Bringing all the Rest of the Cows Home

On Tuesday Feb 19th we brought the rest of the cows, about 400, home to their calving pen. It was a snowy day.  Nick, Sara and Jodi was our crew that day. Then on Wed. we gave all the cows their shots to prevent thier calves from having a disease called scours which can cause the calves to have diarrhea after they are born.  On Wed, It was a great sunny day!

Jodi and Sara are bringing a calf  on the ATV that happened to be born that day when we moved all the cows

 Nick giving shots and Sara helping move the cows through the chute.

 

Jodi helping sort the cows before going in the chute.  Jodi is our "expert" helper. She is 14 years old and has been helping us for most of her life. Calving season is here and as of today we now have about 25 calves born now.  Will continue to update on weeky stories and adventures.  Cynthia, Nelson Ranch

Calving Time has arrived!!

  Howdy!   On Friday Feb 15th we brought the heifers to their calving pen right behind the house. This is where we can keep a closer watch on them for any calving difficulties that may develop. With help from Nick, Jodi and Sara all 168  2 year olds and 3 year old heifers were brought down the road to the house  from the main corral.

Nick and Jodi counting

Going down the road.

Just about to the calving pen

Made it!

The First calf was born today, Feb 16th at 1115 am!!  Just the beginning with 600 or more to go!

Already 1 hour old and sucking

Off to a great start

Will continue to update progress of Calving Time!!

Cynthia,  Nelson Ranch

Early Morning Feeding

Pushing Straw off Wagon

Early Morning feeding

More plowing





                   Almost done!



Every Day the cows need to be fed. It takes about 5 hours to complete all the feeding in various pastures. The rest of the day is still getting the calving pens ready. The heifers will be moved this Friday behind the house and the cows will be moved  next Tuesday to their calving pen. They then will be checked every four hours round the clock when they start calving.(Feb 23)

There is also the constant challenges of keeping the equipment going.  Flat tires can be frustrating on the Tractors, it takes most of the day to take a tire to town to be fixed. Never a dull moment!

Wow!! Lots of Snow to Plow!!!

Nick plowing snow

Calving pen

Lots of snow to plow!

Just starting piles

Awesome  snow!!

Howdy!   This week Nick and Brian are plowing the snow from the calving pens.  Before we bring the cows in the fields/pens we make sure they are safe and comfortable for the calves. There is lots of snow in the fields this year and it will take at least a few days to get them ready.  Next week or so we will bring the cows in . When they start calving we check them every 4 hours round the clock to make sure they are ok.    Will keep you updated   Cynthia

Happy February!! Gearing up for Calving Season

Howdy!  This month  we  are now gearing up for the calving season which officially starts Feb 23, + or - 2 weeks. .  We are getting the corrals and calving barns ready,  checking out the lights and all the supplies.  On Friday Feb 1, the crew consisting of Nick, Brian and Jodi, ( who is  our awesome 13 year old neighbor girl who helps us work cows)  vaccinated 200 heifers for prevention of scours before they calve. The rest of the cows will be vaccinated soon. After feeding, the rest of the day is filled with plowing out all the calving pens.   Cynthia