Getting Ahead

cows getting ahead

Have you ever watched cattle being let into a new pasture? Cattle people will definitely know what I’m talking about here. The cattle can barely eat because they are constantly moving, just trying to get in front. They hardly stop to graze before they are walking again, getting ahead of those around them.

I stood and watched the other day as a group was moved into a fresh, green pasture. The grass was dark green and thick. It had grown tall and blowed in the wind. To me, it looked like a cow would be able to stand in one place for hours and eat without moving much. Instead, they walked and even ran, all over the pasture.

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Syringes and Needles and Shots…Oh My!

sweet heifer calf standing at the gate

Well, it’s that time of year and everyone is getting up to date on their vaccinations. All of the cattle, that is! Cows getting ready to calve are being brought home from summer pastures and we are preparing the open cattle for fall breeding. It has been quite a few long days of syringes, needles and shots!

Each group of cows has been caught up and sorted. Open, not pregnant, cattle have been separated from those that are bred and each has been put through the chute to be wormed and vaccinated in preparation for the upcoming breeding season. The cattle need to be in top condition to obtain optimal results. Bred cows were treated and moved to proper pastures in preparation for calving. We have had our first calf hit the ground and are expecting quite a few in the coming weeks.

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Weaning Time!

kittens playing on the porch

It’s weaning time on the farm! Honestly, even the litter of kittens is getting weaned! The calves have grown well and the mothers have done a great job, but the time has come to separate the calves from their mothers. This can be a stressful time for everyone involved!

We wean “the kids,” as we call them, at 205 days of age. That is approximately 7 months old. Now if you are a parent or a grandparent, you can probably relate a little bit to what is going on. Have you ever taken a 1 to 2-year-old off the bottle? Just imagine when the baby is 600 to 800 pounds!

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