Saturday, April 28, 2018

Spring on the Farm: Farm Kid Edition


Spring has finally arrived this year, a little delayed, but nonetheless it is here and our whole family is excited and ready.  I'm not sure who is more excited, My Farmer so he can start planting corn and soybeans, or the kids so they can do all of their favorite spring time things:

Get Bottle Lambs

For the last few years we have gotten our kids some bottle lambs or bottle goats to take care of as their own spring and summer projects on the farm.  While we do raise pigs on our farm, the pig barns are a mile away, so the kids aren't able to help with the pigs always.  Having the bottle lambs or goats here on our acreage allows the kids to take care of them daily, be active caregivers, and gives them responsibility.  If you follow me on Instagram you saw that we got this year's bottle lambs, Connor and Chance last week!  

Spring on the Farm:  Farm Kid Edition - Bottle Lambs #SpringatTheisens #sponsored
Miss A with Connor and Mr. K with Chance

Before we picked up the lambs though, we headed to Theisen's to pick up some supplies!  Theisen's is a family-owned home, farm and auto retail business located in Iowa and Wisconsin, and lucky for us, we have one just a half-hour away that we use regularly to pick up everything from livestock supplies, to clothes and boots, to gardening tools, seeds and plants.  It is also our go to place to pick up everything we need for the county fair.  Being that one-stop spot is important to Theisen's too.  Their tagline is "More for You" as they are always thinking about how to give their customers more both in their stores and online.  I also appreciate how Theisen's gives back and supports groups like 4-H, FFA, County Fairs, educational programs, local parishes, Toys for Tots, The Boys & Girls Club and United Way.

Spring on the Farm:  Farm Kid Edition - Bottle Lambs #SpringatTheisens #sponsored
Mr. K was a great helper shopping
At Theisen's we were able to pick up all of the essentials for bottle lambs: lamb milk replacer, heat lamps and bulbs, and bottle nipples.  If you are going to have bottle lambs or goats, I highly recommend getting some Pritchard Futter Valves.  They are the perfect size for bottle lambs and goats and they fit perfect onto a pop bottle.  The pop bottles are easy for both the lamb and the kids to handle, verses the giant 1/2 gallon bottles.  We were also able to pick up lamb feed and a mineral block for when they get older.  Theisen's has a great selection of feeders and buckets for feed, hay and water.  I love our feeder that uses chains and hooks to secure to the fence, this way we can easily move the feeder higher as the lambs get bigger.

Spring on the Farm:  Farm Kid Edition - Bottle Lambs #SpringatTheisens #sponsored
Left:  Feeder and Bucket Aisle
Top Right:  Pritchard Flutter Valves
Bottom Right:  Lamb Milk Replacer, Heat Lamp and Bulbs

Ride in the Tractor

Another favorite thing about Spring for our farm kids is riding in the tractor!  I am happy to report that we started spring planting today!  I was out doing some tillage work and both Miss A and Miss R rode along with me.  The kids enjoy being out in the field and being apart of the action during planting, and if you ask them the best seat in the field is in the buddy seat next to their Dad, Grandpa or myself.

Spring on the Farm:  Farm Kid Edition - Riding in the Tractor during Spring Planting #plant18 #SpringatTheisens #sponsored
My buddy seat companions - Miss A and Miss R

Play Outside

And of course the other great thing about spring on the farm is being able to play outside (without snow gear on).  The kids love exploring around the farm and getting a little dirty along the way.  Every member of our family has a pair of "farm boots" that they wear in and out of the barn and that never leave home.  They are perfect for the kids to slip on and not have to worry about getting them dirty.

Spring on the Farm:  Farm Kid Edition - Farm Boots #SpringatTheisens #sponsored
Mr. K, Miss A, Miss L and Miss R in their farm boots

What is your favorite thing about Spring?  Be sure to Comment for a Cause and visit Theisen's for all your spring needs!

Bottle Lamb Supplies and Tips #SpringatTheisens #sponsored

Spring on the Farm:  Farm Kid Edition #SpringatTheisens #sponsored

9 comments:

  1. If I ever make it to Iowa or Wisconsin, I would love to visit those stores. I visit hardware stores wherever I go, so this would be a natural for me!

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    1. You'll have to check it out and one of my kids' favorite part is that they give out free popcorn to eat while shopping!

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  2. Ah, to be a kid on a farm! Great memories in the making. Thanks heavens for tractors with enclosed safe cabs.

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    1. Yes - it is a lot of fun and I agree about the tractors.

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  3. Hooray for finally being able to plant! How fun that they get to have their own animals to care for at home. My parents ended up with bottle fed lamb this year and it definitely imprinted on my mom. She follows her all over the yard! I'm sure your kids love it!

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    1. The best is when bottle lambs follow you around, almost like a dog. ;) The kids have a great time taking care of them.

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  4. I love that you get bottle lambs every spring! Probably a little more manageable than bottle calves!

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    1. I grew up with lambs so it was a natural fit to get bottle lambs for our kids (and yes, a little more manageable) ;)

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