Rufus Valentino

Rufus Valentino arrived today.  He's 16 months old, very handsome, and will be the baby daddy for our herd in the future.

Tho he's "inexperienced" and unproven, his pedigree is flawless.  All his stats line up and "say" he's a winner.

At this time, Valentino is separated from the girls.  It will be interesting to see what happens when -they see each other.  He's moo-ed a little but is quietly contemplating the tasks ahead.  Welcome Valentino!

Working The Cows

With three new babies and a bull on the way, we knew we had to update shots and put in ear tags.  Several months ago, Peg purchased a cow working system.  It is designed to confine and control the cows with the least amount of danger and stress (for them not us--lots of stress for us) so they can be given their shots, etc.
First we had a pad of sand laid out
. 

The system was delivered and fitted together.

The fencing to guide the cows into the system was planned and installed.

Of course the final step was to make an appointment with the Vet and take care of all she needed to do.  The Vet was great and "The Girls" weathered their yearly shots.  Also the babies were officially tagged and brought into the herd.

Our stress has been reduced because the system worked as hoped and we are moving forward with our little herd.

The New Kids On The Block

The three new babies are getting to know each other.  They meet at the bales...

Hopefully these sweet girls will be joined by others! 

Birth Alert #3

Yesterday morning Raquel gave birth to calf #3, a heifer!  She's bouncy and happy.  Mother and baby are doing well.

Raquel is a devoted mama.  Both are very sweet!

"You know you love me!"

Hay Delivery

With the grass essentially gone, we are now using our stored hay to feed "the girls."

We start with an empty ring ready to roll into place.

I climb into the tractor and head over to the bales.

I line up the spear with the middle of the bale.

I move forward and impale bale with the spear.

I head toward the drop off spot with the bale.

I raise bale so the webbing can be cut off and removed from bale.

The ring is then rolled into place.

The ring is pushed over the bale.

Usually at this point the cows are right there to start eating, but instead, they were at the back of the pasture sunbathing.  About fifteen minutes later, all "the girls" were enjoying the feast.

Birth Alert #2

Vivian's baby arrived three days ago.

We're pretty sure she's a little heifer.  Vivian is a very attentive mom and has had to run around the pasture trying to keep this little girl safe.

#2 is smaller than #1 but that's understandable because Big Mama is going to produce a bigger calf.
Over time and a lot of meals and snacks #2 is going to try to catch up.

After a long day of eating, sleeping, and playing both #1 and #2 are put to bed together for the evening on a nice pile of hay.  Mamas are nearby keeping an eye on their babies.  Like any mom, you know they are taking a few moments for themselves after a full day of  taking care of their little ones.

Birth Alert!

We are happy to announce the birth our first calf! 

She's a Five Star heifer born January 4, 2019. 

Big Mama is her mother.  Looking at Big Mama from the rear, she has clearly lost her wide profile!  Mother and baby are doing well though both are tired. 

"Aren't I cute?  I'm fixin' to have another snack!"

Mama and baby snoozing and relaxing on a bright sunny day!