It is Feb 1 today, Grandpa always said you needed at least as much feed after Feb 1 as you did before to get through the winter,I think I am in good shape there, I have not fed much silage and can up that, while my hay just should make it, of course it all depends on how much snow we get. We definitely have had more winter weather this year than years past, even last year,which was more wintery than it had been for years. Started early and has stayed. One week ago today the high was 60F, followed by 3 days in the 50s and 60s, then a day of 17 and strong north winds. As I write this, it is a balmy 7F outside. The forecast 7 inches of snow measured about 2 inches and we never got the wind to drift it. I don't know why this surprises me, the forecast for the entire winter has been warm and dry, and it has been cold and wet.
I almost have my heifers calved, I have been quite pleased so far 12 have calved and I have not pulled any. The spring cows will not start until about March 15, if I have my math right. I still can't figure out if I have a stand of wheat or not. It was dry after planting and it didn't come up, when it got rain then it turned off cold and stayed. I have been hoping for a string of 7 50 degree days in a row to green it up, but it hasn't come. I did note the triticale poking through the snow yesterday, I hope to get some good grazing again by the end of February.
I am digging through papers getting ready to do my taxes, something I truly hate. Not because of paying taxes, because it is proof positive every year that I am a damn fool for working so many hours and spending so much money to make so little. I was also notified that my hearing for my property tax appeal is Feb 19, should be interesting to see if I make any headway getting that lowered a bit, I am not going to hold my breath.
Having said all that, life is good. Knock wood we are all in good health, the furnace is still working, my wife has a good job, and I didn't get laid off this week.