No Fly Zone
10 Monday Sep 2018
Posted in Dirty Work
Category Archives: Dirty Work
So, one morning Farmer Brown decided enough is enough. Let’s get this problem taken care of once and for all. Well, for the rest of the season, that is. It’s called “wormer”. We buy it by the gallons. Another thing we’ve discovered over the years……get it done in the barn during chores. Kill 2 birds with one stone. Milk them and worm them at the same time. 
I’m warning you, this is very professional. As soon as they finish milking and are ready to exit the barn, we attack with the wormer. Earl’s on the ladder and as they walk past to leave….he squirts the wormer on their backs. The “gun” comes with the order and we set it according to weight. It’s the fastest and easiest way. 
Some of them act a little skittish when they see Earl up high on the ladder. Wouldn’t you? But, with a little “pep talk” from their favorite “milkmaid” they’re on their way. It’s always such a relief to check off such a huge project. This will last the rest of the summer. Actually, we should have done it much sooner, but that’s how things roll around here. 
When the cows came up for the afternoon milking, they were so calm and at peace. In fact, they were slow and lethargic. Look, not a single fly on their backs. It was crazy! I couldn’t believe it. The wormer is absorbed through their hide and keeps the nasty flies away. 
I took this picture in the morning when the sun was just starting to come up. It put out a glow across the backs of the cows. It was a humid morning and we had the misters running. I quickly ran for my phone and took a few pictures before the moment was gone. That’s what you call “Happy Cows”. And they live right here in Oklahoma……………………CarolDen of Lions
18 Saturday Aug 2018
Posted in Dirty Work
Seems like every week has it’s own drama. This week was no different. This time it was directed at the milkmaid. My whole week has been “messed up”. I feel totally out “of sync”. Here’s what happened…… 
Take a good look at these calves. They are the “tweens” of the dairy farm. Don’t let that “look” fool you. That calf is daring you to come inside their pen and try to feed them. That’s exactly what I did. (notice my gangly arms taking the photo) They caught me by the trough and proceeded to torture me. They pushed my knee up against the side of the trough and hyperextended, twisted and turned…..trying to break every muscle. I thought my leg was going to fall off. I could hear the muscles “crunching”. 
I have no idea what I said…if anything at all. I do know that if I uttered any sound it was probably not very nice. If I called them names….it was every name in the book. It was a very stressful moment! I managed to haul my butt out of there and immediately sat down to assess the damage. My leg was not falling off! So I made it back to the house and rubbed this salve on my bruised leg…..and wrapped it with bandage. Ok, now stop laughing about my salve and let me explain. This is used on a cows udder when she has edema. (swelling of the udder) And because I have mad-cow I use this stuff to soothe sore muscles and now my extremely painful knee. Milkmaids do not go to the doctor unless they are dying or need a tetanus shot. 
This is what my leg looks like when I’m milking. No, I did not get to sit in the house…put my feet up…and sip ice tea. I needed to keep moving so the dumb thing wouldn’t lock up on me. Then I’d really be up a creek without a paddle. I wrapped saran wrap around the bandage and then duct tape to hold it in place. I could walk, but couldn’t bend it. So, my nickname is “log leg”. Very attractive….don’t ya think?! 
Every day gets better. I can now slowly bend it part way. I can’t dance just yet, but give it time. No sudden turns and definitely no running. That would send me straight into orbit. Holy Moly! I’m still feeding calves, but with help. I haven’t stepped foot inside that den of lions….and have no plans to. Ever! Amen! I’m no spring chicken anymore…………..Carol
Party Animals
10 Friday Aug 2018
Posted in Dirty Work
I’m sure you have all heard the term….”party till the cows come home”. Well, I’m here to tell you that the cows ain’t comin’ home…..they ARE the party animals! Yep, they have parties all the time. Do you really think they’re sleeping at night? I don’t think so. They’re busy planning their next attack on the “milkmaid”. It’s true! Nasty tails….fierce back legs….flying cow poop….stomping on the milkers…….I’ve seen it all. 
