multiple hay hauling and stacking days, which did not fit in with our new “make it simpler” chore tackling philosophy.
The second winter arrived and we were still recovering from our move and not in a position to build our new dream barn. A friend suggested using a cargo container for hay storage. This proved to be the perfect solution to our dilemma. Since purchasing a cargo container is still a significant investment (ours ran $2,000. plus $200. delivery charge for a 9’6” high and 40 foot long version available in our area), we did our homework on the pros and cons. Here’s what we found:
Pros:
• Nearly Airtight and Waterproof
• Wind resistant
• Varmint proof
• Inexpensive compared with other options
• Volume storage possible
• Low maintenance
• Storing hay away from horse barn will lower fire insurance rates
• Horses can’t accidentally get into hay
• Horses are healthier away from hay dust and possible fire hazard
• Easy to load and unload (no need to walk on pallets)
• Readily available in most areas
• Eliminates hay dust in barn or riding areas
• Fun to paint and personalize
• Can stand alone or be tied in to existing outbuildings
• Multiple other uses on the farm if needs change
• Can go with you to your next farm or be sold to a dealer who will pick up
Cons:
• Not easy to move once placed
• Somewhat difficult to open the door
• Ours had commercial graphics with peeling paint
• May not be permitted in some restricted zoning areas
• No built-in lighting in most containers
• Requires a level site
Shopping Tips:
• All containers have VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) information that will tell you the age of the container. Most used containers will be 10 to 14 years old. Prices go down as age goes up, but ask questions about the condition of the container. Most commercial companies will guarantee that they will not leak, but they may have some dents/patched areas.
• Be sure to get a “high cube” container. That puts the height at 9’6” –this gives you more headroom and stacking room. Standard height is 8’6”.
• Our high cube 40 foot container holds 400 plus square bales of hay and weighs 7500 pounds empty. Containers are available in 10-53 feet lengths, though the ten footers are rare.
• Ask what the container you are considering was used for. A few have climate control features and might make good tack rooms or farm offices, but you will pay for the additional features. Some are even adapting the cargo containers as cheap alternative living space for farm hands or deer hunting lodges by adding doors, windows, wiring, etc.
• Shop around. Ebay almost always has cargo containers listed, as do other online auction services. You can also Google and get free quotes online from several commercial cargo container sellers. Be sure to ask about shipping charges, as they are usually factored in separately.
Delivery Preparation Tips:
• Find a level site on your property that is accessible to an 18 wheeler delivery truck. Remove anything that is in the way and be ready before the delivery person arrives. They usually don’t want to wait and you only get one chance to place the container where you want it. Consider your neighbors and any required setbacks when you determine placement.
• After you have determined that the container was as promised and does not leak, you might want to find a local art student to prime it, paint it, and add your farm logo or a mural of your favorite horses. Often this can be arranged as part cash, part school credit. Priming is an important no-skip step, though, as many containers have been exposed to salt water due to ocean shipping. Don’t let this deter you, as they are usually also galvanized with zinc prior to being put into service to protect them from corrosion (Maersk.com).
• We created additional storage for our tractor by running our container parallel to our shed and adding metal roofing between the two structures.
More on Cost
According to buyerzone.com, you can save 30 to 50 percent by buying used cargo containers. Prices fluctuate according to supply and demand, but at this writing several used 40 foot high cube containers were available in the $2500 to $2700 range (plus delivery costs). New cubes begin at about $4000 and can be ordered in several paint colors. You can also rent or lease containers from some suppliers, and any needed maintenance is included.
Our Favorite Hay Container Advantage:
There are small vents near the tops of the containers in front and back, which allows for adequate air circulation for hay storage. We have stored hay on pallets in the containers, and directly on the floor, and have found no difference in the condition of the hay. Not having to use pallets is a big plus when you are pulling hay from the very end of the container—nothing to trip over or try to walk on. Most floors are plywood, though some are steel.
Alternative Uses for Containers
• Tack Room (may need to add climate control features or purchase with those)
• Farm Office (adding windows, doors, and electric)
• Inexpensive housing (modifications needed and can combine two or more containers---check your local zoning restrictions)
• Fall-out Shelter/Tornado Shelter (bury underground)
• Grain Storage
Wacky Fact:
Containers have recently been discovered by the home designing industry and have been incorporated as rooms and hallways in modern home plans. One fellow even cut the top off a cargo container, buried it in the ground, and used it for a swimming pool!
