He did bring an electric tank heater for the water stock tanks. We are providing the power for the tank heater in addition to the electric fencer.
He has asked to pay us for the electricity, however I told him I wouldn't have any idea what to charge since it all goes through our meter. It all works out since he has given us meat in the past. We enjoy having the cows nearby.
A blog follower has asked some questions and I'm pleased to answer them.
"Bill, when you get a chance, tell us how you prepare yourself for such harsh winters in Nebraska, such as heat for your home, what you do to keep your vehicles roadworthy, what type of insulation with clothes when you are outdoors, snowblowers to clear the walkway around the house, etc. Do you have a snowplow for your private roads? I’ll bet there is a pair of longjohns for sleeping. These stupid questions are coming from a person who has always lived in mild to warm climates. CharlestonSouthern, Summerville, SC"
We haven't had any snow yet this season as in past years (photos below), but we always have to prepare.
The first thing is getting all the vehicles serviced and when parked in the buildings they are each hooked up to a battery tender - aka trickle charger. I've made the mistake in the past of not using battery tenders and if the battery has any age to it they will freeze solid. Having reliable transportation is important and of the vehicles here on the farm our pickup is four wheel drive and our Subaru is all wheel drive. We generally go to town once a week, depending on the weather.
Most importantly I make sure the tractor is serviced and there is extra diesel on hand. The tractor is our only way of clearing snow to get out.
We also have a pto generator which when connected to the tractor can power our entire house in the event rural public power is out during a storm. Anymore this is a common seasonal occurrence with ice storms or power lines down.
Our house stove and furnace are run on propane, so when the power does go out we are still able to function with the generator.
The generator also supplies power to the other parts of the house (lights, tv, fridge, etc) and with a back stock of food we are able to get by until the power comes back on.
Winter can be a bugger, especially if it snows. It requires several layers of clothes when outside and we do whatever we can to make sure we are prepared. Thanks for the questions.
