An important component on our farm is wildlife conservation. It’s such a delight to see bluebirds everywhere, flocks of wild turkeys scratching in the barn lot and deer bounding through the fields. In order to help our feathered and furry friends, we have designated areas around the farm as “wildlife plots.” We have approximately 60 acres that are fenced off from the cow pastures and we have planted native warm-season grasses, fruit trees and native berry plants for the wildlife. There is 125 acres of managed timber on the farm, and this is also beneficial to the wildlife. Bluebird houses top fence posts and we allow our fence rows to grow up with vegetation to provide cover for the birds and critters. Since we began adding our wildlife plots, we have noticed a return of quail and many more bluebirds around the farm.

 

    When we created our three-acre spring-fed lake we put large culvert pipes in the bottom for cover for the fish and created an island in the middle for the geese and ducks to safely nest. When all of the baby geese hatch in the spring it’s a sight to see them all over the lake and ponds. The calves are intrigued with the geese, chasing them around the lake field in the spring.

 

    The deer love the alfalfa and wheat fields and can frequently be seen grazing. It’s quite entertaining to watch the spotted fawns cavorting together while their mothers graze. Mineral and salt feeders are placed around the farm for the deer to supplement their diet.

 

    Of course there are also a few “Wil-e-Coyotes,” skunks, opossums, raccoons and other critters slinking around, but we don’t really try to cater to them.  We have to keep our pet food in urns with sturdy lids to keep the raccoons from helping themselves (we had to learn this the hard way!)