 Hay is for Horses
The spring and summer months at Miracle Farm bring more than just rising temperatures and longer days; for many years these seasons have been prime time for growing and reaping hay. Approximately 60 of the Farm’s 350 acres are designated as Coastal mix hay meadows set aside for hay production. The growing season begins in March which involves key factors such as fertilization and rainfall. The first cutting typically occurs in May, yielding an average of 500 square bales. “On an average we put up a total of 1,200 to 1,500 square bales that provide feed for the horses and between 80 and 100 round bales for the cattle,” explained Ranch Manager Mike Gallaway. “It’s important for the guys to learn the step-by-step process involved in ranching starting from the ground up,” said Campus Administrator Jeremy Cole. “This demonstrates to them that if you want something accomplished, you have to work hard for it and to provide for it.” As soon as the first bale hits the ground, the hay haulin’ process begins. “Our staff and boys demonstrate such great team work as they accomplish this huge task together,” shared Executive Director Jack Meeker. “We put in many hours during the day or night, depending on what the weather conditions demand, to do what it takes to bring in all of the bales from the field. It builds camaraderie among the boys and staff like nothing else.”  Three teams rotate from the field precisely loading and stacking about 80 bales per load on flatbed trailers to the hay barn where they unload and restack the hay. “Through guidance and hard work, the boys learn the importance of a job well done,” Meeker expressed. “God blesses sweat.” “You find out who the hardest workers are because they step up and stand out above the rest,” said Miracle Farm resident Pat Fomento, now a seasoned Farm hay hauler. “I feel good about myself when I’ve put in a good effort and worked my hardest. It’s rewarding.” “The boys learn how far they can push themselves doing what it takes to get the job done,” Gallaway added. “They realize they can do things they didn’t think they could do.” In addition to learning about the benefits of a hard day’s work on the Farm, the boys learn lessons about investing time and resources, remaining faithful and then trusting the Lord for the results. “Ranching is a faith thing and God works in every aspect of it just as He does in our lives,” imparted Gallaway. “Especially in times of drought, like we’ve experienced in our area for the past couple of years, it reminds me that God is in control and we must put our faith in Him.” The Fall season of 2010 will mark a new phase of pasture management for the hay fields at Miracle Farm. Reclamation, including sprigging, will improve the quality of the crop and raise the protein level of the hay to a premium of 20 percent, thus eliminating the need for food supplementation for the animals and lowering overall feed costs. Forty acres will be transformed into a pure Coastal hay field. This Fall, winter oats will be planted on another 40 acres, yielding rich grazing land that will serve as rotating pastures for the cattle and horses. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “If you’re livin’ your faith, God has a plan and will take care of you every step of the way,” said Gallaway. “He’s proven this truth to me over and over again throughout my life.”
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