Building Dairy Barn #14: Barnyard Concrete and New Headlocks

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  • Опубліковано 29 вер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 82

  • @melwallace1255
    @melwallace1255 4 роки тому +1

    Looking great!!! Cannot wait for the next video!!!

  • @stephaniegeddings8438
    @stephaniegeddings8438 4 роки тому +2

    Helloooo Clover Mountain Dairy! The barn is getting close. The girls are looking good. I can't wait until they calve! And look at Stacy's beard!! I've never seen him with a beard. Guess he's trying to bring on the mountain man look for Clover Mountain 😄❤️

    • @bucsr.6106
      @bucsr.6106 4 роки тому

      Stephanie Geddings hello friend!

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +1

      Helloooo Red Mountain! Did you know we have a Red Mountain near here? With a resort and everything! I’m not sure how long I’ll keep the beard... Haha! So far I can tolerate it. Thanks for watching!

    • @stephaniegeddings8438
      @stephaniegeddings8438 4 роки тому +1

      @@bucsr.6106 Hello! ❤️❤️

    • @PilotMcbride
      @PilotMcbride 4 роки тому

      The beard is the "old man of the sea" coming out in him, 🤣. Needs to have a grey streak in it though. Just waiting for the flowing hair to come along..... Oops, 🤣

  • @hereandtherehomestead2201
    @hereandtherehomestead2201 4 роки тому +1

    Are the head gates mostly for vet visits? Or maybe you intend to feed them (like alfalfa) out there in nice weather? I like the concrete path and waiting area. We just scooped out the muck from behind the barn, and whereas the collected stuff in a pile is going to be a valuable addition to the garden, it sure was a mess to have there. We definitely didn't walk through that area all winter. You'll be able to maintain a much nicer entry to your milking area! Like other viewers, I can hardly wait until your dairy operation gets going. Our beef calves are due later this month and next month (we think). Possibility of 7 calves this year, and some more lambs too.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +1

      Yes, be bought the head gates mostly for vet visits, and when we do vaccines or breeding too. We may feed a little, but it is not a primary feeding area. Concrete and gravel are two things we love on the Thomarosa, especially in the winter!

  • @mickoostingh5777
    @mickoostingh5777 4 роки тому +2

    i am looking forward to the next video

  • @duncanosborne4871
    @duncanosborne4871 4 роки тому

    Great too see small micro dairies still running here in the UK its practically impossible to get a licence too many rules and regulations too keep goats, sheep, cattle or pigs we have to apply for county holding number from our council then a herd number from the department of environment for food and rural affairs, cattle have too be tuberculosis tested every year if one animal tests positive she has too be culled no milk can be sold until the test results have come back, in my county we now only have 3 commercial dairy herds one is 300 head second is 150 head and the last one is 100 there used to be around 20 but the uk government allows the French to export their milk to us which has cut the throats of many dairy farms here and its about the same with sheep and beef

  • @pierrotgretillat9365
    @pierrotgretillat9365 4 роки тому +1

    Salut tank you vidéo magnifique super

  • @jimsgardensandrabbitry
    @jimsgardensandrabbitry 4 роки тому +1

    Beautiful Jerseys. From what you have showed in this video, you both have done a lot of planting. Wow, lot has changed in the head locks. I like that system. Thanks for sharing and may your family be blessed.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      We love the headlocks! It makes a lot of things easier, and right now it’s working well as a temporary milking parlor. Thank you for the kind comments!

  • @KeithFinkFamilyFarm
    @KeithFinkFamilyFarm 4 роки тому

    Very nice. Nice to see that the redi-mix truck stayed upright this time.
    Keith-

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      I believe our farm has gained a bit of a reputation with the redi-mix drivers! Haha! No, no problems since then!

  • @davidyoung9195
    @davidyoung9195 4 роки тому +1

    Are you going to buy anymore heifers or just raise them from the 4 you have now. It will be very interesting once you start milking and processing. Really looking forward to it. Enjoy watching your progress. Keep up the good work.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +1

      We’re planning on maintaining a closed herd from here on out. The girls we have now have just completed their one year organic transition. Of course any calves they have will be organic as well. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. We appreciate them!

  • @ericjohnson1008
    @ericjohnson1008 4 роки тому +1

    Mmmmm freash milk. Wonder how easy it would be to milk a beef caw? LOL got 4 in milk now LOL I'm not doing it

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +2

      Hmmm? Could be a rodeo! I’ve seen some beef cows with some nice udders though. Thanks for watching!

    • @ericjohnson1008
      @ericjohnson1008 4 роки тому +1

      @@vnthomas16 One of mine is huge. Like i said not going to be me LOL

  • @guernseygoodness
    @guernseygoodness 4 роки тому +2

    Good choice of lock-ups, much more simpler design than most of the other brands out there. That sure is a good looking barn!

