Happy Friday everyone! With it feeling more like fall everyday it must mean that our sunflower field is almost ready for the cows to graze!! I cut a few sunflower heads today and the seeds are hardening nicely. We wait until the flowers have wilted and the seeds are mature and then we will let the cows into the field. They will eat the sunflower head, leaves and most of the stalk. A special treat for our special cows❤️🌻
Last year was our first time growing sunflowers for the cows and it was such a great success we decided to do it again this year🌻 Sunflowers are not only a great energy source for the cows but provide food and habitat for numerous wildlife, birds, pollinators and insects. They are also pretty fantastic for the soil health and a gorgeous sight when the whole field is in bloom.
I let our cow Megan taste test one of the sunflowers…I wonder if she remembers grazing them last year?!?
The extra sunflowers I cut that didn’t get munched by cows I have available for free in our farm store today and tomorrow. Try hanging one outside your kitchen window to see if you can attract any birds or squirrels!! You can also dry them in your garage or shed to put outside in the winter when food is scarce for wildlife. Have a great afternoon!
