SEPTEMBER 28 This past week we ve had freezing temperatures and I had to start draining the water hose (for watering the horses). Andrea and Rick helped Lynn take down the old power pole for the yard lights next to our horse pens. The pole has been leaning for several years and we d propped […] Read more
Not All Is Quiet On The Western Front
Trich Outbreak Concerns Ranchers
AUGUST 23 Last week Andrea and I rode to the 320 pasture and fixed several holes in the fence where wildlife had broken or stretched wires. We don t want range cattle getting in; we re saving that grass for Michael and Carolyn s yearlings. They recently got back from their trip to Iowa to […] Read more
Be Watchful For Anthrax
Anthrax is one of the oldest killers of humans and livestock and was mentioned in some the earliest recorded history several thousand years ago. It has been called by many names, including splenic fever, charbon, milztrand and woolsorter s disease. While the last major outbreak in Western Canada was seen in 2006, weather conditions during […] Read more
Machinery Headaches At Haying
JULY 15 Andrea took Sammy to the doctor a couple weeks ago to have her knee checked (it’s been bothering her quite awhile, but they’re still not sure what’s causing all the heat and pain.) The doctor put her on some daily anti-inflammatory medication. Andrea brought the kids out to the ranch for lunch and […] Read more
Bulls Can Be A Headache
JUNE 1 The cows were happy for green grass when we moved them into a portion of the field below the lane. The grass is finally growing, now that the weather has warmed up. Lynn took our tractor and post-pounder to the upper place and helped Michael set posts to repair and add onto the […] Read more
Wolves Disturbing The Cattle
APRIL 23 Last week Andrea, Lynn and Rick worked on the new fence nearly every day. On Wednesday it started to snow. They were soon soaked and cold, and had to quit for the day. It was snowing hard by afternoon. Maggie (a nine-year-old cow) was calving, and we put her in the barn to […] Read more
More To Sire Selection Than EPDs
There are several important factors to consider when selecting a bull to sire replacement females. The bull makes a lasting contribution to the herd (good or bad); the quickest way to change the genetics of a herd is through sire selection. You want that contribution to be beneficial to your purposes, moving your heifers in […] Read more
First Signs Of Spring Ahead
FEBRUARY 27 A couple of weeks ago Andrea’s kids came out to go sledding. Our driveway is covered with ice, and steep enough to make an excellent sled run. The kids were excited about using our “old-fashioned” wooden sleds with runners — that Grandpa Lynn found in the barn. They can speed down the hill […] Read more
Timing Key For Calf Vaccinations
Newborn calves gain temporary (passive) immunity from disease when they ingest colostrum from the dam — since this “first milk” contains maternal antibodies. After a few weeks or months this temporary protection begins to wane, however, and calves must build their own immunities. Vaccinating calves at the proper time can help protect them until weaning […] Read more
Giving It Your Best Shot
Most vaccines and antibiotics are given intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (SubQ). Some medications are given intravenously (IV). INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTIONS IM injections are given with a needle long enough to go deep into muscle. For an adult cow you need a needle at least 1.5-inches long, and 2-inches is better. Use a 16-gauge needle — large […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