Sources for pricing quotes:
Fleetco Leasing
Nashville, TN
615-259-0088
cbroadrick@fleetco.net
www.fleetco.net/trailersales.php
All State Container
Valley Stream, NY
New and Used Containers/Sales, Rentals, and Leasing
1-877-247-8800
info@allstatecontainer.com
http://www.allstatecontainer.com/
Crosswinds, Inc.
Joseph, UT
Free Quotes/Nationwide Delivery
1-435-527-4662
crosswinds@cisna.com
http://www.crosswindsstorage.com/
by Marianne Smith (Relax Your Ass Ranch, Gallatin, TN)
After purchasing a new farm that didn’t have a barn, we were in need of an immediate hay storage solution. The first winter we used a single open bay in a three-bay shed located at the far edge of our property. We hung tarps over the entrance to block rain and wind. Still, the hay in front occasionally got wet, and we battled varmints that found the hay to be a great nesting ground. Since we had limited storage in this single bay, we had to purchase hay when we could find it, driving the price up later in the season and the quality of the hay down. That also meant multiple hay hauling and stacking days, which did not fit in with our new “make it simpler” chore tackling philosophy.
The second winter arrived and we were still recovering from our move and not in a position to build our new dream barn. A friend suggested using a cargo container for hay storage. This proved to be the perfect solution to our dilemma. Since purchasing a cargo container is still a significant investment (ours ran $2,000. plus $200. delivery charge for a 9’6” high and 40 foot long version available in our area), we did our homework on the pros and cons. Here’s what we found:
Pros:
• Nearly Airtight and Waterproof
• Wind resistant
• Varmint proof
• Inexpensive compared with other options
• Volume storage possible
• Low maintenance
• Storing hay away from horse barn will lower fire insurance rates
• Horses can’t accidentally get into hay
• Horses are healthier away from hay dust and possible fire hazard
• Easy to load and unload (no need to walk on pallets)
• Readily available in most areas
• Eliminates hay dust in barn or riding areas
• Fun to paint and personalize
• Can stand alone or be tied in to existing outbuildings
• Multiple other uses on the farm if needs change
• Can go with you to your next farm or be sold to a dealer who will pick up
Cons:
• Not easy to move once placed
• Somewhat difficult to open the door
• Ours had commercial graphics with peeling paint
• May not be permitted in some restricted zoning areas
• No built-in lighting in most containers
• Requires a level site
Shopping Tips:
• All containers have VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) information that will tell you the age of the container. Most used containers will be 10 to 14 years old. Prices go down as age goes up, but ask questions about the condition of the container. Most commercial companies will guarantee that they will not leak, but they may have some dents/patched areas.
• Be sure to get a “high cube” container. That puts the height at 9’6” –this gives you more headroom and stacking room. Standard height is 8’6”.
• Our high cube 40 foot container holds 400 plus square bales of hay and weighs 7500 pounds empty. Containers are available in 10-53 feet lengths, though the ten footers are rare.
• Ask what the container you are considering was used for. A few have climate control features and might make good tack rooms or farm offices, but you will pay for the additional features. Some are even adapting the cargo containers as cheap alternative living space for farm hands or deer hunting lodges by adding doors, windows, wiring, etc.
• Shop around. Ebay almost always has cargo containers listed, as do other online auction services. You can also Google and get free quotes online from several commercial cargo container sellers. Be sure to ask about shipping charges, as they are usually factored in separately.
Delivery Preparation Tips:
• Find a level site on your property that is accessible to an 18 wheeler delivery truck. Remove anything that is in the way and be ready before the delivery person arrives. They usually don’t want to wait and you only get one chance to place the container where you want it. Consider your neighbors and any required setbacks when you determine placement.
• After you have determined that the container was as promised and does not leak, you might want to find a local art student to prime it, paint it, and add your farm logo or a mural of your favorite horses. Often this can be arranged as part cash, part school credit. Priming is an important no-skip step, though, as many containers have been exposed to salt water due to ocean shipping. Don’t let this deter you, as they are usually also galvanized with zinc prior to being put into service to protect them from corrosion (Maersk.com).
