It's the beginning of July, well into silage-making season part 1 (part 2 takes place in early August). Each year we start off filling 3 of the 4 pit silos with grass/alfalfa silage. The key is to figure out the peak protein levels in the alfalfa to bring on the biggest gain in the cattle this winter.
Silage making is an intense time. It really pushes every one and every piece of equipment to its limit. On a good day, we can put 40 6-ton loads into the silo with 3 full-time and 1 part-time person. That's assuming we have no breakdowns and everything's clicking away as planned. Of course, things seldom work that way!
One of the challenges of living so far off the beaten path is how to get everyday needs met. Life's gotten much easier with cell phones and Internet for tracking down parts. With no easy FedEx or UPS service, and only limited DHL, our best bet for shipping parts is via Greyhound Bus's courier service. Twice a day, the bus stops in nearby Fort Fraser, dropping off parcels for everyone in the area.
Yesterday, the heat pump went out on one of the tractors. We phoned a parts place in Saskatchewan at 3:00 yesterday afternoon. It arrived in Fort Fraser at 11:00 this morning. Up and running again!
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