Stuff We Use
Often folks have questions about the stuff we use here on the farm. We'll show you a few things we like and tell you how to get them, but do your research. Just because we like and use a product doesn't mean it's the best for you. These are just observations, not endorsements. We hope you find them useful.
Ray's a die-hard Ford fan, so that has always been the "official" vehicle here at the Ridge. Besides the F-250 and the Ranger we use here on the farm, Ms. Stephie just got a 2005 Freestyle; Etta's driving a 2003 Focus wagon; Nick and Carly have a 2005 Focus and an Escort and Grandma Corine drives an Escort; son-in-law Hank has an F-350 - well, you get the idea. We use Fords. The new ones have all come from Crossroads Ford in Frankfort. Tell Marcie we said hello!
You can get practically anything from Amazon (well, maybe not goats - but goat books!) The above link will get you there!
We've been very impressed with the work that Queensboro has done on our shirts, caps, brief cases and "stuff." Hit the link above and see what they can do for you!
Billy Goat Gruff is Tarter Gate Company's line of goat handling equipment, designed by professional goat farmers to help you manage your herd, get ready for a show and many other daily tasks. Tarter Gate is a Kentucky company, so we're extra pleased to use their products.
Our friend Jackie Nix from Sweetlix was kind enough to come up and do a nutrition presentation at the 2005 Kentucky Goat Producers Association annual meeting. Naturally, she was a big hit not only for the information she imparted but for the goodies that she and Tom Helm gave away! These are great folks that make a quality product. Check out their web site http://www.sweetlix.com for a dealer near you.
Kentucky weather can be kinda wet sometimes. It's real important for us to keep our feet warm and dry, so we started using MuckBoots. They're very comfortable and not difficult to clean so we wear them anytime the weather's damp, whether we're working, hunting or just fooling around with the horses. We use the "Edgewater" high boots for the real mucky stuff and we've recently gotten the "Daily" for yard and garden work. There's lots of styles to choose from. Check 'em out at MuckBoots.com.
We've owned a Kubota M5400 tractor for several years and have been very pleased with its performance. When it came time to look for a vehicle to help with the many chores around the place we did our homework, looked at all the available machines and ended up back with Kubota. For all-around utility, the RTV 900 is the best of the breed. Shiftable 4 wheel drive, 4-wheel independent suspension, a hydraulic dump bed and the legendary Kubota diesel engine and drive train pulled us quickly back to Big Orange. We also use a Kubota ZD-25 PRO zero-turn mower to keep things tidy around the place. Check out the full line of Kubota equipment at Kubota.com.
It seems we can't get away from the color orange. Our chain saws, trimmers, blowers and such come from Stihl. You've got to have a dependable chain saw around the farm. We've tried lots of 'em, and Stihl's the best for our money.
Again with the orange! We're cutting our hay with a new Kuhn disc mower. Lots of bang for the buck! Ours came from L.A. Yount Haying Equipment near Pleasureville, KY.
On a working farm or ranch, rugged clothes are not a fashion statement, they're necessary equipment. Wrangler Jeans and shirts are tough enough to stand up to the punishment and they do look good. In the stock barn or the show ring, Wrangler fits. Wrangler.com
We get lots of goodies from Premier1, but mostly we go to them for temporary fencing needs. They've got lots of stuff for all our critters, including one of the best lines of shearers and trimmers we've found. Hank swears by their shearers for sheep sheering. Order a catalog or shop on-line at Premier1.com
If there's anything you can't be without on the farm, it's a good knife. Gerber knives and tools of all assortments accompany us everywhere. Gerber Multi-pliers ride in the trucks, the RTV and the tractors all the time and Gerber knives do everything from clipping strings off hay bales to field dressing deer. They're standard equipment here on The Ridge.