We had our bi-annual calf working this past weekend up at the farm. We have 2 differents herds, a fall herd and a spring herd. When the majority of the spring calves are born, we get them up while still at a young age and castrate the bull calves...same for the fall calves. Now, don't go all PETA on me! This is just the way we raise our cattle because we run a strict cow/calf operation. Our momma cows have babies, when the babies are of weining age, or about 550 lbs, we sell them as steers and heifers. Now, back to our weekend. Now, normally when we work cows, there is always some type of "rodeo" adventure. Here is what happened last time we worked cows.
The cow that failed to jump over the moon.
Don't worry folks, she walked away from this incident with nothing hurt but her pride. But, this is just one of MANY fun adventures that we embark on each time we work cows. Thankfully, this time we did not have any big events to capture.
Everyone has their own job while working cows. This weekend, Brink and I were in charge of checking off each cow and calf that came through the chute. Something about being pregnant and in a pin with a bunch of wirey cattle, people don't think that's a good thing??? What good help my little "mini me" is. If I don't hold my cards right, I could be out of a job soon! She was also skilling Baby Mo on the ways of the world of who's cows are who's. That is a different lesson for a different day. Please also take note that it was all of 50 degrees on Saturday with winds from the North at about 25 mph ON MAY 14!!!! That's ok though, a little wind won't stop us!
Each time that a bull calf is loaded into the chute, well...let's just have a little moment of silence here. Without going into too much detail, I'll just leave you with this thought. They don't walk out with the same parts they walked in with. BUT...they do walk out, haha. And yes, that's Daddy (Dayne) right in the middle of all the caos. What a dedicated farmer he is.
This particular day is a very much anticipated and exciting day for the dogs though. Kind of like Thanksgiving if you will. They take FULL advantage of what is fixing to get tossed through those panels! Can't you see the excitement in their eyes??
This is the result of a very content, full and satisfied red pup. This also followed about a 2 hour nap in the sun peacefully dreaming of a land full of mountain oysters.
Once all the bull calves are turned magically into steers, and the heifers, well they just get to continue to be, well..heifers, all babies are returned to their mommas where they can ball and squal and tell them "how much they were scared" and they were calling for them and they wouldn't answer and blah blah blah. Then, they turn into this! A nice, big, healthy 500-600 lb. calf that is ready to be sent to the big city of Joplin, MO to then become someone else's fortune, or freezer stuffer. But, before we send them, we have what I like to refer to as "Selection Sunday". This is where we run all the heifers into a lot, and the guys select anywhere from 10-20 heifers that we want to keep to raise to be "replacement" heifers. Here, the girls are awaiting their fate on Moreton Farms. This is a big day for the girls, they've had their hair all done up, pedicures, they've dieted for about 9 months. It all comes down to 1 afternoon. No not really, but only the best make the cut!
We didn't make the cut. I wonder what they will show us in the "Show Me" state?
And EVERYONE works on the farm. Whether you are cutting calves, giving vaccinations, sorting cows in the pin, or washing off the tub walls, EVERYONE works, or at least they like to think they do. :o) Is that not he cutest little hiney you've ever seen?? Oh, what a good big cousin/teacher she will be.
We are 10w1d as of today. Still no major sickness so I have a lot to be thankful for. Hope you enjoyed you agricultural lesson for the day. Stay tuned, I'm sure there will be many more to come!
