Fall suburban hayfield
Saturday, September 16th, 2006
There were a number of falls that I would have been really excited to have grass growing like it is this autumn in Roanoke. Those years when we had a lot of cattle, some extra grass in the months before we started feeding hay was a welcome extension to the grazing season.
Now that the only thing which eats the grass around me is my Toro, fast going fall grass is not exactly welcome. Most of us on the hill are ready for the mowing to slow down.
Today was the third time I've mowed my yard in the last ten days. When I compare how the grass is growing here in the valley to how it is growing on the coast, I can understand why farming has remained a staple of the Virginia economy. Since I have farm roots, I'm broadminded enough to be glad that the farmers who had a tough summer have got some moisture.
As is always the case, one farmer's good news is always the next farmer's disaster. Still there is nothing more pitiful that horses or cattle trying to get a mouthful of grass from a pasture that just won't grow. At least right now the farmers who needed the grass to grow are in better shape than they were early in the summer.