More new toys, or umm tools, yeah that’s it

New Cow Toys – Not toys FOR the cows, toys to take care OF the cows! So we got an accessory for that wonderful red headgate. At least “the sweep” (my name for it) didn’t have to stay on the truck for long – thanks to the new Big Green Machine and a few willing helpers!

Showing off the BGM to Bernie
Easier the second time

USING the new toys – Three cows in need of a shot, who readily approach us any time we shake a bucket, who will eat without issue within the pen of “the sweep”(my name for it). Sounds like it ought to have been a cake walk! Nope – not quite!

Managed to “catch” the first one, curious little 95. Except that we are new to the process, new to the equipment, and so is he! So, somehow he got caught half in and half out. No photos here, sorry! Apparently we set the gate too wide and he was able to get his head and shoulders through, then his fairly round belly – but NOT his rather smaller backside! So after working to calm him down (not at all easy), offering him food, and pulling a few pins to widen the gate – he pulled free and took off up the hill. No shot, not a snowball’s chance he will be returning to the red fence contraption anytime soon – food bowl or not! All we managed to do is scare the crap out of him – for real!

After a breather and a thinking session, we had another brave cow. Apparently, he had not talked to 95 as they met along the hasty escape route! Food enticed him and then we had him – sort of. He managed to get himself turned around in the chute part (which I thought was impossible – kind of the point of the chute). It took us several attempts to get him into the “squeeze” part of the apparatus. There he is! See his head, not through the gate? Yeah, that took another 10 minutes. But he, at least, finally got his shot -after a serious, heart felt prayer – because God cares about me and I was done! His eyes should begin to improve and he should be a happier cow! Yay!

Apparently the third cow spoke to 95 along his escape route because he was having no part of the food, the fencing, or Farmer Man. So 1/3 – next attempt is likely this evening! I am tired just thinking about it! Also, we learned that a third person is important and will hopefully improve our odds.

Ahhhhhhh, the BEST part of farming so far – riding on the Big Green Machine and cutting the weeds in the upper pastures. I ride – though John Deere and every other safety warning screams against extra riders. It is not easy to drive or ride, it’s still exhausting and makes all of my muscles sore – but at least progress is visible, and there is a slight breeze, and I don’t have to WALK up to the upper field.