Take a good look at this calf. What color is this? Where did this “red” come from? Another phrase you’ve all heard…..”the grass is greener on the other side of the fence”. I’m pretty sure that’s what the neighbor bull was thinking at the time. 
So, apparently the cows had a rockin’ party about 9 months ago. I had forgotten all about this incident until we had 2 red calves born in the last few weeks. Ahhhh….yes! I remember now. Cute little stinker! 
I’m sure the cows thought they were getting away with all their “hanky panky”. Not this time. A prime example of “Be sure your sin will find you out”. Haha 
Cows, bulls, heifers…..not a one has any respect for barbed wire or panel fencing when there’s a party to go to. They’ll flatten anything. I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes. I wonder though……how many more “red” calves are we going to have before this whole thing blows over?…………………..Carol
A Clean Sweep
22 Sunday Jul 2018
Posted in Dirty Work
For the first line of business……my parents visited last week. Therefore, I took a few days off. Well, not totally off. The cows still needed to be milked and calves fed, but other than that I didn’t do much. When company comes I get to head to town and get off the farm and do fun stuff. You know……more than just gas and groceries. 
When the “milkmaid” gets company…..this is where I like to take them. The PW Mercantile. It’s a fun little road trip. Then we always have to hurry home to those bossy bovines. I decided that next time I’m leaving the farm dudes at home. They’ve seen it once now…no need for them to see it again. That way I won’t have to rush home. Haha….great plan. Don’t ya think? 
As far as the farm work goes….this was a job that we procrastinated on. Cleaning and stacking all those calf hutches. So finally one day the “farmers” decided to get the job done. See that pink broom? That would be my kitchen broom. Why is it that they always take Mom’s good “tools” for their dirty farm work?! I kissed that broom good-bye. I don’t want it back! Think calf poop, cobwebs, big nasty spiders, and more dirt than you can shake a fist at. 
Marshall needed a broom too. So, I improvised. An old rag and duct tape…..ta da…..good as new! They swept each hutch clean. Inside and out. What a dirty mess. Lots of creepy, crawly spiders. Yuk! 
So, while the boys did the “clean sweep”, the main man came along and picked them up with the tractor. Before we know it, it’ll be time to get them all lined up again. Ahhh….I’m not ready for that just yet. That means cold weather. Yuk! 
Earl stacks them onto the flat bed trailer and hauls them off to the “dump site”. That looks so nice to have all that mess cleaned up and put away. I ride this area every day and all those memories “flood my soul”. Hungry calves screaming my name, freezing cold temperatures, fingers so cold I had to dip them into the warm milk to keep from crying. And then trying not to cry when I get to the barn and the “thaw” begins. Yes, I’m enjoying the summer heat. I’ll take it any day. 
The work here is almost done. Just scraping away all the bedding. And more bedding. As I ride along here I always remind the boys how this whole tree line was lined with calves. We just shake our heads in unbelief…..wondering how we did it. In all that wicked, cold weather? Those are the days when we slip into “survival mode” and don’t come up for air until spring time. 
Here you go….the final resting place. We have learned not to stack them more than 4 or 5 high because it’s a total nightmare to get them apart. So, this fall when the weather turns cool and all the little “jerks” are popping out everywhere, we’ll come back to these. And start the loooong line up again. Until then…..I’m enjoying having just a handful of calves to feed……………………..Carol
Cool Cows
08 Sunday Jul 2018
Posted in Dirty Work
It’s hot! I am not complaining……I’m just stating facts. Last winter is still too fresh in my mind. Now if you would ask a cow what they prefer, they would all “Moo” in unison….cold weather. I’m going to show you how we keep our cows cool in the intense heat…….. 
This is the “coolest” cow in the herd. Our only Brown Swiss. She’s beautiful and knows it. Oh yeah…cows have attitude. She’s always the first one in line to get milked……she wants to eat. Light colored cows tolerate the heat much better than black cows. Just like humans. The weather man will tell us to wear light colored clothing and stay away from dark. Works the same way with cattle. So, what do we do for all the black and whites? 
