Friday on the Farm

awaiting breakfast

A cow and her calf are in the barn where I live. The heifer calf is coughing and breathing a little difficulty, so we hauled the cow and calf out of the pasture to the barn so I can treat her. Once the calf is better, they will return to the pasture to graze.

 

The second morning in the barn, Orange 9 peeked out of a barn window and was awaiting her breakfast! Such a sweet face! She was making sure I was bringing her some corn and hay.

I love this picture so much, I made a 16 x 20 black and white print to frame and hang in my farm house <3

Friday on the Farm

green 3 grazes cornstalks

 

It was a beautiful, and peaceful fall evening. On my way back to the farm from an enjoyable and relaxing walk, I noticed the sun setting on our cows. The gorgeous colors in the sky with a herd of cows are grazing cornstalks...breathtaking. I could have been in that corn field all night.

 

 [ agriculture photos @  monicastevens.photoshelter.com ]

Flushing Y5

Arrangements have been made to flush a cow! It is pretty exciting! Colleen Lewis of Tuition Genetics will be flushing Yellow #5 for embryos. Yellow #5 is one of my dad's favorite cows. He has been wanting a heifer from her for quite a while. So, we decided to flush her for embryos.

We are flushing a cow for the first time in 71 years of my family raising Shorthorn cattle. I look forward to documenting the process! It will be an amazing experience.

 

We hauled Yellow #5 to Tuition Genetics this afternoon. She will be examined for reproductive health. In 30 days, the process will begin. Over a course of a month, she will undergo a series of shots to be flushed for embryos. She will then be artificailly inseminated. Straws of semen were ordered. Yellow #5 will be artifically inseminated with semen from Homedale Creole 135. After seven days, she will be flushed to retrieve the fertilized eggs [embryos]. The embryos can then be frozen.

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.    

 

 

[monicastevens.photoshelter.com] 

Friday on the Farm

snow sets on the back of #29

On a winter morning, I walk through the cow herd. Snow sets on the backs of the cows as they peacefully rest. 

 

During morning and evening cattle herd checks, we make sure cows are healthy, and have access to fresh water and shelter from wind. The winter wind and temperatures have been harsh this year. With these winter conditions, it is even more important we properly care for our cattle. Feeding cows quality hay provides energy to keep them warm.

 

 

[more photos at monicastevens.photoshelter.com]

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.