Calving

This year has been a tough one for ranchers in Southwest Saskatchewan. A very late spring meant many were calving in snowdrifts. Calves were constantly being brought inside to warm up and there were still losses if calves weren’t found fast enough. There are always the usual losses and the freaky losses, like the cow that had a heart attack while I was trying to pull a calf out of her resulting in the loss of both cow and calf. A common phrase around out place is “If you got Livestock, you’re gonna have dead stock” It’s perhaps not the kindest sentiment, however it is a good reminder that you can’t save every single one.

The weather has finally turned and the grass is turning green and it truly feels like the corner has been turned. It’s important when there is a year like this, that we remember the successes so we don’t get too discouraged and just quit. Yesterday was a GOOD day, I had to pull a calf out of a heifer… well… I’m not sure I HAD to, she may have had it on her own, but I’m a little gun shy this year. She was very calm, easy to chase, and the calf was an easy pull. Mother and baby are doing fine, and I noticed a definite spring in my step all day after the fact. Sometimes we are allowed to win, and that is a great feeling.