Bracing Pasterns

a brace supports the pastern of a calf

Thursday morning, we assisted a replacement heifer in calving. We pulled a BIG, healthy bull calf weighing 125 pounds. When we checked on him later, he was still lying down. We noticed he was having problems setting his front feet on the ground. His pasterns seemed to be weak. To support and strenghten, we braced the pasterns of my newborn bull calf. We wrapped each front leg with cotton, placed a piece of PVC pipe that had been cut in half, then secured the brace with duct tape. The braces will stay on for a few days to strengthen the muscles. By Friday, he was running around in the barn!

Bottle Feeding Lily

bottle feeding lily

This heifer lost her mom. Sadly. It was heartbreaking. So now, I care for this heifer calf. We call her Lily after her mom.

 

Throughout the day, I walk to the barn to feed Lily. She is happy to see me. Lily gets bottle feed milk...

2 quarts at 7:00 am

2 quarts at 12:00 pm

1 quart at 5:00 pm

2 quarts at 10:30 pm
(and meals from other cows that will let her nurse) 

 

It is work. But, I love it. I will give her the care she needs.

 

 

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Friday on the Farm

'hiding'

a calf is 'hiding' in the lush green grass



  

So vibrant...the red and white calf, and the lush green grass. I walked to check cows and calves in the pasture, and this is what I happily found. It is so sweet how the young bull calf is 'hiding' in the grass. I love it!

 

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Friday on the Farm

#62 cares for her newborn calf
 

This is one of my most favorite photos I have taken. It makes my heart smile. Such love!

One early spring morning, I noticed one of my favorite cows on the farm with a water bag. I was so excited! I absolutely adore this cow. With my camera, I sat and watched. I had the amazing opportunity to photograph #62 give birth to this gorgeous heifer calf. Within seconds of birth, she was caring for her newborn calf. Simply beautiful.    

 

 

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Calving 2014

We started calving! I am absolutely giddy!

Tears of joy are in my eyes. I LOVE calving season!

Feeding hay to expecting cows Sunday afternoon, I noticed one cow [ W4 ] acting calfy. She had a sunny, cozy spot in the barn and did not want to eat hay. Three hours later...a beautiful, healthy calf was born.

After feeding cows where I live, my dad and I fed cows at another farm. When I returned home after chores, I checked W4 in the barn. She was a little restless. A few minutes later, I could see her in the barn sniffing the ground. Her water must have broken. A calf was on its way! After thirty minutes, I walked to the barn and checked the cow again. I saw hooves! I was so excited! About forty-five minutes later, W4 had her heifer calf.

And at 10:30, another cow had a calf!

 

it's a heifer!

 

The birth of a calf is amazing to me. I adore newborn calves. Praying for a safe and successful calving season!

my bull calf, dirt road anthem, born this spring

A Cattleman

a shorthorn cow is licking her newborn heifer calf

A healthy, vigorous calf is what being a cattleman is all about. My family is extremely dedicated to caring for our Shorthorn cattle herds. Since 1943, the care for our cattle has been a tradition. As a third generation cattleman, I am proud of my family's tradition. The care for our cow herds' health and nutrition is shown in our healthy calves. We have been truly blessed this calving season with amazing calves.