It’s been two weeks since calving began on my farm and I am more than half done!
It has been pleasantly steady, with no major rushes like last year. And all seems to be going well, other than Mother Nature having to throw in some nasty days here and there.
Last Friday in that crazy wind, for instance, I wished I didn’t have any cows at all. What a miserable day and night.
All the cows were crowded into my shed and I was trying to be sure all the calves were out of the wind. And, of course, the cows get pushing and wondering where their own calf is and one of the calves got knocked upside down with her neck under her.
Luckily, I was there because even though I go out to check on things every two hours, it would have been dead. She is fine, thankfully.
I was thinking that it sure would be nice this year without “Alice,” who tried to kill you every time she calved, when along came her daughter, “Allie.”
This is her second calf, but she is just as miserable as her mother. They just make things much more difficult (i.e., you can’t walk in the pen to clean it or tag the calf, etc.)
It scares me with an old dog and little kids hanging around, as well.
Maddie was bent down cuddling up with a calf when “Allie” drove her head through the manger at her. She couldn’t touch her, but I don’t like that.
It sounds like cattle prices are okay right now, so I think she (“Allie”) might have to take a trip on the bus. Calving alone means I cannot risk getting hurt and when you’re lacking sleep, it isn’t easy to keep watching over your shoulder.
Unfortunately, her calf was a little weak in the front legs, so I had to keep her in a few extra days. You would think that “Allie” would appreciate the T.L.C. but she sure doesn’t seem to!
Miserableness is a very hereditary trait and one that should not be taken lightly.
• • •
Maddie and Marlee were able to come out and see the calves over the weekend for a quick visit. Maddie was very interested in meeting “Dax,” Darma’s new baby.
He is calm and gentle like his mom, so she spent some time loving him up.
The weather wasn’t the greatest for us to be outside with the calves too long, but the girls enjoyed being in the barn. Marlee has no fear, so you had to keep your eyes on her at all times.
My cows generally are quiet, but I worry about these little creatures following along behind you.
Maddie worked hard doing chores, such as picking up the grain dishes, sweeping up the floor, etc. She was sweating when we were done and seemed to eat a better supper after all that hard work.
• • •
The Rainy River District 4-H awards night is coming up quickly—Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Millennium Hall in Stratton.
4-H’ers and family members all are invited. Supper will be served at 7 p.m., with the awards to follow.
Those interested in attending must pre-register with me by this Friday (Feb. 25) to ensure there’s enough supper for everyone.
• • •
Again, I am reminding you about the species-at-risk workshop scheduled for Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Emo Legion.
I’m hoping you will take the time out to come. As a farmer, taking good care of the land is something we do every day, so come out and hear what others are doing and share some experiences.
You also need to pre-register for this event—to ensure enough lunch—by this Friday (Feb. 25) with David May at 274-8637 or myself.
The door prize will be worthy, so please make an effort to attend.
• • •
Finally, thank you to everyone who is ordering tags from the Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association with our “Rainy River Raised” logo on them.
We have many repeat customers, so I’m thinking that is a good sign. I’m also excited to think of the logo appearing on cattle on feedlots in both the east and west.
I appreciate everyone calling in advance of needing the tags since the orders do take a bit of time to be processed.
If you are interested in tags, please let me know. They include the RFID button and the tags come in all colours.
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