Livestock is a huge part of our farmstead and our lives. We started our herd with my in-laws in 2015 and have slowly grown our herd over the years. Our children don’t know a life without livestock. So when it is calving season they are deserately earger to catch a glimpse of a new member of our herd.
Well, the fall calving season has officially begun! Wednesday morning we dropped our oldest off at preschool and then went to check the cows just down the road. All the cows were accounted for at the pond… except for one. If you are not familiar with cattle, they are herd animals. This means they like to stay together instead of being alone. Unless they are giving birth or have a new calf on their side!
We got out to search for the missing cow, and there she was, back in the woods, with a new member of the herd by her side! A BEAUTIFUL cherry red heifer and boy is she spunky!
Want to know what’s even better than finding a new calf in the field?? Watching and listening to your 2-year-old daughter see that new calf with her own eyes! “MOMMA LOOK!! I see the new baby!” Now, keep in mind she is right behind me and yelling this in my ear… the excitement expressed always makes this momma’s heart happy. The joy new life brings to this family is indescribable and it never gets old.
When it comes to raising beef cattle, some cattlemen believe it is more work than it is worth. Some cattlemen just buy and sell feeder calves. However, we like to do our best to raise our own beef from the ground up. We do it for many reasons but it boils down to two primary reasons.
- We raise our own beef to show our children the circle of life… age appropriate of course. They get to see the beauty and excitement of new life every season. They watch us raise and care for our herd with care and respect. They spoil these cattle with silly names and treats from the garden or leftover bread. They are there when we sell heifers to other cattlemen and when we feed out our steers before they head out. Lastly, they help put the beef in the freezer and look forward to helping me cook every chance they get.
- We want to know everything about the beef we ingest and sell. If our customers ask us questions about the beef they are buying, we want to be able to track that specific line as far as it goes. We want to know where our beef comes from.
Calving season is my favorite time of year, and I’m looking forward to keeping everyone updated on our new members as they are born!
Blessings,
Erica