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Got you...

Yes the new calves have been seduced by the green bucket of "sweet feed". They are now under my control. It took them three days to decide to try it; they liked the grass and hay, buy were reluctant to try the feed. But, as with all other cows before them, they have been smitten.

They are cute and have already elected a leader for their small pack of four. They are going to stay in the calf pen for another week. Then they will be introduced to the larger herd. Just wait until they realize there is already a really, big lead cow elected.

Things that are worth noting:

1) someone thinks they should lead every group

2) Jake would like to be the leader, but he was not elected

3) some days I am afraid they think I am the lead cow

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Finally, after a pretty painful birth...

It was a four delivery. The first calves out were so little they would have needed to be bottle fed. I am sorry something that small scares me. I am afraid I could do something wrong. Also, they would have to be fed at least twice today. So, I went for the 200-250 pound babies. I tried to buy several but was out bid on all but four.

They are cute. They hit the ground eating. (no bottles needed) They did cry some and my girls came over to check them out. Everyone introduced themselves and seemed to get along. The new calves are in the new calf pen and seemed safe and somewhat happy.

Sale barn facts of the day:

1) just because you want a certain calf doesn't mean you can afford him

2) Jake can stay in house

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....and the nursery is ready.

Yes we have the calf pen ready for new babies. It is amazing how many things were needed before really young calves can be brought home. They need a safe place to play. They need plenty of special food. They need shade to sleep. (kind of sounds like people babies doesn't it?)

Tomorrow will be "cattle auction day" again. This time I hope it will not be a repeat of last time. (my fanny can't take another 5 hours of bench pressing) The goal is to purchase 10 really little calves and start them off on calf pellets. Wish me luck!

Things I didn't know little bitty calves needed:

1) a mineral block just like the big girls

2) special feed

3) a large safe play area (ours is fenced so they can't get out and nothing can get in; we think)

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Ready for some R&R

I am not sure what is the most tiring part of being a farmer; the physical work, the mental work or the emotional drain. What I do know is I am exhausted. I am ready to see the ocean. My arms are sore, my brain hurts, and I am to sit in a beach chair.

Everyone needs to take a vacation now and then. I think Jake and the cows will understand if I get them babysitters and leave good instructions on what their feeding schedules are.

Signs you need a break:

1) you go to bed at 9:30, after taking an hour long nap on the couch

2) Jake thinks you need a nap

3) your precious 3 year old granddaughter asks "Are you tired?"

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Some help for you?

This week's project was finishing the calf pen. When everything but hanging the gate was finished the cows decided Bob needed some help. They all lined up to give their opinion. It is amazing how much cows think they know.

With the pen completed we are going to buy even smaller calves. Hopefully we can make a little bit more money buying them younger. I guess the cows we are keeping in our herd will be letting us know how to do that too.

Little known cow facts:

1) they are nosey

2) they are bossy

3) they are opinionated

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The Good, The Bad, and The Jake

AM..."Jake the Hero". This morning Jake felt a disturbance in the force (I think he really heard the dogs barking) and alerted us to dogs chasing the cows. Because of Jake's loud barking Bob went outside and heard the commotion. He immediately went to the pasture and rescued the cow the dogs had cut away from the her.

PM..."Jake the Horrible". This afternoon Jake went with me to pick up my granddaughter from preschool. He knows he is supposed to stay in the cargo area of the car, but while I was inside getting Mal he climbed over the backseat, then into the front seat. When I got back to the car he was in the driver's seat looking very pleased with himself. He shed all over the car getting me in trouble with the car cleaner, Bob.

Good things and bad things about Jake;

1) Good - he will sleep anywhere Bad - he will sleep anywhere

2) Good - he will eat anything Bad - he will eat anything

3) Good - he never shares my secrets Bad - he never pays any attention to my secrets

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Something is falling from the sky..

and it is not space junk

It is raining! I never knew I would be this happy to have rain. I also never knew I would have cows, pastures, and the need for rain. We have been in a drought situation for several weeks now. One of our neighboring counties has issued a total ban on outdoor water use. Maybe this is the beginning of the end of the drought. (fingers are crossed)

Things that matter now that didn't before the cows:

1) are the fences in good repair

2) is Jake on best behavior (today he "pointed" one of the cows)

3) is the grass green (on the right side of the fence of course)