WhirldWorks Farm
A small homestead and Debouillet sheep farm in Central Texas
Harvey Goeth
It is difficult to write a post about our success in the face of such a daunting challenge as Hurricane Harvey, especially when so many are still facing the storm and it’s aftermath. I wish I could say that we all overcame the storm and dodged disaster, but that unfortunately is not the case for so many.
Here at the Whirldworks Farm, as Harvey approached there was some measure of anxiety and we just weren’t sure how to handle all of our responsibilities before, during, and after. Due to a number of heavy storms that we experienced over the past year-and-a-half there was a real possibility of the barn flooding. As I posted earlier, I built up a berm in front of the barn and I’m happy to report that it was very effective. There were a couple of times over the weekend when the water level nearly over-topped the new dam, but it held. We did experience some water intrusion into the barn, but it was restricted to the center walkway and never entered the pens. With our measurement of 12+ inches of rain in two days I call that a victory.
The rainfall accumulation began to fall of mid-day on Sunday. I ventured out to check the creek level around our property and found that I couldn’t even get near the creek bed. The creek itself had flown over its banks and was very near the back fence of our pastures. A venture down the road where the creek crosses it made it clear that we wouldn’t be able to leave if we wanted to. There are two ways out of our area and both exits are intersected by this same creek.
By Sunday afternoon, although the rain was still falling and the wind was still blowing, the water began to recede. The worst was over for us. It was interesting to see about a half-dozen “ant islands” floating in our new pond as the water level went down. We kept the animals in the barn an extra day because we simply didn’t know what to expect the weather to do. By evening the sun was out and we let them out for a little fresh grass and exercise. I think they greatly appreciated it. While they were out enjoying fresh air for the first time in 3 days, I went into their dirty, smelly barn and cleaned it up.
We are very thankful for everyone’s prayers, but please continue praying for our neighbors to the South who haven’t yet escaped the storm.
WhirldWorks Farm 
So thankful that you and your animals are all safe. May all the others fare so well.
Sally