• We created additional storage for our tractor by running our container parallel to our shed and adding metal roofing between the two structures.
More on Cost
According to buyerzone.com, you can save 30 to 50 percent by buying used cargo containers. Prices fluctuate according to supply and demand, but at this writing several used 40 foot high cube containers were available in the $2500 to $2700 range (plus delivery costs). New cubes begin at about $4000 and can be ordered in several paint colors. You can also rent or lease containers from some suppliers, and any needed maintenance is included.
Our Favorite Hay Container Advantage:
There are small vents near the tops of the containers in front and back, which allows for adequate air circulation for hay storage. We have stored hay on pallets in the containers, and directly on the floor, and have found no difference in the condition of the hay. Not having to use pallets is a big plus when you are pulling hay from the very end of the container—nothing to trip over or try to walk on. Most floors are plywood, though some are steel.
Alternative Uses for Containers
• Tack Room (may need to add climate control features or purchase with those)
• Farm Office (adding windows, doors, and electric)
• Inexpensive housing (modifications needed and can combine two or more containers---check your local zoning restrictions)
• Fall-out Shelter/Tornado Shelter (bury underground)
• Grain Storage
Wacky Fact:
Containers have recently been discovered by the home designing industry and have been incorporated as rooms and hallways in modern home plans. One fellow even cut the top off a cargo container, buried it in the ground, and used it for a swimming pool!
Sources for pricing quotes:
Fleetco Leasing
Nashville, TN
615-259-0088
cbroadrick@fleetco.net
www.fleetco.net/trailersales.php
All State Container
Valley Stream, NY
New and Used Containers/Sales, Rentals, and Leasing
1-877-247-8800
info@allstatecontainer.com
http://www.allstatecontainer.com/
Crosswinds, Inc.
Joseph, UT
Free Quotes/Nationwide Delivery
1-435-527-4662
crosswinds@cisna.com
http://www.crosswindsstorage.com/
5 Questions
Each month we will publish this column so that members who may have never met can get to know each other. This month’s answers are provided by Jan Novak of Petersburg, TN and Lynn Pallotta or Quebeck, TN.
1) What is your favorite thing to do with your donkey(s)?
Jan: Just be outside with them and pet and play with them. No matter what is going on they make me laugh and put a smile on my face. Lynn: My favorite thing with my donkeys is to spend time with them, and just enjoy being with them, and being able to keep them (or them being able to keep me!) I would love to be able to show them.
2) Tell us one thing about you we don't know.
Jan: was in management with Target for over 10 years. I left the company when we moved here from Howell Michigan when Bruce retired from Ford Motor Company. Lynn: I am a very shy and lonely person. (And I have shoveled a billion tons (or more) of manure in my lifetime!)
3) Do you have other animals? If so, tell us about them.
Jan: We have two full size Arabian horses we brought from Michigan, 4 rescue dogs, three are border collies and one Tennessee Mountain Cur, 5 rescue cats, 8 miniature horses, two goats, guinea hens, chickens, and a rescue Pot Belly pig along with all our miniature donkeys. Lynn: I have a 16hh Quarter horse gelding, which is a dream horse. BUT, due to my physical problems and age, by the time I get him up, brush him, saddle and load him to go somewhere, I am too "pooped "(pardon the expression)to ride!!He just hangs out with the donks and eats alot! He is so good that I can go two years without riding, and just saddle him up, and even go in a parade. But of course, he is younger than I am! I have a mini mare, who is a brat-but a great babysitter for the other animals. I have two Tennessee Fainting goat does, who are about 15 years of age. For many years, I raised TFG's and Boer Goats, horses and donkeys, and cows, and pot bellied pigs, etc., etc. Now I just have the two old Nannies (three, counting myself!)I have two Great Pyrenees dogs, to guard my donkeys, and two Belgian Malanois to guard me! And about 28 Donkeys!
4) You are granted a day of perfect weather whenever you like. What day do you place it on and why?
Jan: After my accident and being laid up for so long any day I can be out with them is a great day. I am back to feeding and getting in with them. Lynn: I place it on today. Four years ago, my husband passed away quite suddenly, and I learned that we have to live for today, as we may not have a tomorrow. And we must thank GOD for every day we have with our loved ones, and our animals.