“Misters” is the name of the game. When the heat really cranks it up……the cows will come up to the barn with their mouths hanging open huffing and puffing. That’s how they sweat. If you look closely, you’ll see a fine mist spraying over them. That’s cold well water. Within 10 minutes of standing underneath this….they start chewing their cud. That means they’re feeling cool and comfortable. 
Here we have a photo bomber. She’s trying to tell us that she loves the cold water. She looks mad, but she’s just trying to intimidate you. Haha I can read them like a book. 
It’s difficult to get a good shot of the misters. It often reminds me of a blizzard……looks like sleet blowing in the wintertime. I have “flashbacks” of all that wicked winter weather. Is that a bad sign?! Anyway, I wish we had a “cooling pond” for the cows……basically a swimming pool. There’s pros and cons for those. Mostly pros. We just haven’t funded one yet. So for now, misters are working overtime. 
Let’s not forget about the dogs. They get hot too. This is Clyde. He loves to swim. I’m thinkin’ I should’ve bought a bigger size. They also jump into the cows’ water tanks. Don’t tell the cows or they’ll have a total meltdown. I don’t need any “herd drama”. Can’t really blame them……I freak out when someone “slurps” on my cool drink……… 
Yep, this is how I like to stay cool. Sippin’ a cold drink on my patio. More on that later…………….Carol
Down and Dirty
26 Tuesday Jun 2018
Posted in Dirty Work
Alrighty….today starts a brand new week. Thank goodness! Last week was not for the faint of heart….it was “calf working” week. Now, let me warn you all. This post is not politically correct…nor is it ladylike…maybe even a bit offensive. So, I’m giving you fair warning to skip this story and move on to something beautiful if you can’t take the “heat”. Otherwise….to all you daredevils….come with me and let’s get some dirty work done. 
Here’s a group of calves that we worked last year. Don’t they look nice?! No horns….no nuts…although you can’t see that part. That’s what working calves is all about. Vaccinations, taking off the wicked horns, and adjusting that cocky attitude. 
First things first. Here we have Earl demonstrating to the boys how to apply vaccine. Every calf needs to be vaccinated at birth and then again before they’re a year old. Sorta like our human babies. Always taking them for vaccinations and boosters…..calves are the same way. These shots had to go in the neck area underneath the skin. It takes lots of practice…..and speed. Calves like to jerk around a lot. 
This is Marshall doing a practice round. They need to learn sometime. Besides, they want to do it….to them it’s still exciting and great fun. Me? I’ve been doing this for nearly 25 years and I’m tired…….need I say any more? 
This is me. I have now graduated to filling syringes, keeping everyone hydrated and handing them all the necessary tools. I used to do a whole lot more but thank goodness for boys. I get the easy job. 
So after they get their shots we have to worm them. Gotta get rid of all those nasty parasites. A person can always tell if a cow is fed well and taken care of just by looking at their hide. If it’s slick and shiny then you know she’s healthy. That’s what wormer helps do……kills the nasty bugs and makes their hide beautiful. Marshall is getting a little carried away here. It’s a gun, but not that way. Squirt it onto the back of the calf, son! 
Yep, that’s right. We got some big ole’ calf nuts here. Michael was the professional bander. There are several different ways to take care of the bulls. We prefer the banding….no cutting, no blood. These should have been done during spring break, but time has a way of getting away from a dairyman. Everything always needs to be done right now! So, we had some pretty good sized “nuts” to band. The commentary can be pretty entertaining when working cattle. I’ve become pretty calloused you might say. 
Next on the list is dehorning. Both heifers and bulls will have horns. Unless they’re “polled”…..that’s always a good day. Polled means that they were born without horns. All angus calves are polled, so all of our black calves were horn free. Ahhhhh…..we love polled calves. Less stress! Otherwise, they need to go. Cows like to use their heads as weapons. They’re like a huge rock swinging to and fro. Imagine if they had sharp horns yet too. Their heads hurt, not to mention the back leg. I’ve felt both. I definitely don’t want to feel a sharp horn in my side. Besides, they have “cow fights” out in the pasture and we don’t want to deal with any more drama than is necessary. FYI…the dogs love to eat the horns…..it’s a delicacy to them. 
