Mau provides update from the pastures

McLean County farmer Elton Mau shown at last week's McLean County Fair in Bloomington / CIFN photo.

ARROWSMITH – Corn and soybean farmers aren’t the only ones wishing for beneficial rains this summer.

Elton Mau, who grazes sheep on his farm near Arrowsmith in McLean County, says it is important to get rain every so often to keep the grass growing.

“I’ve got about 125 ewes and about 200 lambs out on pasture,” Mau told The Central Illinois Farm Network.

Livestock have to be monitored closely this time of year to make sure they have plenty of water and forage without eating the grass down too far.

“I rotate about every two days,” explained Mau.

Mau has two calves out with his sheep.

Though the crops could use another rain, Mau feels the corn and soybeans are doing alright and his pasture is growing well.

“We didn’t get that real heavy rain or that hail so the crops are looking pretty good.”

Mau was at last week’s McLean County Fair watching his granddaughter show rabbits on Wednesday and sheep later in the week.

“Grandparents have more pull than the parents do but they don’t listen to the grandparents either,” Mau joked.