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      We love our barn! I forget... do you have Hatfield lockup’s? Hope all is well with you folks. Stay safe!

    • @guernseygoodness
      @guernseygoodness 4 роки тому

      I’ve got them in the milking barn and over at the heifer barn.

  • @DennysCountryLife
    @DennysCountryLife 4 роки тому

    The barn is moving along real nice! Locking head gates was a good call. I like the new name by the way. It took me a sec to find you guys again in my subscription list. Ha ha

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      The headlocks are going to be so nice! Glad you like the name! You get moved yet?

  • @zabeelhashim3361
    @zabeelhashim3361 4 роки тому +1

    How did you protect the wooden pillars. Arent they going to wear n tear with the cow poop n pea. Cant wait to see your next vid. Great job.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +4

      Hello! Great question! The main posts of the barn are pressure treated so they won’t be affected by the realities of livestock farming. In the areas around the cows, we did wrap the posts in sacrificial pine though, since we’re organic and don’t want the cows to chew on the treated wood or otherwise be in contact with the pressure treating chemicals. Glad you enjoy the videos and thanks for watching!

  • @jeannel1065
    @jeannel1065 4 роки тому

    Another completed job. I love how the girls supervise. They love their alfalfa pellets.
    BTW, I’ve read in other comments that “Tom” is a spam bot and can steal subscribers if you like the comment or reply. I don’t know how that works, but they comment in almost every video I watch and always the same 4-5 complimentary comments. Obviously don’t watch, including calling woman vloggers, Bro. It looks like Cylixir does the same type of comments and should also be blocked.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +2

      Good morning! Yes, they love their alfalfa pellets! They’re a good treat and work great for training! Yes, every video usually has a spammer comment or two. The names will change, but their intent doesn’t. It’s just part of the cost of doing business on the internet. We appreciate your support though, and your comments! Please keep them coming!

  • @karencary3312
    @karencary3312 3 роки тому

    At first I thought you and Virginia were going to spread and finish the concrete. I thought, I know they are up to doing anything but concrete will break their backs. But, I forgot you are smart enough to know your limits. It looks real good.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  3 роки тому

      Thanks! Yes, unless it’s a real small concrete job, it’s the one thing we hire out. If we do all the prep, form work, and rebar, it’s pretty economical to pay someone to place and finish the concrete. And totally worth it! And honestly, a good concrete finisher is an artist! Having the concrete barnyard this winter has already paid for itself! So much better than last year!

  • @ryangrider9607
    @ryangrider9607 4 роки тому

    Three hundred bucks seems cheap for that! Even doubling to account for shipping, it’s a one time purchase that should benefit you for the life of the dairy.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      I too was actually surprised by the price. Even with shipping, it was worth the investment. Thanks for watching!

  • @enjoyingretirement4846
    @enjoyingretirement4846 4 роки тому

    Gotta assume you will be building a building around the new head locks? Milking in the rain is no fun. LOL Love your channel.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      No, no building around the headlocks. We don’t plan to milk in them as we have a separate milking parlor for that (unless Buttercup calves before the parlor is finished! She’s close!) Glad you enjoy the channel! We appreciate your support!

  • @donaldgibson3121
    @donaldgibson3121 4 роки тому

    Every construction job is well thought out and executed to plan. Outstanding! We love your videos.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      Thanks, Donald! We really do try to work out as much as possible before starting. Glad to have you along on our journey!

  • @ronaldwang8119
    @ronaldwang8119 4 роки тому +1

    Great job guys! As you know mud is a mess along with cows becomes a uncontrollable mess. You will enjoy that concrete. Money well spent!!

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      MUD: Manure Urine Dirt! Haha! Ideally, we would have loved to have got the slab in last fall, but we just ran out of time! Oh well! We survived! I ended up dumping a bunch of gravel, wood chips, and old hay back there to get through the winter. It did it’s job, but we’re so glad to have the concrete now!

  • @Rosie-xi5sz
    @Rosie-xi5sz 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for your videos. Upbeat and positive, and always something to make me laugh. I hope you find the time during your busy days to take stock of all you have accomplished!

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +1

      Indeed! Sometimes we just have to stop and watch the “farm channel” for a while. It always seems so amazing when we reflect back on how far we’ve come. Thanks for the support!

  • @matthewjohnson3910
    @matthewjohnson3910 4 роки тому +1

    Looking good 👍

  • @travisbemboom117
    @travisbemboom117 Рік тому

    Cute little jerseys. Nicely done video! Best of luck with the calves!!!

  • @toddcaskey9984
    @toddcaskey9984 4 роки тому +1

    Great job

  • @ahomeinpisgahontheroad4481
    @ahomeinpisgahontheroad4481 Рік тому

    Your cows and you both are happy news in a crazy world! Your work ethic is incredible!