Michael being the “jokester”. Gotta watch out for those wicked horns…..they pop up at the weirdest places. Earl was the dehorner. I had to spray disinfectant/sealer and apply cotton (bandaid) if necessary. So, I did do a little dirty work afterall. 
We worked calves for two days. Remember all those calves I raised in the hutches last winter? Well, now they’re big boys and girls. The wicked horns are gone…no pesky parasites…and the boys are “nut free”. You’d be amazed how that affects their attitude! So, there you have it….down and dirty. Does anyone care for some “calf fries”? That’s what you call the “nuts” when they’re fried up and ready for human consumption………Carol
Summer Calves
19 Tuesday Jun 2018
Posted in Dirty Work
So, here’s the question of the day. Is it easier to raise calves in the summer time or winter time? Well, in my opinion (that’s scary) there are pros and cons either way. Anyway, let me show you what’s happening on the “calf front” these days…………….. 
Take a look….this calf has a question for you. Yep, we’ve had some crazy markings over the years. This is one of the best. I just wish I could wipe my nose like this. When it’s cold outside….there is no time to stop and wipe your nose with a Kleenex and be all lady like. Instead I just wipe my nose on my sleeve and keep right on working. Milkmaids pick up some really bad habits. That’s why it’s scary for me to be seen in public. Who knows when one of my “habits” will rear it’s ugly head?! 
Ok, here’s the deal. As much as I hate cold weather…..it is easier to raise healthy calves in the wintertime……I think. It gets so blasted hot in Oklahoma and the flies! Oh dear…..do we ever fight flies! For the sanity of the calves we keep them and their pens sprayed on a regular basis. We have to. The flies will slowly drive them insane. Biting and carrying all kinds of disease. What good are flies anyway?! 
Marshall is my “right hand man” with all the calf feeding this summer. That helps tremendously with the work load. Oh, and don’t forget the “chic”….that’s her nickname. Dixie is her official name but I added “chic” and it stuck. She rides on the front of the 4-wheeler…..she’s the boss! 
So, the moral of the story is…….it takes extra time and work to keep the calves feeling energetic and healthy in the summer heat. We still fight the same diseases that we do in the winter time….plus flies. Calves are susceptible to anything. They definitely keep you on your toes. No rest for the weary. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it…………………………..Carol
Finish the Job
14 Thursday Jun 2018
Posted in Dirty Work
Ok, it’s time to finish this dirty job of hauling manure. Now that we’ve got the lagoon emptied…..it’s time to haul off the solids. This is what we call the “dry stack”. It smells pretty “rich” too. We use a totally different spreader to do this job. I should’ve asked the “farmers” which is the worse of two evils. Liquid or solids? Either way….it’s a smelly job, but they don’t seem to mind it at all. 
This is the spreader we use for the solids. Michael is on his way out to pasture to empty it and come back for more. Back and forth….all afternoon. Beware…..flying poop alert! 
Here we have Earl filling up the spreader. Look closely and you’ll see the concrete wall back there. That’s to contain everything and just to the left is the small opening where the liquid flows into the lagoon. It all makes sense when you see it in real life. Haha Who knew cow poop could be so complicated?! Earl is the “master” at tractor loader controls. Years of practice I suppose. 
The fun part…..spreading. Marshall and I followed on the four-wheeler to get a closer look. Don’t get too close….you’ll get splattered. The spreader shoots everything out the side pulverizing as it goes. 
Here’s a closer look at flying cow poop. Haha I should’ve taken a picture of the inside of the spreader so you can get a better idea of what’s happening. Me….I didn’t think that far. I forget that some things have never been seen or told. At least you have an idea of what’s happening…right?! 
