Ranch world is full of surprises. That's what makes it fun. Calving is something you count on, but never know exactly when it's going to happen or how it's going to go. The first surprise was having a cow calve that wasn't supposed to be bred. And the second, was that it was born while I happened to be home. Both great gifts from God.
Andi was a little young to have her first calf. 18 months old means that she was bred at 9 months.
That shouldn't be too surprising. She was 6 months older than all the other calves we ran her with last summer. I knew there was a chance she could get bred, but I really didn't have an option other than roll the dice.
When we brought her in this fall, I had a hunch. Sure enough, bred. And bred early. That's the danger of a young calf getting bred, it is usually late. Then you spend two years playing catch up. Not with Andi. She's ready to ranch. When we armed her, I could tell that the calf was heading in the right direction. She also has a big frame so we weren't concerned about calving troubles. Mom and Dad just kept a close eye on her.
When I got up early this morning, I saw to brightest morning star I'd ever seen. I knew there was something special about this morning. So I glassed down to the corrals and could make out the cows, but all looked normal. Half way through my Rosary, though, Dad beat on my door and said, we have a calf!
So I put my boots on and we went down to the barn. This is the most beautiful sight to a ranchers eyes, a new born nursing.
Black and beautiful. Little heifer. She has her mother's eyes.
One challenge with calving first calf heifers is teaching them to be mothers. No problem with Andi, her maternal instincts are in full swing.
The little girl is spry, full of life, and ranch ready.
Fun stuff. Ranching on a wing and a prayer keeps life exciting. It was a neat gift to be back home when both this year's calves were born. Just another sign of God's providence. Who knows what the future holds, but it looks like a branding back home is in store. 24/8
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