Thursday, August 7, 2014

Red Poll Cattle Update

My five bovine girls have grown fat and happy over the summer. They graze contentedly in the pasture and lie down beneath the Box Elder trees to chew their cuds:

The also like to lie down on the bare earth near the stock tank. I believe they enjoy the warmth of the soil and they also throw the dust up over their backs to chase away flies. Notice the white tassel on the upraised tail. That's a breed characteristic:

This is Scarlett. She doesn't look pregnant, does she? But she began developing an udder and apparently will be calving soon:

In contrast to the above photo, they all look pregnant here (but they're not). It just demonstrates how a photo can emphasize different things - and also that cows are pretty wide animals, pregnant or not:

Peaceful, breezy summer days:

They seldom are more than a few feet apart, but this cow was too comfortable to get up and move:

They have a small Box Elder on the southwest corner of the barn, a favorite place to hang out:

And they still get grain once a day. They don't need it, of course, but I need to keep them tame and coming into the barn when called:

This is Scarlett again, this time looking more pregnant. You can also see the beginnings of an udder:

I have two cows who should calve any day now, two who have been bred to calve in the spring, and one who is not yet bred:

All in all, I am happy with my cows and think I made a wise purchase. Only time will tell how well the calves will sell. Heaven knows I'm doing my best to promote the breed:

One last shot of three contented cows, chewing their cuds and enjoying the good life:

4 comments:

  1. Beautiful Girls. We were out that way yesterday headed to the Malone fair and happened to drive by and saw them all napping in the field. Sounds like you are keeping busy!
    -Dana & Gerald

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    1. Hi Dana & Gerald. I'm glad you got to see them. There's a new baby now too, but she hides in the grass for most of the day.

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  2. I definitely agree that you made a wise purchase. Although good cattle are difficult to come across upon, the five bovine ladies you recetnly bought recently all look so well and healthy. Plus, their health seem to be growing rosy due to the well-kept farm. Anyway, it was a pleasure reading your post. Thanks for sharing, Bill! More power to you! :)

    Kevin Kelley @ Ravensworth Cattle Property

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