Season at Alcovy: Summer is ending

Summer in Georgia: New Life, Long Days, and Full Hearts

There’s something about summer in Georgia that demands your attention.

The days begin early, the afternoons stretch long into the evening, and this year, the heat settled in with a determination only a Georgian can understand.  Georgia weather is unpredictable and all over the map. One hundred degree heat, pop up thunderstorms, random rain showers and cool windy evenings. Chores started a little earlier, water troughs were checked a little more often, and both people and animals appreciated every patch of shade they could find and every sip from the hose they could get.

Life on the farm doesn’t slow down because the temperatures climb. If anything, summer reminds us that caring for livestock is a commitment that changes with the seasons.

This summer was one we’ll remember.

Our pastures have welcomed multiple new Dorper lambs, three healthy Aberdeen calves, and one very special baby miniature donkey, Parsley.

Each new arrival is a reminder of why we spend so much time planning, preparing, and caring for our animals. Long before a lamb is born or a foal takes its first steps, there are breeding decisions to make, pastures to manage, and countless daily tasks that help create the best possible start for the next generation.

Those quiet moments are often the ones that stay with us the longest.

Watching a mother gently nudge her newborn to its feet. Being amazed at how the newborns always know exactly what to do.  Seeing curious little ears peek through the grass for the first time. Hearing our girls laugh as they race to check on the newest arrivals and argue over names. These are the memories that make even the hottest summer days worthwhile.

Our two daughters have loved every minute of meeting the new babies, playing in the red Georgia clay, and learning with their dad. Whether they’re riding through the pastures with David in the Gator or watching from the fence as a lamb explores the world, or playing in the mud after a summer rain, they’re learning hands on lessons that can’t be taught in a classroom. Patience. Responsibility. Compassion. Respect for the animals that depend on us every day.

Summer also reminds us that stewardship means adapting. During a Georgia heat wave, that means paying close attention to fresh water, providing plenty of shade, and keeping a careful eye on every animal. It’s not hard for animals and people alike to overheat or become dehydrated.  Healthy livestock doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of consistency, observation, and showing up every single day.

As busy as this season has been, we’re grateful for every early morning, every sunset over the pasture, and every new life that has joined our farm family.

We’re excited to watch these little ones grow, and we look forward to sharing their stories with you in the months ahead.

From all of us at Alcovy River Farms, thank you for following along and being part of our journey.

Until next time…We’ll be in the pasture.

Every day has a story. Thanks for sharing a little of Life at Alcovy with us.