  • @clint4472
    @clint4472 4 роки тому +2

    So excited, can't wait for the fun to begin, the rush for the spring flush is on!

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +1

      Ah yes, Springtime! The time of year when Mother Nature kicks it into high gear and we just struggle to keep up... Thanks for your support!

  • @dougdickey7381
    @dougdickey7381 4 роки тому +1

    Love watching your videos and seeing the progress in your farm. ☺️

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      Thanks! We’re glad you’re along for the journey!

  • @richwhitaker1506
    @richwhitaker1506 4 роки тому +1

    Great to see the steps as everything slips into place. Girls look healthy. Pasture in good shape. Calving time is approaching. Real fun starting. 🐮

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +1

      Every week we look back and say, "Wow, think back to where we were a month/year (s) ago!" Seeing everything take shape and sharing it on UA-cam has been very rewarding. Thanks, Rich, for your support!

  • @joeorsborn9794
    @joeorsborn9794 4 роки тому

    How far off the cement did you end up installing the head locks ?

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      The manufacturer recommended 16”-18”... Our slab slopes, but we wanted the headlocks level, so ours are about 15” at the high end, and 16 1/2” at the low end. We milk Jerseys, and find the slightly lower height works well for us.

  • @zvonimirkaic8459
    @zvonimirkaic8459 3 роки тому

    This is great head locks . I make this for my cows . Thanks man

  • @bucsr.6106
    @bucsr.6106 4 роки тому +1

    Great video! So exciting. I love how the girls watch you work. They are so trusting.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +2

      They have to supervise for quality assurance!

  • @scooter0768
    @scooter0768 4 роки тому +1

    Looking good! Thank you for allowing us into your daily lives to watch your farm grow.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +1

      You’re welcome! We’re glad you’re here!

  • @ronbiggar9778
    @ronbiggar9778 4 роки тому

    Fattest jerseys I’ve ever seen lol

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      I think it’s the New Zealand genetics... All they eat is pasture when it’s growing, and grass hay when it isn’t...

  • @davidperigo2393
    @davidperigo2393 4 роки тому

    CALLED A STANCHION

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +1

      Good morning! We call it a headlock because, well, that’s what the manufacturer calls it! Haha! We do have a couple old stanchions floating around the farm though. I know one is a Louden, which at one time was a pretty big manufacturer of barn equipment. I always thought it would be cool to take one of our old stanchions and fit a mirror to the inside. I think it would be neat hanging in the house. Thanks for watching!

  • @davidj.mackinney6568
    @davidj.mackinney6568 4 роки тому

    Love your videos

  • @stevemccoy8138
    @stevemccoy8138 4 роки тому

    Looking really Good, Can't hardly wait to see you guys milking, and the Dairy operating. Nice Cap, I'm a KW fan myself. Thanks

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +1

      We’re working hard because we’re going to be milking soon! We’ll see who’s ready first... Buttercup or us! Love my KW! Peterbilts are ok too.

  • @barbaravickroy7563
    @barbaravickroy7563 4 роки тому

    Step by step ... ''our'' dairy is shaping up! The textured cement is so practical. l recall [many years ago] seeing cows slip on the wet cement. A couple of Q's - how long will the calf nurse? Do you have a separate space for the birthing? Also would you please show the exact path a cow will take in the milking process?

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому +2

      Great questions! We intend to let the calves nurse up until their weaned, probably at 5 months or so. We have a few friends who “share milk” and it works well for them. We do have a place in the barn we can use for calving if necessary, but would prefer to have them calve on pasture if the weather is good. As we get things put in their place we’ll definitely have to do a “walk through” for UA-cam! Stay tuned!

  • @kswaynes7569
    @kswaynes7569 4 роки тому

    Nice setup with the headlocks! " Your vet will be happy?", only if it's a nice sunny day. I see a barn extension, maybe only a roof and one wall with lighting for those not so sunny days.

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      No, no plan for a roof. Luckily we mostly have dry weather here! The headlocks give us the ability to lock up the entire herd, but in case of inclement weather, we can do some things in the milking parlor stalls which are inside. We do eventually plan to put a flood light on the back wall of the barn however.

  • @troytirrell3236
    @troytirrell3236 4 роки тому

    Is the first gal about ready to "deliver"? Love the new concrete!

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      Soon! Buttercup’s due date is April 30th, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s a few days early! The new concrete is great! Today is the first day we plan to let the cows on it!

  • @fionajane56
    @fionajane56 4 роки тому

    Its sure going to be a marvelous set up!❤

    • @vnthomas16
      @vnthomas16  4 роки тому

      Thanks! We hope so! We’ve put a lot of thought into it!