Chapter 89 of 100
Chapter 89
7 min read1,797 words
Driving the tractor to transport the hay bales back to the hay barn, Li Han came over to help. Jim told Li Han that the hay bales needed to be stacked into piles, which could be stored for a long time and were easy to use for winter feed. Jim and Hutton introduced to Li Han, "Han, the hay from Pasture No. 3 is the best. These are all piled on the edge, high in protein, rich, and the best feed for pregnant cows in winter. Hey, I think the calves on the farm next year will be the best in Kemixing."
Li Han smiled and said, "There was a saying among the ranchers in Montana before, 'We don't raise cattle or sheep, not Quarter Horses, not sheepdogs; we raise grass, lush grass. With lush pastures, we can have lush herds of sheep and cattle.' This saying makes a lot of sense."
Jim nodded in agreement, "That's right, Han. The pasture is the best gift God has given to cowboys. With such lush pastures, it must be God's blessing to us. We will definitely raise the best beef cattle." Jim helped Hutton, using the forklift to stack the hay bales, while Li Han and Hutton arranged them neatly.
After Li Han arranged the hay bales and stepped on them, he said, "Thank George for leaving us the pasture. He was a true cowboy. Maybe we'll have a chance to raise a toast for this lovely old man." "Of course, Han. It's been a good day. How about a beer?" Jim and Hutton had long been eager for Li Han's homemade beer, which was truly unforgettable.
Li Han clapped his hands, slid down from the hay pile, and said with a smile, "Alright, for the sake of God and George, we'll have a drink tonight." "Han, that's a delightful decision. Jim, I can hardly wait." Hutton pressed the hay pile and said to Jim, who was also busy pressing the hay pile, with a smile.
Jim rolled up his sleeves, patted the hay pile, and said, "Yes, Hutton, I can already smell the beer. Han, maybe we can go to the new pasture and bring a barrel of fresh beer. What do you think?"
After the three finished their work, Li Han said with a smile, "Sure, no problem." The three drove the ATV back to the cattle, added some hay, and told Dina about the barbecue, preparing the grill and fuel.
The new pasture was not far away, about ten minutes away. The three arrived at the new pasture, where the wind blew the rye grass, making it look like velvet, truly beautiful. Jim and Hutton stopped the ATV, jumped off, and chewed a few rye grass leaves. "Oh, it's really beautiful, Han. I think you've succeeded. It's unbelievable that you've grown such good rye grass in such a drought. It tastes wonderful."
Hutton nodded and said, "Yes, Jim, you're right. The pasture here is really great. This is the best rye grass I've ever seen. Han, congratulations on getting such a good pasture. Our cattle and sheep will definitely be even fatter."
Li Han was not too surprised. The pasture seeds were soaked in space water, and some space water was used for irrigation, so the growth and quality of the pasture were excellent, as expected. "Jim, Hutton, I think so too. The pasture has succeeded, which is really great."
Jim and Hutton dug up some soil and observed the rye grass roots, which were surprisingly about a third longer than ordinary rye grass roots. "Han, this is a miracle. Maybe we can plant more of this rye grass next year."
Li Han nodded, perhaps. "Jim, Hutton, let's go check out the front. The alfalfa there is also good." "Sure, Han, you've given us so many surprises. Hutton, I think this place is really great. Thank you for the invitation."
Hutton and Li Han laughed heartily. The farm was much easier with Jim. The three followed the irrigation channel to the alfalfa pasture, where some rye grass was scattered, and the yellow and purple alfalfa flowers were beautiful, like a sea of flowers.
Jim and Hutton tasted the alfalfa and nodded. "Good alfalfa, Han. Maybe in a few days, we can harvest it once. It's unbelievable that we've solved our winter feed so quickly." "Yes, Hutton, we can harvest two to three more times here. Perhaps we can sell some, as the price of hay is good this year."
Due to the drought in the entire western United States, the price of hay has been rising. Many small farms in Kemixing have been hit by both pests and drought, making it difficult to operate. Li Han felt extremely lucky. Li Han and Jim, Hutton discussed the matter of moving the cattle to a new pasture the next day, which was not far away. Jim said, "Han, Hutton and I can handle it."
Li Han nodded. Jim and Hutton were experienced cowboys, so Li Han felt reassured. They discussed dividing the pasture into five smaller pastures for rotational grazing and harvesting. Li Han entrusted this to Hutton and Jim, then returned to the small farm. Li Han went to the beer house, moved a barrel of beer to the back of the ATV, and little Millie, who hadn't seen her owner for a few days, was excited and circled around him. Li Han squatted down, picked up little Millie, and placed her on the ATV.