5) Have you learned a new (household or farm) short-cut/trick/hint lately? If so, what?
Jan: Not one I can think of at the moment. Lynn: If you want to sneak outside, without your donkeys knowing it, you can't! If you want them to go through the gate, they will stop -halfway through. If you don't think donkeys are smart-YOU are dumb! If you put several drops of Mineral oil in your water trough-the mosquitoes can't hatch. If you have Carpenter Bees-you will be miserable- and they will drive everyone crazy. If anyone has a way to get rid of them-I would like to know it! Dogs like the taste of Gorilla Glue and it will expand in their stomachs and kill them-immediate surgery must be done! Don't leave it within reach! WD40 will remove anything sticky. If you have a bad cough, put Vicks generously on the bottom of your feet, put socks on, and it will help soothe your cough
1) What is your favorite thing to do with your donkey(s)?
Jan: Just be outside with them and pet and play with them. No matter what is going on they make me laugh and put a smile on my face. Lynn: My favorite thing with my donkeys is to spend time with them, and just enjoy being with them, and being able to keep them (or them being able to keep me!) I would love to be able to show them.
2) Tell us one thing about you we don't know.
Jan: was in management with Target for over 10 years. I left the company when we moved here from Howell Michigan when Bruce retired from Ford Motor Company. Lynn: I am a very shy and lonely person. (And I have shoveled a billion tons (or more) of manure in my lifetime!)
3) Do you have other animals? If so, tell us about them.
Jan: We have two full size Arabian horses we brought from Michigan, 4 rescue dogs, three are border collies and one Tennessee Mountain Cur, 5 rescue cats, 8 miniature horses, two goats, guinea hens, chickens, and a rescue Pot Belly pig along with all our miniature donkeys. Lynn: I have a 16hh Quarter horse gelding, which is a dream horse. BUT, due to my physical problems and age, by the time I get him up, brush him, saddle and load him to go somewhere, I am too "pooped "(pardon the expression)to ride!!He just hangs out with the donks and eats alot! He is so good that I can go two years without riding, and just saddle him up, and even go in a parade. But of course, he is younger than I am! I have a mini mare, who is a brat-but a great babysitter for the other animals. I have two Tennessee Fainting goat does, who are about 15 years of age. For many years, I raised TFG's and Boer Goats, horses and donkeys, and cows, and pot bellied pigs, etc., etc. Now I just have the two old Nannies (three, counting myself!)I have two Great Pyrenees dogs, to guard my donkeys, and two Belgian Malanois to guard me! And about 28 Donkeys!
4) You are granted a day of perfect weather whenever you like. What day do you place it on and why?
Jan: After my accident and being laid up for so long any day I can be out with them is a great day. I am back to feeding and getting in with them. Lynn: I place it on today. Four years ago, my husband passed away quite suddenly, and I learned that we have to live for today, as we may not have a tomorrow. And we must thank GOD for every day we have with our loved ones, and our animals.
5) Have you learned a new (household or farm) short-cut/trick/hint lately? If so, what?
Jan: Not one I can think of at the moment. Lynn: If you want to sneak outside, without your donkeys knowing it, you can't! If you want them to go through the gate, they will stop -halfway through. If you don't think donkeys are smart-YOU are dumb! If you put several drops of Mineral oil in your water trough-the mosquitoes can't hatch. If you have Carpenter Bees-you will be miserable- and they will drive everyone crazy. If anyone has a way to get rid of them-I would like to know it! Dogs like the taste of Gorilla Glue and it will expand in their stomachs and kill them-immediate surgery must be done! Don't leave it within reach! WD40 will remove anything sticky. If you have a bad cough, put Vicks generously on the bottom of your feet, put socks on, and it will help soothe your cough
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Back 2 Basics - held 4.17.10 at Wee Ones Farm
by, Deb Mix
A Back to Basic Seminar was hosted at Wee Ones Farm in Gallatin,Tennessee. Many Tennessee Donkey Association members came with pad and pen ready to learn. To start the day LJ Mix explained how he treats a donkey limping due to fungus infection , or hoof abscess. He showed how he wraps and places the drawing poultice on the infected hoof. Care for the hooves and demonstration was carried out by actually going step by step with a live donkey.
