Calving Season Is on the Way

It seems like it was only yesterday. I was looking through a fence at some of the cattle my friend Dan was getting ready to send to market. They looked awesome hanging out as a group in the pen. Healthy and gaining weight on their own every day.

Talk to just about anyone involved in the cattle industry today and you will most likely be met with a smile or a approving nod of the head. Prices are up and most farmers and ranchers seem to be willing to put up with some of the 'work' involved with raising cattle. One of those things I'm talking about is calving season.

Calving season is grown man and grown woman work. Yes, sometimes those calves come on the nice warm days of spring, but for those who start calving early like my friend Dan, days and nights can get pretty long this time of year.

• Wait till you see how old this guy is who raises bucking bulls!

Dan and his brother Joe have it pretty much down to a science near Armour, South Dakota. One takes the early shift, the other makes sure the cows and heifers are getting looked at throughout the day and night. Throw in help from their Dad Rich or Brady coming back from school or Jared sneaking out from his job in town they get things covered.  In the next few weeks the gate to the calving pasture/pen will be opened and shut many, many times.

Weather plays a big part in calving season. A snow storm can have farmers and ranchers resorting to hauling calves into a barn or some time in a hot box. A young calf warmer that many are using now days.

• Sink hole nearly claims life of calf in central South Dakota

I'll probably be writing more about this soon. I like to get out to Dan's place to take some pictures and help out a little bit wherever I can. Mostly I do it just to get out and to feel what it's like, to get cold and then warm up again and watch the young calves run around on a sunny afternoon. I also like asking about some of the latest technology and techniques you hear Doc Barz from Northwest Veterinary and Supply talk about on our radio stations.

Yes, it's work for the farmers and ranchers. But if you ask, most of them would say, calving season is one of their favorite times of the year. And some of the hardest work they do all year long.