Well, here I go talking manure again! Anyone who lives on a farm knows that there are certain “odors” that accompany our lifestyle. But most of us just don’t even smell it anymore. How many times have you had visitors to your homestead who ask “do you get used to the smell”? Okay, so there are times I can smell the farm. But I guess it’s really just not something I think about.
I grew up in a small town in northern Colorado that was surrounded by feed lots. There were cows…..everywhere. And lots of them! We never smelled them (unless the wind was blowing from the north), but everyone who came to town commented on the aroma. It never failed that people commented on the smell of the town. While it’s not the case for every farm smell, there we used to just say “it’s the smell of money”! I still use this line today, and yes, it was a very true statement for the town I grew up in! Much of the economy was based on the cows, the feedlots, and that wonderful aroma that was a result of them!
Now not all the smells on the farm are the same. We definitely have our favorites, and those we think are down right stinky! I happen to love the smell of cows. It’s probably because I’ve been around it most of my life, but to me the smell is not offensive at all. Now, when it’s a little wet outside, or the manure has fermented a bit, the aroma gets stronger. But I still have no problem tolerating the smell of cow manure. Mr. One Ash on the other hand is partial to horse manure. He is absolutely the horse lover around here, and much like me with cows, has been around horse manure most of his life. He finds enjoyment in the sweet grassy smell!
I think both of us can agree…….poultry is our least favorite manure aroma. Ducks, geese and chickens have provided us with some of the stinkiest spots to clean on our homestead. I don’t think there’s anything worse than cleaning out the pool that the geese like to play in. The bottom of that pool has some of the nastiest manure around! But…..it’s great fertilizer!
It seems funny to be talking about the smell of our homesteads- but it’s also a reality of this wonderful life. It’s the knowledge that our animals are helping to provide the fertilizer needed to keep growing the pasture that so many of them need! We also thank those animals for providing fertilizer for our own gardens. This natural way of life is incredibly rewarding.
If you live on a farm or homestead, take time today to take a deep breath and enjoy the aroma of your lifestyle. Whether it’s the smell of money for you, or just the smell of happiness, it’s a true blessing from God that we are able to be stewards of our livestock.
Have a Blessed Day!
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