Tears

Weaning time is always a sad time.  This year the noise level will be lower because 10 of the mothers are joining the breed stock at Delta Junction.

Here is my notice to Tim.

I have 10 very unhappy mothers that are ready to load.  They have access to hay and water but not their calves.  If you give me an hour warning I will be there to help load.

For the record I will document who is coming.

#2 is the oldest tag but it got on the wrong cow.  It should have been on #26 who is staying and oldest.

#19 is a plain looker but her second calf broke 1100 pounds before 18 months.

#21 and #22 are always together and are good natured, eat out of your hand temperament.

#28 is probably the best beef frame in the herd.  She had her first calf late and it is going to have a rough winter.

#30 and #31 are also always together, curious and mild natured. #30 is named Easter because that was her birth date.  She also had the distinction of being born orange.  The birth sack broke and the mother #2 was eating a lot of carrots.  Easter looked like a mobile carrot for a few days.  Both #30 and #31 had first calves this year.

#36, #39, and #45 are also finishing their first lactation.  They have red points and have temperaments to match.

We got 2 inches of snow so I’m hoping your truck is 4WD.  There is one corner at the junction of McKenzie and Harding that could be tricky.  We can double up  with my van if necessary.

Have a safe trip and

God Bless

Larry

On Farm Kill Floor Working!

This week we inaugurated  our kill floor.  Next year we should be able to entirely control our schedule.  Top picture shows the first group in the ally behind the knock box and the bottom shows them hanging where they will cool and age for two weeks.

Pippy Long Stocking's Calf

Pippy is not a small cow but her 5 month old calf is nearly as large as she is.  One advantage of cross breed vigor.  Poppy is half Guernsey so she delivers a lot of milk- and this guy got it all.

Hercules #291

At one year Hercules is shaping up to be a nice bull.  He will be the lead bull next year.

First Harvest Casualty

If you have a choice it is best to not be the first man  behind the last steer going into the slaughter house.  I had successfully avoided the flying hoofs but forgot to account for the gate I was shutting and the last kick blasted the gate into my nose.  An instant blood bath and a couple of black eyes the next day.