We have had a very warm, beautiful fall so far. But as the case all good things will come to an end.
We are finishing up some new dry lot/ holding pens and I am happy to say that we may be done with fencing.
The calves have been weaned, their vaccinations behind them and are halter trained. That is my favorite thing to do with the calves. If I am having a bad day, it is left outside of the barn and it’s all about patience and time with them. They make everything OK.
A few years ago, I started to take all of my calves (7 this year) to the North Central Highland Cattle Show for kids to work with and show. It gives some that live in the city or can’t have cattle a chance to adopt one for the weekend and learn what it’s like to take care of, get ready to show and to show the animal. To watch these kids grow from hesitation to a confidant child at the end doesn’t get any better. The best thing is that many of the families have come back each year. The ages ran from 3 – 11 years.
I was very proud of Koal progeny doing so well at the fall show. One of his daughters was Grand Champion Female (owned by Flatland Farm), a steer was Reserve Champion Market Steer (owned by Matthew Mueller) and a 2013 son was Reserve Division Champion owned by Pell Creek Highlands. Congratulations to everyone.
I was home long enough to get things caught up and then it was off to Duluth, MN to check things out for our National Convention. North Central Highland Cattle Association is hosting the 2014 National Highland Convention and the juniors do their own thing. I picked Kate Zander up from college and off we went. There are so many things to do in Duluth, so there won’t be a problem scheduling things for the kids to do for one day. Then, we checked out 3 farms for the cattle part of the Convention. I think we came home with some great ideas to present to the Junior Committee and put the final touches on the schedule.
Now, it’s stay home and get things ready for the cold weather. One of my favorite cows, Ruby is due this week, so I have started to bring her in at night. She and my red bull, Yankee have always had great calves whether heifers or bulls. She is the only one having a fall calf. I do like these fall calves; no flies, cooler weather and it’s fun to have a little one running around in the snow.
I hope you all are having a great fall and enjoying your cattle.
