Coming into the yard after walk and Dad zoomed up on the quad. Turns out three bulls have busted out. They were in isolation in the corrals...guess they didn't like that. Have I seen them?
Um...no. But I heard the cows making a ruckus over there... He perked up. Zoom!! Off to the yard fence. I trudge after him - no quad hitching for me.
We peered into the field...and who did we see? Hawaiian Bulll (known for his swivelling hips) and the little black bull, who as it turns out, is actually a steer. Somehow no one noticed his lack of balls until quite recently. In isolation until the meat wagon shows up. But, apparently feisty, he was one of the escapees.
It seems they are about to cruise into the yard...they're on the people-side of the fence. Dad zooms off. I continue to watch the action. I hear a 'hey!' from Dad...I rush over to consult. Does he need help? Shall I saddle up the golf cart to leap into action? Turns out he's just telling me to move...the bulls are going to come my way. Oh.
What can I do? He has no idea what the plan is yet. Have I seen Peter? I point him in the direction of the sound of the other ATV. Zoom!
I head into the house to capture the action on memory card. I zip up to tell Julia about the drama unfolding outside her window. She's dozing...I go away.
The guys have a plan....open the yard fence gate to the pasture and let the bulls in. Brilliant!
All goes well...barring some significant hoof prints in the lawn.
Soon, escapee #3 shows up and follows his pals into the pasture.
Original bull is last seen posturing atop a dirt mound, making sure the newcomers are clear that this is HIS herd. Men.
Tomorrow...move the whole gang to a new pasture and peel off the three back to corrals. Good luck with that!
UPDATE:
Apparently the bulls left a trail of very deep, very soggy hoof prints in the garden. Right through my row of carrots. Bummer.
Showing posts with label cow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cow. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
No bull
The beef supply was getting low, time to replenish.
Peter quickly ID'd the junior bull with an ornery look in his eye as the new hamburger source.
The deed was done yesterday morning. Less than an hour from field to abbatoir...that's fresh.
Sadly Junior didn't even have a chance to sow his oats, but on the other hand, neither was he shunted into the icky feed lot system.
His days ended chewing fresh grass on a green, dew-covered field.
Peter quickly ID'd the junior bull with an ornery look in his eye as the new hamburger source.
The deed was done yesterday morning. Less than an hour from field to abbatoir...that's fresh.
Sadly Junior didn't even have a chance to sow his oats, but on the other hand, neither was he shunted into the icky feed lot system.
His days ended chewing fresh grass on a green, dew-covered field.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Lucky Log
With the Human Brick (see previous post) gig now over, a big outting is being called into play being a Human Log.
This involves sitting in the truck to 'block' the road to encourage the cows to go through the right gate when they're being moved into another field.
I can do that.
The 'lucky' part of log duty yesterday was visit from a 2-day old calf. I was moved to actually get out of the truck to do some arm waving to urge wayward beasties the proper direction.
Clearly I was very effective as the wee little brown calf wobbled his way right over to me and let me pet him!
Eventually he curled up in the ditch by the truck to wait for his mama and he let me come over and scratch his ears.
So cute! I liked being a Log.
This involves sitting in the truck to 'block' the road to encourage the cows to go through the right gate when they're being moved into another field.
I can do that.
The 'lucky' part of log duty yesterday was visit from a 2-day old calf. I was moved to actually get out of the truck to do some arm waving to urge wayward beasties the proper direction.
Clearly I was very effective as the wee little brown calf wobbled his way right over to me and let me pet him!
Eventually he curled up in the ditch by the truck to wait for his mama and he let me come over and scratch his ears.
So cute! I liked being a Log.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Now that's low maintenance
At the Board of Director's meeting this morning over breakfast, Chris and I inquired as to how we could help out with the flurry of spring activity.
Uncle Peter: If you think we don't do anything in the winter, wait 'till you see us in the summer!
Me: What, now that the cows are in the fields, it's just busy around planting time and then harvest time?
UP: What planting?
Me: Don't you seed for the feed?
UP: No! We just let the fields grow...it's the just grasses that are already there...
Wow. Who knew? Yes, I really am that clueless as to what goes on out here...
Makes sense. The cows are eating grass all summer long...just keep some aside to cut and bale for the winter.
I'm kind of digging this whole ranching business.
So, Chris and Peter went off to survey the state of the fences and Dad fed the bulls that are still in the corral/pen. Must keep them in check until it's 'go time'. :)
Uncle Peter: If you think we don't do anything in the winter, wait 'till you see us in the summer!
