We have had some rain but it was too little too late. Our pastures are not coming back this season. So Joe decided to wean the calve early. Feeding the calves will go further than feeding the cows with calves on them.
When I looked back I found that we have weaned our spring calves anywhere from October 2nd to January 6th depending on the grass situation.
The move to get them to the barn lot involved first, getting them back from across the creek. Some just did not want to come. Joe ended up having to go back to the house to get his waders so he could get across and drive the stragglers through the creek.
I had nothing better to do while he did this than take pictures.
The last one came across and we then drove them into the field behind the house.
The problem now was that this was some stockpiled grass and the cows did not want to leave it for the barn lot.
After the second lap around the field I said I couldn't do it again. Joe ended up hooking a feed trough to the 4-wheeler and towing two groups into the barn lot. At one point I fantasized about catching Clyde and seeing how good of a cow pony he was. But I was rested up and was able to help get the last group in on foot. It only took 3 hours and 4 and 1/2 mile of steps according to my fitness app. That is farmercising at it's best.
After a break for lunch, we sorted the calves off and dewormed the cows and calves.
The calves ended up going onto the stockpiled grass behind the house and the cows in the adjoining field. This way the calves will be less stressed since there is still fence line contact. Surprisingly, it has been pretty quite so far.
2 comments:
I would say that was some serious farmercizing - especially looking at all the hills. Well done.
I think the field across the creek is the one with the terrible tick problem. If the cows wanted to stay in that field, I assume the ticks were not as terrible as in the past.
And that is why there are cow horses and border collies ! I sure couldn't do that much walking- kudos to you!
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