On the Ground
Here is the routine. Gary and I feed the cows in the evening, and lock them in the corral. There is some research that shows evening feeding, as opposed to morning, reduces night time births. So far, it seems to be working. Only one born at night, the rest at sun up, or during the day.
I do midnight and predawn checks by flashlight. The cows are used to this routine. Most are lying down and they let me walk among them, close to them. They chew their cud, softly grunting and moaning. Some have their heads down sleeping.
A few stand at the protein tubs and endlessly lick. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. If I move slowly and calmly they stay still, but when I stumble or move abruptly they startle, and jump out of the way.
A few cows are rubbing the winter fur off on the panels, and barbed wire. Iron clinks and wires creak with the tension. Eye shine from the flashlight glows bright like hot coals.
It has been warm and dry. Gorgeous spring weather, which is nice for calving, but not for raising grass and crops. We really need some moisture.
During calving season I see the sunrises I usually sleep through. On the drive home in the morning, I see how the darkness of night becomes long shadows that receed across the hills and grass to their source. I see the pairs, cow and calf, mothered-up, nursing. Awakening.
As of 5:30 this morning, there are 19 calves on the ground, and no problems so far.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 06:02PM
Reader Comments (3)
Glad to read no problems yet - great pics. Is Will's cow still around - I can't remember her name? Starry? I know Jack's has moooved on...
glad to see Ned is back and his words are back, I can't wait to get back myself
Jim, sad to say, Jack and Wills' cows are no longer here. Apparently, your boys are now ''all hat, and no cattle." No calving problems is a good thing, but it leaves me bereft of good anecdotes....
John, thanks. Can't wait to have you back at the ranch. I'll even hang chore clothes in the mudroom for you. Oh, and you better bring Teri.