They have to get out of the way so I can drive in with the tractor and drop the bale.
Then they have to step back while I cut and drag off the green plastic netting that holds the entire bale together.
It takes a lot of self control on their part and a lot of fast action on mine.
I have been stepped on a lot when its muddy and bumped by a few eager cows, but for the most part they know the routine and wait for me to do my job and get out of the way.
The alpha cows get into the same place every morning and then the other cows step up and then the larger heifers get their space. Any cow who does not line up correctly gets bumped out of line by the other cows.
Everyone knows their place, so there is minimal jostling for space.
The calves are able to get a drink from their moms while they are preoccupied with eating and then the calves grab the hay that the cows are tossing around that drops on the ground.
There is no waste.
This bale will last exactly 24 hours.
And then it is time for another one.
The smell of the hay and the cows sweet breath is very intoxicating.
It is one of my favorite aromas.
Do you have a favorite farm smell?
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