Cows Back on the Farm

We've had cows on the farm in Oberlin far as long as I can remember.  My grandfather always had them and Dad kept the tradition going.  After a calf crop we'd bring them to the Sale Barn in Kinder.  It is a good way to create a very modest income stream coming off of the farm.  This past year the fence around the pasture fell into disrepair.  The cows were always getting out on the road and Dad would get calls from the Sheriff's Department regarding cows on the road.  It is a dangerous situation as cars hitting a 1000 pound plus animal is never a good thing. 

We sold our existing herd and for months the pasture grew grass almost neck-deep with no cows to eat it.  There was no bovines loose on Cottongin Road.  No moo's to be heard.  That changed two weeks ago.  Dad and I decided to go in halves on a much smaller herd - 16 momma cows, to be exact.  They are all black cows - two year old heifers that are five months pregnant.  After Christmas lunch, we drove out to the farm in Oberlin to look at 'em.

They were all bunched up, eating grass, when we came upon them...

They stared at us, curiously, with grass hanging out of their mouths.

All sixteen cows were in the pecan orchard.  It was planted by my great grandfather many years ago.  The old family homestead was located directly behind where the cows are standing.

The cows are all fat and conditioned well.  The grass in the pasture has been burned by the freeze, but underneath the top layer, it is still green and full of nutrition for the cows as they prepare for delivery in four months.  I mentioned they are all black cows - two of them are baldies.  I like the way this one holds her head high with pride.

And this one has a white face with black circles around her eyes.

It is nice to have livestock back on the farm.  In the Spring, hopefully we'll have 16 baby calves on the ground.  Spring calves are a joy to behold as they run around the pasture with tails in the air.  Currently, electric fencing powered by a solar charger keeps the cows where they should be.  We will have a work day or two to fix the fences so that we don't have to worry about cows out on the road.  Where's the Beef?  Well, it's back on the farm!