#603 - August 20, 2007
Appropriately, our year begins when the first calves come, most generally with our first-calf heifers exposed to the bulls two weeks before the rest of the cow herd. This year we’re calving our replacement heifers across the road from the house, presumably away from the bear problems on Greasy Creek that we experienced last year. Even after forty years, though, it’s an exciting time for me as the first calves hit the ground, the balance of expectant mothers in various stages of bewilderment and hormone flow, instincts honed as they dilate and udders ripen, some more ready than others for a calf of their own.
Rain to germinate new feed is normally 45 days away when ideally the calves are old enough to handle a little more milk and pick at the green. It has felt like an early fall and winter during this breezy summer where volatile weather patterns continue around the globe. Simplistically equating volatility with storms, I’m hoping for early rains and green feed. We’ll see.
#609 - August 25, 2007
But it is a time for hope, for the culmination of nine months and a week or two of carrying a calf, for a plan coming to fruition that will be ultimately dependent on rain. Wednesday, we sell the rest of last year’s calves. Daylight shrinks into longer shadows as we are eager to begin again.
#642 - August 25, 2007
Interestingly, 2 of the 3 red heifers kept as replacements have calved already, out of 5 of the 50 heifers with calves on the ground. We're happy!
Comments
It is sooo exciting to see those little guys. I just love their ears. The cycle repeats itself. We have terrible heat right now 103+ hope you don't have trouble it this heat hits you. Later, Linda
Posted by: Linda Fields Stiehr | August 29, 2007 7:19 PM
Yes Linda, 108 yesterday - we expect more of the same today. Robbin's first registered Hereford calf was born panting yesterday morning - not the most ideal circumstances. Thanks for checking-in!
Posted by: John Dofflemyer | August 30, 2007 5:56 AM