Real Estate (Farm & Ranch Land), Rural life

Corn and Milo Residue Can Supplement Cattle Costs

Corn and milo residue can serve many purposes on cow/calf operations in South Dakota. The combination of dropped ears, grain, husks, and leaves provide an adequate ration for spring calving cows and can be managed to maintain body condition or even add weight with supplementation.

Make sure there are no large amounts of grain left in the field to cause condition problems for the cattle. Make sure that there is adequate water supply.

Managing residue grazing should always start with a walk through the field to identify any spills or large amounts of grain that need to be removed prior to grazing in order to decrease the risk of rumen upset.

The last few years we have utilized fall cover crops for supplemental grazing. Fall cover crops for grazing work best following wheat harvest, oat harvest or an idled field. Depending on the species planted, you usually need 70-120 days of growth before temperatures drop into the low 20s. Plantings made from late July to mid-August turn out the best.

We use a combination of turnip, radish, rapeseed, clover, and other grain grasses. To reduce the risk of bloat, make sure livestock has a full stomach before turning them onto a new type of pasture and provide access to hay.

Home Improvement, Rural life

Barn Conversions into Homes

Barn conversions are hot, thanks in large part to shows like “Fixer Upper”.  It’s strange to think there was a time when the phrase “born in a barn” was an insult. These days, it’s a status symbol. There’s even a TV series dedicated to the reclaimed-barn phenomenon called “Barnwood Builders” on the DIY network; it follows developers who salvage old barns and turn them into beautiful homes.

DIY Projects, Home Improvement

Easy Wall Design for Blank Walls

Nobody wants to stare at a blank wall all day long, which is why wall design is such a crucial step in the decorating process. And once you start brainstorming, the rest is easy.

If you have a lot of wall space to fill, group similar items together like old dishes, photos, mirrors, etc. To create an interesting pattern or to give it some shape, start with cardboard cutouts to see what the arrangement will look like together.

Installing wooden pallet planks onto your walls is a great weekend project, the materials are free as you are able to recycle old pallets that are being thrown away.” Paint the wall you are modifying a dark color because the pallet boards will not bump up to each other perfectly and you don’t want bright paint showing through the gaps.

Paint is an inexpensive way to create a focal wall. Just remember that your color choices are important, and they can create a calming atmosphere or a high-energy environment. Painting horizontal stripes or a geometric design is a fast, easy and inexpensive way to add some color and interest to a wall by using masking tape or decorative paint rollers.

If you like the look of stone, but not the time, effort or money it would cost to install, you can try a peel-and-stick stone panel. You can even paint these panels to match your color scheme.

If you live in a place that is against the rules to permanently affix decor onto the walls or you do not want a permanent design. Cue the washi tape. Use a variety of colors and patterns to get a custom look you love, and simply switch it out when you want a new look.

Spruce up an accent wall with old picture frames. These can be painted the same color as the wall and hung.

Place an object like a tree branch on the wall and backlight it. This will provide soft lighting and a funky element to the bare wall.

You can also buy stencils at any department store like trees, animals, scenery, and much more. These provide quick interest and can easily be taken down.