It Was an Inside Job

We have this steer that has become quite the escape artist. He and a heifer were in the catch pen together being fed for slaughter. The heifer had her date with the freezer, but this guy still has a bit more time. Now that he is alone, he gets bored. He has learned how to open all the gates in the catch pen.

Husband would turn handles certain ways to prevent cows from opening gates. That doesn’t work with this steer. He opens gates and undoes chains! Husband has had to tie gates shut and still we have issues. Now the steer is letting other cattle out and not just himself!

Continue reading “It Was an Inside Job”

Look-A-Likes

I really enjoy riding through the cattle and looking at all of the new calves. Watching them grow is so much fun! But I really love it when I can tell exactly who the calf belongs to because they look just like their mother! They are little copies, little look-a-likes.

We have a couple of those pairs this calving season, and it is so comical to me that not only do they strongly resemble their mother in their color pattern. but also in their temperament, and even a lot of times in their posture and stance. It’s easy to see the calf, not have to even check the ear tag, and know who the dam is.

Continue reading “Look-A-Likes”

Where He Leads

We recently added a new cow on the farm. This beautiful jersey is a highly anticipated addition. She was due to calve during the Christmas cold weather and needed to be in the barn. She will easily follow where he leads her.

“Jersey girl” has a history of easily accepting foster calves. That is one of the reasons we wanted her here. We were unsure of a couple of our recipient cows that are carrying embryos. So just to be sure everyone gets the milk needed to grow properly, husband wanted the jersey as a backup in case someone needed a new momma.

Continue reading “Where He Leads”