Cattle

Raising beef is a slow process!!

 I never thought about it as a kid. Into my adult life, I just went to the store and bought what I needed and whenever I wanted it. I never gave much thought as to where my food came from much less how long it took to grow.

Yes, I said grow. We are growing meat here. It is a process. Hats off to all the farmers that supply meat.

Now that we are growing meat/ raising meat we have put a lot of thought into it.

The land we graze them on and the food they take in. We also have considered the type of cattle to have. With that being said Dexters was our choosing. Dexters are a smaller breed of cattle. They are 100% grass fed with the exception of hay over the winter if the ground is covered with ice and snow.

They can birth their own calf unassisted. We could milk them if we wanted too. (We don't)

We take the calves to 24 to 36 months before butcher. It's a process like I said. 

It's worth it!!

 Knowing where your food comes from. Taking pride in raising it and then being able to put it on your table for your family.

Many people say "I can't do what you do". Maybe not. From not knowing how to take care of cattle to still learning how to. I get it. It's not easy, it's a life style change. I am so glad my family took this leap of faith to moving on a farm. Life has thrown us some challenges but we grew stronger for it. It gives a deeper purpose on decisions that we make. We have grown closer as a family and I wouldn't choose an easier path.

We rolled out a line of hay for the cattle. They were in the back pasture. We moved them closer to the barn. One, it is easier getting them hay rolled out. Two, they had water that wasn't frozen. 

You never think about how much water a cow drinks until you are hauling water for them.

It's amazing how they are self sufficient when they have what they need.

The two calves are growing and looking as big as their mommas.

Miss Piggy with her Calf #13.

#13 Calf

Here's a little poem. Enjoy!!

Ode To a Cow

(From the old Farmer's almanac 1938)

When life seems one too many for you,

Go and look at a cow.

When the future's black and the outlook blue,

Go and look at a cow.

For she does nothing but eat her food,

And sleeps in the meadows entirely nude,

Refusing to fret or worry or brood

Because she doesn't know how.

Whenever your feeling bothered and sore

Go and look at a cow.

When everything is a fearful bore,

Go and look at a cow.

Observe her gentle and placid air,

Her nonchalance savoir faire,

Her absolute freedom from every care,

Her imperturbable brow.

So when you're at the end of your wits,

Go and look at a cow.

Or when your nerves are frayed to bits,

And wrinkles furrow your brow,

She'll merely moo in a gentle way,

Switching her rudder as if to say,

"Bother tomorrow! Let's live today!

Take the advise of a cow."