eFarmers & Ranchers certainly don't spend the winter sitting on the sofa enjoying bon-bons! I'm thankful that my DH and our son feel motivated to take care of winter cattle check-ins, so that I don't HAVE to go out in the cold every 3-4 hours!!!
They do allow me to go along when I want to, though. =)
Last night, our 4 year-old and I got to tag-along to check the momma cows and those scheduled to give birth in the next month or so. They have been grazing on a large field of young winter wheat, in addition to hay pasture. In order for their diet to be sufficient, we also offer supplements (tubs of mineral & salt blocks). The photo above shows the hay bale after it was pulled apart and spread out, they love these hay bales!
The cows followed us all over the pasture, trying to get the hay bale on the back of the pickup!
Our 4 year-old thought their "snow moustaches" were FUNNY! To get to the short, green wheat plants, they nuzzle the snow out of the way, leaving a circle of snow!
Today, half of these cows were moved closer to home so our new baby check-ins are a bit easier (on us!)
The baby calves with their long, fuzzy winter coats are absolutely adorable!
Momma cows are extremely protective of their offspring! And they routinely delegate 2 or 3 mommas to "babysit" a group of calves while the other mommas are grazing.
We found to separate NURSERYS on yesterday's check-in! Cattle use nurserys like this throughout the year, not just in winter.
I'm always suprised at how God created animals to adapt to climates. These cows & calves all have a MUCH thicker coat than what they have in summer. And the calves (and sometimes the adult cows) often run and frolic in the snow!
Thankful, that Daddy can take us to work sometimes!!
How fun! We too are busy with cattle, had our first baby drop on Sunday! Eeeek! :)
ReplyDeleteCome follow along on my blog to see what farming and cattle chores we've been up to!