This bull is no longer needed.

We have been rearranging our farm for awhile now.  Livestock come and they go as needed.  For now we no longer need a breeding bull so he was sold and headed out to South Dakota for a change of scenery.   With our kids around as well as grandchildren nearby, safety becomes an issue and let’s just say he was getting a bit nasty.  Don’t let his cute face fool you.  There have been people, both young and old, who have been killed by a cute bull.

One and a half year old bull has done his job on our farm and has headed for a new home.

We are constantly moving livestock around, building pens and fences to accommodate the many changes that take place on a daily basis here.   There have been so many changes since just a year ago!   I wonder if people realize how much management goes into livestock farming?  We are certainly tied down.  It takes planning just to attend special events and sometimes you have to miss out on certain things.  Livestock farming also takes a caring nature towards the animals.  You’d be surprised how much dedication it takes to pull it all off in the end!   You don’t just go out and feed the livestock.

What time is lunch?

Observation is over half of raising livestock.   Are the animals eating?  Are they growing? Is their bedding dry and are they comfortable and healthy?  How about the feeders and the water?  Is the water frozen, is it clean?  How full are the feeders and are they working right?  Don’t forget the manure and how it looks, including their tail ends.   Doors need to be opened or shut according to weather and wind.  Are they chewing on their pens?  Do they have plenty of mineral/salt block left and how soon until Fred has to grind more feed?  These are just a few things that have to be observed.  Timing is important as well, especially milking and feeding time. 

Life is good by golly in spite of all the work!