First & Last
Busy everyday, we began weaning on May 21st and finished gathering the last field on the 4th of July. We’ve been able to implement ‘fenceline weaning’ for every bunch, fully utilizing our recent water development that allows us to corral the calves on water next to their mothers during the week-long process. It does entail burning a little more fuel to haul hay to remote locations, but the stress on both cows and calves seems substantially diminished. Certainly the calves look better this year, weighing 50 pounds heavier than last. Keeping the calves full and next to their mothers for an extra week before the haul down the hill has helped, but also I think the calves were in a little better shape when we began weaning this year.
After only two days in the corral, the calves (above) have obviously adapted to the new menu. Looking through the boards (below), the cows are really more interested in the alfalfa than their calves.
Well-broke to the hay truck, the first two bunches weaned pose at the gate (below) for Robbin on our way down from Greasy. Ready for sale, they’ve completed our vaccination program and wear their premise and individual IDs. More than likely, most will sell on Superior/Stampede’s Internet auction later this month for an August delivery. Because I’m also working on a private treaty sale, I can now direct the buyer here.
Gratified and tired, it’s been an intense five weeks. Clarence took off for the pines this weekend, Chuck’s still on a fire somewhere north, I got the lawn mowed and Robbin has time in the garden. All good!