Me: What, now that the cows are in the fields, it's just busy around planting time and then harvest time?
UP: What planting?
Me: Don't you seed for the feed?
UP: No! We just let the fields grow...it's the just grasses that are already there...
Wow. Who knew? Yes, I really am that clueless as to what goes on out here...
Makes sense. The cows are eating grass all summer long...just keep some aside to cut and bale for the winter.
I'm kind of digging this whole ranching business.
So, Chris and Peter went off to survey the state of the fences and Dad fed the bulls that are still in the corral/pen. Must keep them in check until it's 'go time'. :)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
They're coming fast and furious
...okay, not really furious, but fast!
There are at least four new calves in the pasture by the house as of this morning. Good news, the black cow with brown eyes and her calf are both fine.
Moooooo....
(Some shots of a few hour-old calf...and Sam)
There are at least four new calves in the pasture by the house as of this morning. Good news, the black cow with brown eyes and her calf are both fine.
Moooooo....
(Some shots of a few hour-old calf...and Sam)
You know he's been at this a while...
Uncle Peter noticed a cow in labour yesterday and when he checked her out, noticed the hooves poking out in a slightly worrisome angle. Usually they're like "this", but these ones are like "that". Could be breech, but looks like upside down...not too good.
Some inquiries from Dad revealed that the cow is a veteran mom and at this stage should be able to deliver a calf sideways.
I asked if perhaps something could/should be done, Peter shrugged his shoulders...nothing much. At this stage, it could be downright dangerous to get anywhere near a labouring cow...think one ton of hormones.
Conveniently, she is in the field right beside the house, so while playing canasta last night, Peter would glance out the window from time to time to confirm that she was still standing out there, labouring away. No point in trying to do anything until she was at least lying on the ground.
"She's the black one standing out there," he said.
Mom went to close the window. "I see a dozen black cows," she said.
"The one with brown eyes," said Peter as he started to shuffle.
He'll take a closer look in the morning.
Some inquiries from Dad revealed that the cow is a veteran mom and at this stage should be able to deliver a calf sideways.
I asked if perhaps something could/should be done, Peter shrugged his shoulders...nothing much. At this stage, it could be downright dangerous to get anywhere near a labouring cow...think one ton of hormones.
Conveniently, she is in the field right beside the house, so while playing canasta last night, Peter would glance out the window from time to time to confirm that she was still standing out there, labouring away. No point in trying to do anything until she was at least lying on the ground.
"She's the black one standing out there," he said.
Mom went to close the window. "I see a dozen black cows," she said.
"The one with brown eyes," said Peter as he started to shuffle.
He'll take a closer look in the morning.
Moving to greener pastures...
Forget horses herding snorting beasts and huge dust clouds being kicked up by thundering bovine...this is the Wiwchar Ranch. Here's what you do...
The rest of the day is spent monitoring the gate (aka Uncle Peter's Nap in the Truck) to reunite separated families.
There were several new-born calves and mamas and a mama who was actually birthing her baby when the move was going on. Either the little families won't go, or the calf gets left behind as it is hidden in the bush for a few hours right after delivery and mom wanders off for some breakfast.
So...everyone eventually shows up at the gate trying to get back to their babies. Uncle Peter opens the gate, they go find each other, then wander back to join the rest.
Double voila!
When I find the camera, I'll upload the photos of an hours-old calf we watched yesterday. They're coming fast and furious now...
UPDATE: Okay the best shot of the "cattle drive" is this arse-end view of them heading off after Uncle Peter. Enjoy!
- Don't feed the beasties in the morning
- Move a few bales into destination field
- Check for gaping holes in fences
- Repair gaping holes in fences
- Load up the ATV with a couple buckets of grain
- Open gates
- Drive into field with ATV - get attention of herd just by showing up
- Start driving to destination field
- Confirm that you are being followed by herd of hungry, pregnant cows
- Continue driving
- Drive all the way to bales placed in field ealier
- Watch as herd starts eating
- Drive away
- Close gates
The rest of the day is spent monitoring the gate (aka Uncle Peter's Nap in the Truck) to reunite separated families.
There were several new-born calves and mamas and a mama who was actually birthing her baby when the move was going on. Either the little families won't go, or the calf gets left behind as it is hidden in the bush for a few hours right after delivery and mom wanders off for some breakfast.So...everyone eventually shows up at the gate trying to get back to their babies. Uncle Peter opens the gate, they go find each other, then wander back to join the rest.
