From the Barns: New beginning

The cold and wet weather of late March has us glad our calving season hasn’t started, but talk of pushing back on bull turnout even further into July is a popular topic every time we get another mini winter blast.

The grass has turned green, but really needs some sun to accumulate any real groceries for the cows to enjoy. The cows get to looking pretty darned ratty about now. They tend to thin up when they are out looking for every tidbit of green rather than dining on the hay and corn silage they’ve grown bored with, and between shedding off and patches missing from scratching at the lice that have rebounded since the last round of pour-on, their coats are far from their summertime sheen right now.

We trailed Nate’s cows home on Sunday afternoon from their wintering grounds a few miles from their summer pasture. There’s no better way to move heavies than to let them mosey their way down the road and it’s a great warm-up for the remuda and the cowboys alike after a winter off.

We found one day in the month of March to pump a little manure before we were rained out again. After all winter in the shop fixing and sharpening our tools it was nice to get that one day to test out all our improvements. The next time it dries we will be full out in our race toward planting season.

The cattle on feed have continued to do well and surprised us as we have been moving them to market. Heavier-than-expected weights and high-quality carcasses have been the norm. Higher yields have also helped in our quest for profitability, but that pesky feed cost issue is and will remain the sticking point.

We’ve about exhausted our corn silage pile and will have to make adjustments to the feeding plan for last year’s calves. Some could go back to grass for the summer and feed them next year’s corn crop. Some are too big and must be fed out or sold as feeders, a decision that must come to fruition soon.

Also coming soon along with lots and lots of new calves are two new great nieces or nephews. Our niece, Kristen, and her rancher husband, Paul, will have their first baby any day now out in Wyoming. I think a road trip is in our future. Brett and Shannon will need a day or two off from planting season to welcome their fourth and I know the sister and brothers are counting the days. Spring is here and the promise of new beginnings is all around us. Enjoy.