Sights of Milking Time

Spending an afternoon at the calf barn brings many sights, sounds, smells and experiences.

At around 3 p.m., our second string of milk cows make thier way past the calf barn to the milking parlor.  They know the route well and look forward to their eight minute turn at the milking machine. 

During their turn, they enjoy a little snack of grain.....it's all good.....relief of udder pressure, a little snack, then turned back out to their corral where they will enjoy some dinner and more leisure time.  We've been enjoying a mild summer thus far and the cows really seem to enjoy it.  The cooler the temperature is, the better it is for them.  The more comfortable the dairy cow is, the more milk she will produce. 

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WW: Anticipation

Feeding time at the calf barn is always loud.  As soon as they see a human coming their way in the morning hours or in the afternoon, they anticipate the food they're about to receive and the mooing ensues.

This little girl grabbed a hold of the snap in her attempt at being patient, but dropped it as soon as the alfalfa was placed in the feeding trough.

And then there is peace and quiet.  All content as they munch.....kind of like at my house.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

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Parent Lesson #506

My kids, age four and six, 22 months apart, are not twins but sometimes I think I can imagine what it feels like to have twins.  They do most everything together, from playing Legos, riding bikes, helping me bake or cook, watering the garden, you name it. 

My youngest, Paige is a total animal lover and handler.  Bryce, the six year old, loves animals as well but doesn't get as up close and personal with them as his sister does. 

Until just recently. 

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Where The Farm Path Leads

No matter what we happen to be doing on the farm at any given time,

if Paige is with me, whatever path we take almost always ends up at the same spot.

The calf barn is the place to be.  Neither one of us can resist the temptation.  It only takes a "Mom, can we....." and we're headed in that direction.

Next time, I'll need to remember to wear something other than white flip flops.  Oh, and pardon those alien toes of mine, I didn't mean to subject you to such a sight.....especially if you're reading this before your morning coffee:)

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment, I love to hear from you!. Have a fantastic day!

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Gavin's 'Lap Calf'

Our local county fair is just two weeks away and let me tell you, little Emma, the dairy calf is ready.  My nephew, Gavin, is showing Emma at the fair so he's been spending time at the ranch and working with her and his other heifer, Bella. 

Emma leads really well and is SUCH a sweetheart.  Gavin and I coined a new phrase {it's what we do at the calf barn along with naming every calf}.... 'Lap Calf ', because that's just what Emma is or would be if we let her.

My kids are still in school this week so I had a fun time hanging out with Gavin at the calf barn.  I really got to see Gavin's love for cows and calves come shining through.

"Say Cheese" says Gavin to Emma..........and LOOK, she did!

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Meet Barina ~ what happens at the calf barn with kids

Lately, almost every one of our trips to the calf barn involve either, halter training Emma or Brittney OR adding yet another new calf to our string of  'pets'. 

Meet Barina.

Paige laid her eyes on this little calf and there was no turning back.  The two of them immediately bonded.

Paige decided that 'Barina' would make the perfect name for her new little pet. 

I had to plead with my 4 year old to leave the calf barn after an hour.  She didn't want to leave her new little friend.  I think she would have napped right next to Barina if I'd let her. 

The funny thing is, Paige doesn't nap any longer but she would have if I'd told her she could take a nap with Barina.  She would have done anything to stay longer.

I can't say that I blame her, the calves are my favorite too:)

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Halter Progress for Little Emma & Miss Brittney

Some halter training progress is happening for little Emma and Miss Brittney.  Being only two weeks old, Emma is learning to be handled by humans.  All calves are super friendly when they're small and will follow you just about anywhere if they think they may get some milk or food out of you.  When you first put a halter on any of them, all they want to do is pull back.  Just like any animal; horse, puppy, learning what is wanted from them while on a halter or leash takes practice and training. 

Now, it's not necessary for our calves, heifers and cows to be halter trained at all but I wanted to begin this halter training program with the kids so they can feel more a part of the dairy and learn to handle the calves and when they're older, the heifers and cows. 

To show a heifer or large animal at the county fair, a child must be 8 or 9 years old.  Bryce and Paige have a few more years to go before they get to that point and if they choose to go that route,  giving them some experience with the calves they've picked out themselves, will give them a sense of accomplishment and some good hands on experience.....I hope.

Along with practicing to lead on a halter, comes lots of  'hand's on' pet time.  Just today, we found Brittney LOVES to be scratched behind the ears.

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Nothing like a good hand sucking in the morning

I am SO loving that school is out for the summer.  Our mornings are so relaxed and we have time to hang out with Dominic on the ranch.

This morning Dominic was replacing the straw bedding for the calves in the calf barn so Bryce, Paige and I tagged along.

Paige LOVES the calves.  So much so, she lets them suck her fingers.....or entire hand.  The calves enjoy it also.  They'll suck on you for as long as you let them, figuring milk has got to come out at some point!

"It tickles!"

On cold mornings, this makes for a good hand warmer.

Still no milk.

The result and what every kid enjoys (except for Bryce, he didn't want anything to do with this) bubbles and gooo.  Now, go find Daddy so you can wipe your hand on his sweatshirt.

Happy Friday!  Cheers!

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