Well, thank goodness that job is wrapped up. We got a beautiful rain right after they spread all that on the pastures. Oh, will the grass ever grow now! That also means the weeds will be going crazy. So, we had our “sprayer dude” come spray everything for us. He can do it so much faster than we can. Come to think of it….do we even have a sprayer? Does it work? Hope not, because this guy can do it in a few hours whereas it would take us all week. Michael did not get run over. He just sat there and the sprayer slowly drove over him….literally. Farm boys…..what will they do next……………………Carol
Young and Free
12 Tuesday Jun 2018
Posted in Dirty Work
Oh, to be a kid again! Remember what it was like being carefree and innocent? No worries. No responsibilities. No stress. No work. Just playtime. Well, we had some “little people” come to the farm last week and remind us what being a kid is all about. They wanted a pony ride, but it turned into more than that. Who knew that a dairy farm had so many “fun” toys to play with?! Come see the farm through a child’s eyes…… 
This is Cooper and Lizzie……our little friends. Marshall was more than happy to give them a pony ride. Wow! Life is good…..popsicles and ponies! 
They wanted to go play in the feed. This is like a huge sandbox to little kiddos. But oh dear…….as a Mother it is a nightmare. You might as well strip your child outside before going to the house. Otherwise, you’ll have feed all over your floor. I know these things….been there, done that. 
So much fun! Climbing Mt. Everest……or so they thought. And guess what? They thought the feed smelled so good. Now that tells me something…..they are true farm kids! Who else will think that cow feed smells good?! 
Just for the record…..this is how we push down feed. The feed is augured up to the top of the barn and then we have to fill all the individual bins that drop down to the feeders where the cows eat. There are 10 bins to fill. If you would like to get a workout…..come on over. Think cardio! It “ain’t” easy! 
Little Gentry wasn’t sure what to think of the pony. Just being a little cautious, but always a happy girl. Dani and I tried to catch up with each others lives while the kids played. She has a “human herd” and I have a “cow herd”. Both super busy Moms. Some day we’re going to be able to go have “time off” days again. 
They wanted a 4-wheeler ride. That’s always fun! It looks like Cooper has a mustache, but it’s just a reflection from the sun. I’m not a professional photographer….just a milkmaid. Haha We had just finished all the calf feeding in the back. As you can see the trailer is loaded down with buckets and cans. I’ll need to give you another update on all my cute little “jerks”. (affectionate name for calves) 
So there you have it…..fun day at the farm. We didn’t have time to play with all the baby kittens. Or the little calves. Or watch the cows being milked. We’ll have to do that another day. Maybe we’ll have ice cream cones next time…………………Carol
It Stinks Around Here
09 Saturday Jun 2018
Posted in Dirty Work
Alright, this is Michael demonstrating how this thing works. He was the “stir man” while Earl hauled it off. There’s a propeller on the end of this and it whips the “slur” into a total frenzy. This is all liquid runoff from the lots. Thank goodness school’s out and I had Michael here to help with this stinky project. I especially like the poop all over his legs. 
Earl comes along and they fill the tanker to the brim. As you can see, it gets a little messy. They built the stand especially for this project. The pallets…….we have tons of them stacked out back. They come in pretty handy at times like these. It doesn’t look fancy and all, but who cares?! We’re hauling cow poop. They take it out and spread it on the pastures. It sure makes things grow…..a great “all natural” fertilizer. 
The day after is always clean up day. Everything must be cleaned with the high pressure washer. It’s a dirty job, but it has to be done. That cow poop will eat everything up if you don’t. 
Michael has the fun job…..climbing to the top. Earl and I are old enough now to know that some things are not safe anymore. So, that’s when the “young blood” comes in handy. We can’t afford to have anyone get hurt. It takes the whole family to run this place. 
Marshall was the official inspector. He has no problem pointing out any missed spots. Much to Michaels dismay. So, that’s what was happening this week. I was busy whipping my yard into shape and trying to finish up my patio. That’s an endless summer job. I just “piddle around” on the patio all summer…………………….Carol