About Dayphoto

My name is Linda Brown. I live on a farm on the western slope of Colorado, in the high mountain desert. I’ve lived here all my life, hailing back four generations on my father’s side. Today I blog about our farm, the everyday activities that keep the farm going. I also write about my thoughts and dreams and goals. On Friday’s I always write about TLC Cai-Cai. Our sweet kitty who helps keep the farm safe. And Boo Berry Betty, a breeder dog learning to be a Farm Dog! The lovely thing about blogging it opens the world up for all of us to reach out and meet people from many different cultures and different ways of life. You can find me every day (but Saturday) at https://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/ Your Friend on a Western Colorado Farm, Linda Brown

Waiting for the Water

Posted on May 15, 2008 by Dayphoto

Permanent ditches are lined with concrete to eliminate one source of water loss and increase the conveyance efficiency of the water (the efficiency of the water delivery system). Water losses from open, unlined ditches may be as high as 60% from seepage, evaporation, and water used by weeds in or along the ditches.

Ditch riders try to “foresee” problems that could occur during their 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shifts, for the water runs higher at night. The water association has 16 ditch riders who work the six-day shifts from April 1 to Nov. 1, while the ditches are in use.

We have a really good ditch rider his coverage area is 54 miles along California Mesa, including 26 lateral canals, several users and about 150 pumps. With estimates about 75 of those pumps are illegal.

Linkin Spent the Night with Grammy and Grandpy

Posted on May 15, 2008 by Dayphoto

Blade had his first sleep-over, which left Linkin wanting to do something too. She asked if she could spend the night with us, which she could.

The next morning, Grandpa (Grandpy, is what Linki calls Grandpa) was taking a nap, and Linkin decided she would sleep on him.

The Upper End

Posted on May 15, 2008 by Dayphoto

Our place isn’t just made up of farming ground; Terry has left acres in its natural form, making a great place for the cows to hang out in. Also for wild life to flourish, we have fox, coyotes, pheasants, quail, rabbits, and other wonderful creatures.

Everything is just starting to green-up, in another month the red-winged black birds will be every where!

For Mother’s Day, Terry Took Me to Ouray, Colorado

Posted on May 15, 2008 by Dayphoto

Ouray is just an hour and a half from our house. It is a beautiful mountain town, high in the Rocky Mountains. Set at the narrow head of a little valley and surround on three sides with snowcapped peaks most of the year-the little community likes to call itself the Switzerland of America. http://www.ouraycolorado.com/About+Ouray

What we like to do there is sit in the natural hot springs pool and soak for a couple of hours. So nice and relaxing! Ummmmm!

Sprouting Corn Seeds

Posted on May 15, 2008 by Dayphoto

We checked (just before the rains came) to see where the little seeds were, in their creation process.

There is a baby sprout starting to attach itself to the ground as a root! WONDERFUL!

The Rains Came

Posted on May 15, 2008 by Dayphoto

What a mess!

Although the rains are good for the yard, and the hay seeds and new crop, it is hard on the sprouting corn.

This will take several days to dry out! But … I don’t have to worry about watering!

Terry had to have the irrigation water turned off, everything is just TOO wet!

Terry’s 64th Birthday

Posted on May 9, 2008 by Dayphoto

Cliff brings out the cake with ALL 64 candles burning!

“WOW!” Linkin says.

It takes Grandpa, Blade and Linkin to blow them all out!

Bladen Got to Come to Grammy’s After School

Posted on May 7, 2008 by Dayphoto

Eating ice cream in Grandpa Chair…..Don’t tell Grandpa!

Time to Plant Corn

Posted on May 7, 2008 by Dayphoto

Higher input costs have not been good news for farmers, even though record prices were received last fall for corn. The cost of fuel, seeds, fertilizers, water, and taxes have ratchet up over the costs of last year.

Fuel and fertilizer are leading the way! The cost of diesel fuel has increased 55% since 2006. And fertilizer has gone up 70% since 2006.

Balancing input costs against sales is essential for a farmer….wonder what the forecast is for crops this fall?