Life on the farm through the eyes of a first-generation farm wife
Watching grown men chase two month old calves really is a site to see and understanding the logic and reasoning behind how they go about sorting their animals is something I have not yet grasped. I'm not going to lie, I really don't know what they are doing half the time.
Most often, traits are heightened through a register herd to improve the overall genetic quality in a commercial herd.
It was one year ago this week that we received the news that our boys would not be returning to school after spring break. The news was life-altering and sobering and was the first of many "endings" we experienced as a result of COVID-19.
Bulls are the backbone of any cow herd and bad genetics or a faulty bull can mean open (non-pregnant) cows. Bulls are on the farm to breed cows and cows are on the farm to have calves. If one of those two things don't happen, you don't have a productive or profitable herd. Bulls are one of the biggest investments for any working ranch so getting the right guy is very important.
The days run into weeks and the weeks into months. This morning I read a meme that reminded us that this was our 10th Monday in quarantine. Where has the time gone? And I don't say it in the dreamy, reminiscent tone. I say it in the 'I can't believe we are still doing this' … Continue reading Week 8 & 9: I’ve lost track
Farm life has it's disadvantages. You're miles away from anything. You often work alone and the work doesn't stop at 5 p.m. or when the week is finished. But this week my husband and I both realized how wonderful all the hardships of farm life can be when you are living through a pandemic. While … Continue reading Week 6: The Perks of Farm Life
Week 4 of our new normal and social distancing was capped off with Easter baskets and Evan's 7th birthday. Family Life Evan John is our oldest and our sweet, caring and studious child. He has a heart of gold, a memory like a steel trap and a love for the farm. After Easter sunrise service … Continue reading Week 4: Birthdays and Easter Bunnies
Editor's Note: This is my weekly update on life on the farm amidst the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak. When we wake up Monday morning we will be under a state-wide, stay-at-home order. Not much will change from our current routine, but things have certainly become more real, more sobering and more uncertain. The farm didn't stop … Continue reading Social Distancing on the Farm
For everyone who believes cows should only exist on pastures of green grass and far away from feedlots and barns, let me introduce you to our calving barn. On a Saturday night - after enjoying dinner with fellow farming friends - the hubs and I stopped in to check on our heifers. These ladies are … Continue reading Why yes, we put our cows in barns
I didn't grow up with pets. For a few years we had a goldfish that I'm pretty sure was actually a dozen different fish my parents rotated through after one died off or we starved it to death. We finally adopted a dog when I was in middle school and I remember being frustrated by … Continue reading The Value of Animals
