Herding words – or cattle – in South Eastern Montana
My beautiful Jersey milk cow Bugs slunk her calf yesterday. We have no idea what caused her to lose her calf but will watch closely to make sure she doesn’t get sick. I already miss milking and cheese making, and the ranch will sure miss that source of good rich milk for calves that need a little boost shortly after birth.
Shipped steers a few days ago – next we weaned the heifer calves. Took this 360 degree view from the fence as we waited for the stock trailers to return for another load of calves. All went well and babies are on full feed with a straw bed. Lots of bawling at night to lull us to sleep.
My beautiful Jersey heifer is weaned, contented and running with the other weaned calves. Peekaboo listens patiently to any and all of my stories, she’s always eager for a rub and a scratch, and in return I even get a slurp along an ear once in a while. I “milk” her occasionally, or catch and lead her around, just so she remembers her early lessons in milk cow-dom.
The other day several of the calves got into a porcupine. As curious as she is, we figured she’d be full of quills, but I found just one quill under her chin. I can’t imagine how she figured that out so fast…she must be as smart as she is pretty!
Since I’m not looking to leave my happy home, I won’t tell the Head Honcho she’s smarter than his Angus calves that were full of quills. It’ll just be my secret!
We’re all a little less nervous since the calves are sold. Still here, but sold. It’s a relief. Not a huge relief since the Head Honcho wanted more than he got for them. But in my time with him, that’s been the case every year, even when he got what he asked for them!
We watch them closer than the chicken hawks watch the pheasants, trying to keep them healthy and gaining steadily until they ship. Then the Head Honcho will be holding back crocodile tears – he hates to see any of his babies go down the road.
Sonny and I spend nearly every afternoon riding. It gives Sonny an opportunity to get more rides on his colt and to introduce him to cow work at a slow speed. Pharaoh is at the “interested in cows” stage but doesn’t understand going by – he’s more into following right now. But they brought a pair to the corral the other day – even got them through a gate with no help. “He’s getting better every day!” Sonny says with pride…and hope for the future.
Sandy Snider Stahl 