At the small farm, Dina had taken good care of everything. The two dairy cows and the black donkey were clean and leisurely grazing in a small pasture. As Li Han drove the ATV past, the cows and the donkey looked up at him and continued to graze leisurely. Two lambs followed the ATV, and not far away, two young turkeys had even mixed into the chicken flock, quite capable. As for the large turtle, Li Han ignored it, and the creature slowly crawled to the pond to catch fish and shrimp.
Returning to George's farm, Hutton and Jim were driving the cattle and counting them, while Dina was busy setting up the grill. Seeing Han, she smiled and came over, saying, "Pandora delivered chicken soup to Mr. Glasserman. Mr. Glasserman's butler, Vissa, just called and said to bring Pandora back after dinner."
Li Han stopped the ATV and helped Dina set up the grill. "I'll call Vissa later. Dina, I've prepared the vegetables and beef. I'll go get them." Li Han took the beef and vegetables and asked about Lulu. Jim helped manage the farm, and the vegetables, beef, cheese, jam, drinks, and liquefied gas cylinders were all arranged by Jim. "Lulu is doing well."
Li Han arranged the beef and vegetables, marinated some, and the preparation of the seasonings took some time. Dina saw that there wasn't much she could help with and said to Li Han, "Han, I think I should help Jim and Hutton better." "Alright, I'll handle it here."
For a simple barbecue, Li Han quickly marinated the meat, prepared the sauce, and lit the grill. He placed the vegetables and beef pieces with tongs and grilled them, flipping them over. The lights in the yard were turned on, and a few small insects circled around in the light.
Li Han grilled the beef while drinking beer. On a cool evening, a cup of beer and a piece of grilled meat was a great enjoyment. After Jim and Hutton, and Dina finished their work, Li Han smiled and pointed to the beer barrel. "Let's have a beer first. The grilled meat will be ready soon."
"OK, this is really good beer, Han. Maybe you should open a brewery. I think business would be great." Jim poured a glass of beer, took a sip, and wiped the foam from his mouth. The fresh, young beer tasted great.
Hutton laughed and said, "Jim, haven't you noticed poor Jack? He's come a few times, trying to buy Han's beer. Maybe Jack is afraid Han will take his business."
"Han's beer is better than Jack's bar. Maria seems to want to replace Jack's bar beer. Jack must be very worried," Dina said, having heard this from her boyfriend.
"Is our beautiful Maria in love with our lovely Han?" Jim laughed.
"Jim, I think you should have a piece of grilled meat. That would be better, don't you think?" Li Han put a piece of grilled meat on Jim's plate, and Jim and Hutton burst out laughing. "Han, Maria was right. You are a lovely boy."
Hutton raised his beer and said, "Han, being so shy won't help you get a girlfriend. Have another beer. I think I can tell you how to get a beautiful girl." Li Han blushed and picked up a piece of grilled meat.
"Hutton, I think Dina wouldn't want to hear your love stories," Li Han said, a bit annoyed. Dina covered her mouth and laughed. Li Han's shyness was really amusing. Hutton chuckled, cut a piece of grilled meat, and put it in his mouth. "Beer, grilled meat, this place is like heaven, Jim. How does it feel?"
"Yes, Hutton, I think this is the best decision I've made. Han is a good person. Let's raise a toast to our lovely Han." Jim raised his beer glass, and Dina and Hutton also raised their glasses. Although Li Han's salary wasn't very high, the beef and mutton, especially the vegetables, were plentiful. The occasional beer and grilled meat gatherings, the excellent pasture, and the easy work of grazing cattle and sheep made life feel like a vacation.
Dina's boyfriend, a showboy, even wanted to work on Li Han's farm, but unfortunately, Li Han had no plans to hire more people in the short term, as the current staff was sufficient. A small barrel of beer, a large piece of beef, a bowl of vegetable salad, grilled potatoes, corn, and a small dish of lemon were all very satisfying for Jim, Hutton, and Dina. Li Han enjoyed this warm family atmosphere. After the barbecue, Dina and Hutton helped clean up the grill, dishes, and utensils, and went to bed early.
Li Han and Jim discussed the loan matters. With the success of the new pasture, Li Han had more leverage, and the loan amount might be increased. Jim suggested two million dollars, perhaps a bit less. "Jim, I'll consider it. Thanks for your hard work."
Jim laughed and said, "No, Han, with beer, there's no hard work. Good night, Han." "Good night, Jim. Have a good dream." After sending Jim back, Dina returned, accompanied by a few cowboys and a group of bullies. Dina waved goodbye and returned to the small building, skipping happily.
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