Just today I noticed an ad from a major vet supply company encouraging folks to stock up on calf pullers, since calving season is near on many cattle operations in the U.S. It was an interesting reminder that here on our small farm, we haven't had to pull a calf in years. What's calf pulling, why do calves need to be pulled, and how can it be prevented? Let's discuss. What … [Read more...] about Why Do You Need to Pull Calves?
Calving
Tales from the Cattle Farm: “The calf is coming!”
Calving season is by far the most anticipated season on the farm. We have had 6 calving seasons so far. The wonder at watching new life come into the world never ceases to amaze us. I have been blessed to witness many births over the years. Most of the time, I am alone but a few times, I have had the boys with me. What an experience and education for them! And, this past … [Read more...] about Tales from the Cattle Farm: “The calf is coming!”
Beef Bull Castration: How to Use Castration Banders, including the Callicrate SMART Bander
Humane, quick, bloodless, drug-free and EFFECTIVE. These are all adjectives that should come to mind when discussing castration for your beef bulls. As beef cattle producers, castrating your bulls is just another part of the cattle raising process. Unless you are selling your bull calves intact or retaining them, you will need to castrate. Having the right tools for … [Read more...] about Beef Bull Castration: How to Use Castration Banders, including the Callicrate SMART Bander
Observations from THE PASTURE: Week 5 – FINAL WEEK OF THE 2019 Calving Season
Another calving season is in the books! Over the course of 31 days, our herd added 19 healthy newborn calves! Please be sure to check out week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4 of Observations from THE PASTURE – 2019 Calving Season Monday, May 27 – Sunday, June 2 Monday, May 27th - Wednesday, May 29th - Nothing much to report these days. Checked the cattle, gave out … [Read more...] about Observations from THE PASTURE: Week 5 – FINAL WEEK OF THE 2019 Calving Season
Observations from THE PASTURE: Week 4 – 2019 Calving Season
Calving activity is winding down here on the farm. We had two baby calves born during week 4. We only have one calf left to be born! There is always such anticipation leading up to the calving season and then in a whirlwind (or so it seems), you have a farm full of baby calves. You wonder where those weeks of waiting went! Although our calving season is almost complete, the … [Read more...] about Observations from THE PASTURE: Week 4 – 2019 Calving Season