Double voila!
When I find the camera, I'll upload the photos of an hours-old calf we watched yesterday. They're coming fast and furious now...
UPDATE: Okay the best shot of the "cattle drive" is this arse-end view of them heading off after Uncle Peter. Enjoy!
Monday, April 5, 2010
While we were gone...
Chris and I went to Toronto for a few days...to deal with a lingering business issue (all done!) and to visit our friends. It was great!
That tip to "be a tourist in your own town" is SO true. We were travelling light and fast and visited our friends and had a great time.
And while we were gone...
That tip to "be a tourist in your own town" is SO true. We were travelling light and fast and visited our friends and had a great time.
And while we were gone...
- The local Kinsmen "Perogy Cup" hockey tournament wrapped up
- Grandma and Grandpa got to spend a longer-than-expected time with Dexter, who came down with a nasty bug right before we left. No daycare for this kid!
- Calves started popping out all over the place
- Cattle were relocated to soon-to-be greener pastures
- A mink was treed...and escaped
- The temporary pond in the front yard grew and already has almost completely receded.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Solo chores today
Balmy -25 today. Peter was off to a curling bonspiel in Norquay, Dad on the tractor dropping bales and Chris was on Dexter daycare commute. I was called up for chore duty. So as Chris and Dexter headed into town I trudged over to the snow mobile. With a whiplash roar (it goes from 0 to 20km instantly), I was off.
First, pass by Sam's buffet by the turkey coop, then off through the bush to the hay yard and corrals. Dismount, pick up the pail of grain to give to the red bull. Open gate, trudge through snow and head to trough. Expecting bull to be quite keen on the grain, I looked around to be prepared to for potential nudging out of the way.
Bull is waiting by other trough. Oops, sorry Bull, my bad. Head over to correct trough and deposit grain. Bull waits politely as I exit pen. Not sure why this guy get extra rations, will inquire.
Remount and lurch out of hay yard and off to two spindly trees on the way to the water troughs. These are the markers as to where to drop mineral block which have a tendency to look like another pile of poo in a field full of them. Need a marker to keep an eye on the block so as to know to replace it when needed. It's essentially a mammoth, 20kg prenatal vitamin. All the ladies will be birthing starting in the next month or so.
Heave vitamin on the ground, remove mitts and try to get plastic off. No problem. Reach out to remove paper label. Turns out it's a very tenacious sticker. Who STICKS a massive label to a lump of food? THEY do, clearly. On my hands and knees picking at stupid shredded label for some time. Lose interest. Some of the ladies will be getting some extra sticky fibre too.
Roar off to the two water troughs, dismount and for the next 1/2 hour try to get fires lit underneath to (obviously) melt water and ensure the herd staggers through another day.
Clearly, I am not yet skilled at this particular task as I run through a great deal of the diesel and an obscene amount of matches trying to get decent blazes going. How hard should it be? Probably not as hard as I'm making it..
Ready to head out when I realize I forgot to chop the ice. Can't leave it all to my timid little flames.
Forget freaking workout boot camps! Want a work out...go chop something. My GAWD am I out of shape. Just lifting the freaking ax and putting no effort on the descent was exhausting. Chipping relentlessly away, I finally did it, flung the ax in a drift and headed home.
Back past Sam's buffet, park and dismount outside the shop and staggered inside.
Now here I sit, sporting the latest in towel turban fashions updating the blog.
Must get to work.
Happy day, everyone. :)
First, pass by Sam's buffet by the turkey coop, then off through the bush to the hay yard and corrals. Dismount, pick up the pail of grain to give to the red bull. Open gate, trudge through snow and head to trough. Expecting bull to be quite keen on the grain, I looked around to be prepared to for potential nudging out of the way.
Bull is waiting by other trough. Oops, sorry Bull, my bad. Head over to correct trough and deposit grain. Bull waits politely as I exit pen. Not sure why this guy get extra rations, will inquire.
Remount and lurch out of hay yard and off to two spindly trees on the way to the water troughs. These are the markers as to where to drop mineral block which have a tendency to look like another pile of poo in a field full of them. Need a marker to keep an eye on the block so as to know to replace it when needed. It's essentially a mammoth, 20kg prenatal vitamin. All the ladies will be birthing starting in the next month or so.
