The Milk Bar is Closed

As you know 2023 brought the first two mini-Highland calves to the farm.  I have loved every second of these pint-sized boys.  I was present for each birth and eagerly awaited them standing up and nursing for the first time.   I have loved watching them grow and mature.  Brooks is now 9 months old and Nelson is a little over 5 months old so it was time to wean them.  Weaning is the act of separating them from their moms so they can no longer nurse.  I wanted to wait until Nelson was old enough so the boys could be together for this process and hopefully that would make it easier.  Fortunately, I am able to put the calves in the pasture directly beside their mothers (and daddy Licorice) so they will be able to see each other without an opportunity.

 Today was the day that I decided to separate the littles.  With a little help from my amazing farm-hand Dago, we got everyone in their places to begin the process.  There was a lot of mooing from Maple (Nelson’s mom) and Nelson stayed right by the her on the opposite side of the fence.  Brooks has always been an independent calf so he appeared to be just fine.  Hopefully, he will help Nelson through the process. 

During weaning, I have an opportunity to work more with the calves with no interference from moms.  While Brooks is already doing great on the halter and he and I are VERY bonded, I have not had much opportunity to work with Nelson.  I will use treats and grain and spend a lot of quality time with them as I work on training. 

Sadly this also means it is time to work on selling the calves.  I am leaning towards retaining Brooks as he is an amazing specimen of the breed and also so very special.  Nelson will need to be sold to make room for 2024 calves. 

Thanks for joining me on my cattle journey. 

Success getting the calves separated. I am no one’s favorite today.