Calf Watch 2011

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Calf Watch 2011.

Sounds exciting, doesn't it? However, I'm just like the national news reporting on some storm that turns out to be nothing, in that calving season, although exciting and busy, isn't necessarily the biggest news event on the face of the planet! However, around here, we're all about adding to the stress and excitement of our lives (see the upcoming events of the birth of our son, planting season, all the while starting our plans for an addition to our house, because what goes the best with pregnancy hormones??? Answer: CONSTRUCTION!).

Anyway, calving season is upon us, purebreds first. Meaning, these are the cows that Joe has purchased that are 100% Simmental (red) cattle. This group of cattle will be potentially used by our daughters (and son) as show cattle. I have been told that ever since we had our first child, we would be showing cattle. Yes, my family will be a family that lives 95% of our summer in an RV (Joe's dream vehicle...well, that and a dualie diesel pickup truck) at various county fairs, showing cattle. I don't know the details of what it entails to prepare and then subsequently show cattle, but I'm sure I'll learn. I do see, however, my role during this time as being the one who procures meals that don't consist solely of cotton candy and fried candy bars on a stick, as well as outfitting our kids in cute "show" wear...whatever that looks like.

I'm digressing.

Anyway, we are on calf watch currently. This morning, as we were readying Anna for her first day back at kindergarten since winter break, she announced to me that she hoped the purebred heifer had her calf today because Daddy is going to be gone for the next couple of days. When I asked her why, she explained that the purebreds are cattle that Daddy and she will be working with when she gets older, and that this calf is important to her because it might be one that will be her responsibility some day.

Seriously...this kid is the reason I need to know more about our way of life.

Anyway, I should have titled this post, Purebred Calf Watch 2011 because this means Joe has to run down the road to the calving barn at least four times a day, whereas Commercial Heifer Sim-Angus Calf Watch 2011 means the cows we will be watching are Simmental and Angus cattle that have been bred together. This group will be made up of a bunch of first time moms, 20 total, that will calve in a three week span. Yikes. Then, there's Sim-Angus Cow Calf Watch 2011, which is a little better, as these are the more experienced mothers (I crossed over from being referred to as a "heifer" to just a "cow" by our third child. Romantic, huh?). Sim-Angus Cow Calf Watch 2011 will mean all Joe has to do (well, not ALL he has to do, but as far as waiting for the calf to be born...)once in a while is look out our south windows at the pasture across the road and see if there are any front feet sticking out the back of the cows.

Jealous?

And you were complaining about your husband watching too much football.

Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of the first birth during Calf Watch 2011.