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RandyGWheeler@nostrcheck.me
npub1xymt...6yu0
Retired Security Professional and former USMC. High-Threat Protection overseas. Amateur Radio Operator (W4WRG) using DMR, DSTAR & EchoLink. Future Highland Cattle Rancher. BitCoin, Scotland, self-reliance and rural living. Older, Grumpier, love my kids and grand-daughter and madly in love with my girlfriend, Pam.
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RandyGWheeler 3 weeks ago
W4WRG Randy Pace/Milton, FL I usually get on at 11:00am CST Gulf Coast Alabama GMRS DMR TG 31011 Gulf Coast DSTAR REF058B Alabama Everyone’s welcome!! image
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RandyGWheeler 3 weeks ago
MARS modification on a Icom5100 If you notice the mistake at the end, the only thing that it did was keep the radio from connecting to his programmed stations for the Coast Guard, but the modification still worked for 2 m, 70 cm and GMRS
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RandyGWheeler 1 month ago
Beef & Breedin’ Potential Highland cattle are tremendous beasts for producin’ top-quality beef. The meat’s highly prized cause it’s leaner than standard beef, packed wi’ protein, an lower in cholesterol tae boot. Folk’ll pay guid money for proper Highland beef if it’s raised right. They dae take a wee bit longer tae finish an reach butcher weight compared tae commercial breeds like Angus cattle, but ye’re tradin’ speed for quality. In the end, the premium price usually makes up for the extra wait. Agritourism: Because they’re calm-natured an look absolutely iconic wi’ aw that shaggy hair an sweeping horns, Highlands are brilliant for agritourism. Folk love takin’ photos wi’ them, feedin’ them by hand, an walkin’ roond farm tours. Petting zoos, educational farms, an visitor experiences can pull in a tidy wee income if ye run it proper. Local Mentorship & Resources Before ye start yer ain “fold” — that’s the proper term for a herd o’ Highland cattle — it’s wise tae speak wi’ experienced breeders first instead o’ chargiin’ in blind. The American Highland Cattle Association is worth joinin’ if ye’re serious aboot bloodlines, registration, an proper breed standards. Ye can also visit established East Tennessee folds like Piney Highlands or Elm Hollow Farm tae see firsthand how seasoned breeders manage grazin’, shelter, feedin’, an herd health. That kind o’ practical knowledge is worth more than half the nonsense ye’ll read online.
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RandyGWheeler 1 month ago
Raisin’ Scottish Highland cattle in East Tennessee’s become right popular, an it’s a braw wee venture if ye ken whit ye’re daein. Them big shaggy beasts wi’ the thick double coats an calm nature settle in awfy well tae the hills o’ Tennessee, but dinnae fool yersel — the humid summer heat’ll batter them if ye dinnae keep on top o’ shade, water, an fly control. Climate & Heat Management Even though they come fae Scotland, Highland coos handle East Tennessee weather better than folk expect. Their heavy coats keep the cauld oot in winter, but they also shield the beasts fae the scorchin’ summer sun. Shade: Every pasture needs proper shade — trees if ye’ve got them, shelters if ye dinnae. Leave them standin’ in open heat aw day an ye’re askin’ for trouble. Water: Fresh water needs tae be flowin’ constant. Noo and then a pond, wallow, or sprinkler setup disnae hurt either. A thirsty Highland in July’s a miserable creature. Groomin’ & Health: Heat stress an flies are the big enemies. Ye need tae watch them close through peak summer. If ye slack aff, the flies’ll torment the poor beasts rotten. Land & Grazin’ Requirements East Tennessee’s full o’ rich grassland an rollin’ hills, near perfect for Highlands, but ye still need tae manage the stock proper. Acreage: Usually ye’re lookin’ at roughly 2 tae 5 acres per coo dependin’ on the pasture quality an how much rain ye get. Foragin’: Highlands are hardy wee scrappers. They’ll chew through weeds, briars, an brush that other cattle turn their noses up at, which keeps the pasture cleaner without half the effort. Herd Dynamics & Temperament Highland cattle are famous for bein’ gentle, clever, an easy enough tae handle if ye treat them right. Maternal Instinct: The coos are first-class mothers. Calvin’s usually easy, an the wee calves come oot covered in thick hair ready tae face a cold snap straight aff. Horns: Those grand curvin’ horns look bonnie, but dinnae get careless. A startled Highland can swing its heid fast an crack gates, fences, or a careless handler. Build wide clearances intae yer pens an handlin’ areas or ye’ll regret it.
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RandyGWheeler 1 month ago
Nothing better than a beautiful sunset last night. I’ll let you know that you’ve worked hard all day and you can look forward to another good day tomorrow. image
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RandyGWheeler 1 month ago
Highland Cows and their Diet Highland cattle are primarily raised on a forage-based diet, requiring very little to no grain to thrive due to their high foraging ability and hardy metabolism. They require 80% to 100% forage hay in their daily diet. Grain and Nutritional Requirements Grain Intake: Grain is typically not required for maintenance. If used during winter, drought, or for finishing, grain should be limited to 0.5% to 1.0% of their body weight. Total Dry Matter Intake: Highland cattle eat roughly 2% to 2.5% of their body weight in dry matter per day. Protein Levels: A total diet of 10% to 12% crude protein is adequate for most conditions. Mineral Requirements: Free-choice minerals are essential, specifically a mix that provides calcium, phosphorus (generally aim for a 2:1 Ca:P ratio), copper, zinc, and selenium. Energy Levels: While they can thrive on low-quality forage, lactating cows need higher energy levels (about 60% Total Digestible Nutrients, or TDN). Seasonal Feeding Strategies in the Summer/Spring: High-quality pasture is sufficient and can support 100% of their nutritional needs. Winter: They require good quality hay and mineral supplements. If hay is poor quality, it may be necessary to supplement with 0.5% of their body weight in grain or high-quality silage. Finishing (for meat): If finishing on grain to achieve faster growth or higher marbling, a, 1000-lb steer might receive 3–5 lbs of grain per day, though this can vary. Avoid Excessive Alfalfa: Lucerne (Alfalfa) hay should be fed in moderation, as its high protein and calcium can cause urinary calculi (kidney stones) in bulls and steers. Water: With all cattle, access to clean, fresh water is crucial.
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RandyGWheeler 1 month ago
I had Ken for 12 years. By my side 24/7.  You have to ask God why did you only give man’s best friend only so many years to be with us? I think because if you have been with me more than 12 years I wouldn’t have been able to bear the pain and heartache, leaving me. It tore me up for three days. Rest in peace little buddy. (Americas VetDog)