Fall and the Show Season 2012

Fall is finally here. I never thought I would say that I am glad to see summer go, but this year we are. As with many folks throughout the Midwest, we are continuing to be in the worst drought since 1936. On the upside, with fall in full swing the temperatures have dropped and it is quite nice, but still no rain. For the first time in my life, I am praying for lots of snow and no wind.

I am always impressed with the Highlands as a breed, but this summer they handled this horrible heat with grace. I couldn’t be more proud. With the high cost of hay I am also grateful to have highlands because I don’t have the need to buy as much hay as the commercial breeders do.

In July, I went to the 2nd Annual Midwest Jr. Cow camp in Morley, MI. This was such a family friendly event where the Jr’s could learn about their cattle and have fun with each other. I was so blessed to take a North Central Jr., Bailey McConnell from Balaton, MN with me. Bailey was nothing short of pure joy and she came home having made new friends and having learned quite a bit about her heifer.

Then in August it was off to the Knox County Fair in Bloomfield, NE. Weather wise, we caught a break in the temperatures and it was just beautiful weather for it.

The weather finally started to cool down the first of September, so I decided to wean the calves. Everyone did very well. Now it’s fun to watch the calves explore and gain confidence being on their own. The calves are tied up twice a day to have their grain and a little halter lesson. It’s much easier on everyone doing it this way.

Show season is in full swing and on the 22nd of September, North Central had their show in Austin, MN. We have such a great group of kids in our Jr. Association and its fun to see them working with their animals. This event also brings in some new kids that want to try their hand at showing and being around cattle. This year I took 5 calves for these new families to choose and adopt for the weekend. The parents were right there to learn and give a helping hand. On show morning, each child was shown how to get their calf ready for the ring and they learned with such enthusiasm. After the Jr. Show I gave them the option to show their calves, in the open show and they all were off. I can’t put into words how much fun it is to watch these kids come in shy and leave for home with such confidence and wide smiles. That is what it’s all about for me.

This breed has so much to offer within the beef industry. I am also very grateful for the folks that I have met and continue to meet on my journey.

Please look on the events page and if you are in the area, come sit for a while. Of course the barn door is always open here at the farm.

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