Things are calming down here.
It's helped that we have had 3 days of on and off thunderstorms:)
We are in the process of trying to breed all of our cows. This year, we gave everyone that we could a shot to make them come into heat. Then we pay someone to come out and A.I. (artificially inseminate) them.
So I've been spending several hours each day sitting:
Doing some hand quilting:
And watching the heifers for any signs of heat:
It's not so bad in the afternoons from 2:30 to 4:30 to sit out there in the barn with the fans running and keeping an eye on the heifers. 6:00 in the morning? Not so fun.
We do have a bull we could turn these heifers out with but...he tends to throw rather large calves, and since these are first calf heifers - we like to make this as easy on them as possible.
My tomato plants have all survived the storms from the last couple days. Hillbilly tomatoes are supposedly great eating - we shall see. Since I don't eat tomatoes in any solid form (sauce is it for me) I'll be relying on Todd, Jessie and Tyler to let me know if they like them.
Last night we actually bred 2 of the heifers above, and 1 cow was bred this morning. I think there are at least 2 cows to breed tonight - and then it's just wait on the last 1 or 2 to come into heat. At least all the calves next year will be born within a week of one another if they all catch this time. We are still waiting on 1 cow, who may not be due until the end of July according to the vet - so she may be going down the road on a little trip.
Have a great weekend!
Kris
Kris
10 comments:
I've never seen Hillbilly tomatoes before. Have too look into them for next year - I always plant beefsteak variety to remember my husband's paternal grandfather *s*
wow, that siunds so intersting, it has been raining here too. glad your plants made it!
We have a little 'sperm' van that drives around the farms...it always makes me smile. At least you care about the poor heffers and cows..most farmers think big is best lol.
Lovely quilting, though I tend to watch the tv when I stitch hehe.
It's amazing what a farm girl has to do. You live such an interesting life. Hope all goes well with all your cows. Beautiful quilting.
Well, I learned something about cows today! And I didn't realize that you would have to sit and watch for signs of coming into heat.
Ah, romance amoung the heffers. LOL
Ahhh.... home grown tomatoes. Are you going to fry some of the green ones. Or make tomato pie.
A garden is on my list of things we want when we move..... That is rather a long list.
The teacher's quilt turned out great. Are you going to stock the pond with fish?
The long days of summer are ahead. Jessie looked good giving Oreo a bath. How are the piglets doing?
I REALLY NEED to see the rest of that beautiful quilt you're hand quilting!! I love it!
you win the prize for "Best Heifer-Sitter" you are a patient lil thing!!
I don't really think the average peson understands the work and details of farming. We take too much for granted...that cows breed and deliver calves. And even if we know a few more of the details, like they can be injected and then inseminated, we don't pay attention to the fact they must be watched for timing. It's all pretty incredible and makes me, for one, appreciate...the people who do farm, like you and your family and the incredible power of this planet earth and all it's gifts.
So, thank you, Kris, for sharing your life and bringing a reality to the day to day.
And I don't do solid tomatoes either! Isn't that funny? My husband thinks I'm nuts since I love ketchup and sauces. But, I know I'm not alone in my nuttyness!
Hope it's a great Sunday to your weekend.
Ana :)
We have also had a bunch of rain and storms! Last night they were pretty heavy!
You certainly have been busy with those cows! Nice that you could get some quilting in!
Kristie
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