Thanks for all the well wishes for the little calf yesterday. Despite almost our entire family’s hands on care, she didn’t make it. It’s tough to find them in the morning after trying so very hard to help. Fortunately, though, two others we had helped *did* make it, so that was good. With the cows…
Category: Cattle
Little Unhappy Camper
My morning plans were abruptly interrupted. I was still in my pajamas, drinking coffee, scrolling through Facebook, when I heard my door open and a rather strident “meh” accompanied Vernon. He set down a little heifer who definitely was not a happy camper. I rushed to dry her off more. She had been born yesterday…
Sandhills Method
With only four or five heifers left, our focus has switched over to the cows and their calves. We’re attempting a new strategy this year, it’s commonly called the Sandhills Method. Used frequently in the Sandhills of Nebraska, it doesn’t have anything to do directly with the birthing of calves, but indirectly, it could save…
Calving Video
Why I ever think I can get a video uploaded in a speedy and efficient manner is beyond me… Nevertheless, here it is, twelve hours late!
In Production
Finally. My arthritic hands can attest that I have braided a set of reins for each of my grandchildren with the completion of this set for Reagan. And don’t forget, I squeezed a set in there for Tess! I’ve also told Megan I’d make a set for her, but I may not get to it…
Sunshine
Just hanging out in the sunshine…
Difficult
Chinook blew in today and is melting the snow like mad. It’s not all gone by any means, and the ice that’s left behind? Well, it makes it difficult to walk on those newly minted hooves…
Mission Accomplished
A brilliant morning… With my standard Tuesday sidekick along, we helped moved the cows to a new field. With Vernon in the lead with their hay, Daniel and Brandon on four wheelers, Reagan and I in the side by side, and five dogs… they didn’t have a chance! Double click on the photo to see…
Spy Cam
The heifers are finally in calving mode, so I went down to help out a bit. Cleaning pens and helping Brandon and hauling food and water are my basic chores. We thought they’d keep on with busy activities so Vernon and I stayed home from the little girls’ basketball game tonight and let the parents…
Itty Bitty Number Two
Little Bitty Calf. While calves tend to run the 60-90 pound range when they’re born, you’ll have ones that bust the average one way or another. This little girl did. She’s a tiny forty pounds. She’s doing well enough. We wondered if she was a twin, but, no… Her mom is no giant either… The…
Cycle Again
Finally, we’re starting to get some babies! I know, soon enough we’ll be on the other end of the spectrum… but we are all happy to see the calves hit the ground. As with anything, there’s more details behind the scenes. The heifers get fresh bedding every few days. Those who have calved get fed…
Tomorrow
Daniel’s little herd has calved, and two days ago, the one cow that Vernon and I own privately calved as well. Yay! Isn’t she cute? Yes, she has shelter and dry ground to lay on, but I guess the snow wasn’t that bad with the 40* temperature. Our heifers are due to start calving on…