Katrina Fleener gave the group an overview of nutrition for donkeys. She told of what she feeds her donkeys and why she uses this method of feeding. This lead to a worming and vaccination discussion and experiences. Several farms were represented and different products were discussed as options to use on your farm, Due to location, size of farm and and number of donkeys, different farms told, " What works for them." Good to know all have a plan and the donkeys are in loving hands.
Lunch time rolled around with BBQ and fixin's. All enjoyed a time to relax and talk. All that attend were give a seedling of the plant "donkey tail". It is a native to Mexico and is grown in hanging baskets. From the catus family. Thought it was so appropriate for us. Hope to se lots of offspring's from this group.
Katrina Fleener gave the group an overview of nutrition for donkeys. She told of what she feeds her donkeys and why she uses this method of feeding. This lead to a worming and vaccination discussion and experiences. Several farms were represented and different products were discussed as options to use on your farm, Due to location, size of farm and and number of donkeys, different farms told, " What works for them." Good to know all have a plan and the donkeys are in loving hands.
Lunch time rolled around with BBQ and fixin's. All enjoyed a time to relax and talk. All that attend were give a seedling of the plant "donkey tail". It is a native to Mexico and is grown in hanging baskets. From the catus family. Thought it was so appropriate for us. Hope to se lots of offspring's from this group.
Steve and Jill Crim from Assphalt Acres drove in from Indiana to join us. LJ & I couldn't let them leave without taking home at least one donkey. To celebrate Steve's birthday he was given well, a donkey of course. (stuffed) . They ended up spending the night and we had a great visit.
After lunch, all went outside for sessions on halter training and how to load your donkey in a trailer. This was a time of lots of true confessions of what "really" happens with these unpredictable donkeys. Our donkey foals were used at props for these sessions. What Fun!
Thanks to all that came and left with a donkey tail (tale) of some kind. Deb Mix
Five Questions
Each month we will publish this column so that members who may have never met can get to know each other. This month’s answers are provided by Dennis Vonderfecht of Jonesboro, TN.
1) What is your favorite thing to do with your donkey(s)? Dennis: Hug on them. They give back at least as much love as you give them.
2) Tell us one thing about you we don't know. Dennis: I began college as a music major singing tenor and continue to lead the song service at my church.
3) Do you have other animals? If so, tell us about them. Dennis: We have 5 dogs, 3 cats, and a bird, in addiiton to our 26 donkeys. The dogs consist of an old black chow mix that we got at the animal shelter as a puppy, a Pekatzu, two Cairn terriers, and a Pomeranian.
4) You are granted a day of perfect weather whenever you like. What day do you place it on and why? Dennis: The day of the Miniature Donkey Show at Shelbyville. It is usually so hot at that show, and it would be wonderful to have perfect weather for it!
5) Have you learned a new (household or farm) short-cut/trick/hint lately? If so, what? Dennis: For those winter coat fungus issues, we use a product called Muck Itch to clear out the fungus and to start hair growing again. It is available for sale on the internet from the company that manufactures it. I learned about it from Joyce Berghansen a few years ago, and she found it to be the best stuff for fighting fungus issues, as well as minor scrapes.
1) What is your favorite thing to do with your donkey(s)? Dennis: Hug on them. They give back at least as much love as you give them.
2) Tell us one thing about you we don't know. Dennis: I began college as a music major singing tenor and continue to lead the song service at my church.
3) Do you have other animals? If so, tell us about them. Dennis: We have 5 dogs, 3 cats, and a bird, in addiiton to our 26 donkeys. The dogs consist of an old black chow mix that we got at the animal shelter as a puppy, a Pekatzu, two Cairn terriers, and a Pomeranian.
4) You are granted a day of perfect weather whenever you like. What day do you place it on and why? Dennis: The day of the Miniature Donkey Show at Shelbyville. It is usually so hot at that show, and it would be wonderful to have perfect weather for it!
5) Have you learned a new (household or farm) short-cut/trick/hint lately? If so, what? Dennis: For those winter coat fungus issues, we use a product called Muck Itch to clear out the fungus and to start hair growing again. It is available for sale on the internet from the company that manufactures it. I learned about it from Joyce Berghansen a few years ago, and she found it to be the best stuff for fighting fungus issues, as well as minor scrapes.
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