Heave vitamin on the ground, remove mitts and try to get plastic off. No problem. Reach out to remove paper label. Turns out it's a very tenacious sticker. Who STICKS a massive label to a lump of food? THEY do, clearly. On my hands and knees picking at stupid shredded label for some time. Lose interest. Some of the ladies will be getting some extra sticky fibre too.
Roar off to the two water troughs, dismount and for the next 1/2 hour try to get fires lit underneath to (obviously) melt water and ensure the herd staggers through another day.
Clearly, I am not yet skilled at this particular task as I run through a great deal of the diesel and an obscene amount of matches trying to get decent blazes going. How hard should it be? Probably not as hard as I'm making it..
Ready to head out when I realize I forgot to chop the ice. Can't leave it all to my timid little flames.
Forget freaking workout boot camps! Want a work out...go chop something. My GAWD am I out of shape. Just lifting the freaking ax and putting no effort on the descent was exhausting. Chipping relentlessly away, I finally did it, flung the ax in a drift and headed home.
Back past Sam's buffet, park and dismount outside the shop and staggered inside.
Now here I sit, sporting the latest in towel turban fashions updating the blog.
Must get to work.
Happy day, everyone. :)
Monday, February 22, 2010
The old red cow, she ain't what she used to be
Another moment please for an elderly red cow, who yesterday lied down and passed on today. She served us well, was bountiful, lead a relaxed, grass-fed life.
Sam-the-dog is again rejoicing. The arthritic cow was nearly gone...
Sam-the-dog is again rejoicing. The arthritic cow was nearly gone...
Friday, February 5, 2010
Fuelling the dog - cow down, cow down
Let us all take a moment to remember the unnamed, aged, very arthritic heifer who had a long, very fruitful life, bringing forth many lovely organic calves over many seasons.
She passed away peacefully earlier this week from 'lead poisoning' while enjoying her morning hay.
Sam the Dog is enjoying his newly found bounty.
She passed away peacefully earlier this week from 'lead poisoning' while enjoying her morning hay.
Sam the Dog is enjoying his newly found bounty.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Daddyyyyyyyy!!!!
Dexter woke up from his afternoon nap to find a familiar face smiling at him. "Daddy!!!!" had arrived.
Cruising into the yard early in the afternoon with the requisite Tim Horton's debris in the backseat and grid road dust coating the back bumper, Chris emerged, stretched and declared himself good to keep going. Apparently once he found his groove, he was good to make it to Vancouver. :)
Nonetheless he decided to stay here and was treated to a tour of the rooms which have been cleared out to make way for all our stuff which, incidentally, is arriving on Wednesday. Two more sleeps until we can nest.
Dexter then set a blistering pace on his battery-powered ride 'em tractor on an excursion to go see the cows. He has yet to manage to steer and hit the 'gas' pedal simultaneously, but hey, baby steps.
Sadly, the cows had wandered too far into the bush to be viewed and we had to settle for watching Uncle Peter bringing the big tractor in for the day. Again....ooh..aah.
Today's noteworthy moments...ordered a phone line, to be activated tomorrow...set up an appointment to go visit a daycare as we begin the Relentless Pestering step of working our way through the waitlist...and Dexter has entered his I Love to be Naked phase.
Tomorrow...we tackle car insurance. Wish us luck. And...I will attempt to get some pictures posted.
For now, all is well. Daddy's home! :)
Cruising into the yard early in the afternoon with the requisite Tim Horton's debris in the backseat and grid road dust coating the back bumper, Chris emerged, stretched and declared himself good to keep going. Apparently once he found his groove, he was good to make it to Vancouver. :)
Nonetheless he decided to stay here and was treated to a tour of the rooms which have been cleared out to make way for all our stuff which, incidentally, is arriving on Wednesday. Two more sleeps until we can nest.
Dexter then set a blistering pace on his battery-powered ride 'em tractor on an excursion to go see the cows. He has yet to manage to steer and hit the 'gas' pedal simultaneously, but hey, baby steps.
Sadly, the cows had wandered too far into the bush to be viewed and we had to settle for watching Uncle Peter bringing the big tractor in for the day. Again....ooh..aah.
Today's noteworthy moments...ordered a phone line, to be activated tomorrow...set up an appointment to go visit a daycare as we begin the Relentless Pestering step of working our way through the waitlist...and Dexter has entered his I Love to be Naked phase.
Tomorrow...we tackle car insurance. Wish us luck. And...I will attempt to get some pictures posted.
For now, all is well. Daddy's home! :)
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