The last week before Christmas is often full of last minute jobs! I reckon the last week before Christmas is one of the busiest and most stressful times of any persons year! As someone who has just as many last minute jobs to get through, I probably can't offer too much advice on managing this week! Having said that, there are a few reminders which might help with managing some of those tasks a little easier!
Most people who run spring calving herds will have taken the bulls out of their joining mobs or are just taking them out this week. I reckon its important to look after your bulls carefully in these next few weeks. Its a good idea to put your bulls into a larger paddock and if possible keep them in their mating groups. If you mix your bulls up following joining, they will want to fight and re-establish their pecking order.
After a joining period, some bulls may not be in their most robust condition and if they are fighting the chances of injury increases. If you are having a break over Christmas, the last thing you need is to be worrying about injured bulls. So try and mange them with a bit of space and if possible in a paddock with a reasonable feed supply to help them regain condition post joining.
Summer and Christmas is generally hot and trying for all of us. The heat can be just as testing for livestock as well. If you can, place your stock in paddocks that have plenty of shade.
One of the challenges in keeping livestock cool is providing enough shade. Cattle need to have some room around them to allow their accumulated heat to disperse.
When cattle or sheep bunch up close to each other, its much harder for them to cool down.
So if you can plan to use paddocks with good shade and water as well as sufficient feed over the next few weeks.
The list of jobs you have is probably still a bit long, particularly if you are trying to finish harvest. I reckon the most important thing to remember in this week before Christmas is to take some time for yourself and your family. If you've sorted your stock out and have a plan for feeding or for the next few weeks to follow, then you really have no excuse not to relax and enjoy a break.
Taking time for a break is important for your own outlook, health and to get a perspective on how you're travelling. If you don't make time for yourself it can be hard to see a clear way forward. So taking some time is important not just to enjoy time with family and friends, its important for yourself.
Its been a big year for all of us involved in agriculture. I've found it a challenging and exciting time establishing RaynerAg. I'm very grateful for the support of so many people who have taken up the services I'm providing. I'm going to enjoy my break over Christmas and I'm planning on being refreshed and ready to make 2014 a great year. I hope you and your family have a happy and safe Christmas and a rewarding 2014.