As I look at all of these comments it has to make you both proud of the channel you have created. Good work. Good luck to you all. As a product of Wisconsin and a family of dairy farmers I know how much luck, hard work and prayer go into a successful farming operation. As good Catholics, in the midst of lent, I want to add your family to my list of daily intentions. For a safe and successful calving season. For good calving and gardening weather, for strength and safety and all things good for you and your fine family. Keep up the great work. We so enjoy your channel and I always learn something from either of you.
Hi mike , it’s amazing how you guys can still give them all the medication you may need . Here in Australia they have taken nearly all out medication drugs from us . We need to call the vet in real world as if that’s going to work ! I say they are trying to make us give up the farm NO WAY!
It would be hard for us if we had to call a vet everytime we needed something, there are some meds of course we have to do that with but we are pretty lucky Thanks - Mike
Pulled many calves, when we didn't have our chains, baling twine worked most times, used a calf puller on the most difficult ones, there's not many more exciting thing to do than pull a healthy calf, and few things sadder than losing one, or pulling a dead calf, can't wait for more in this series, it will be great to reminisce, thanks
Far cry from the year 'round breeding and calving in the rough woods pasture down here in FL. Spent 3 great years working on a ranch in my early 20's, and it still hasn't completely left me. Really enjoy the videos, and the vicarious living!
Though I was born on a dairy farm where we bred cows long ago, I'm constantly amazed at the amount of work you all need to do on a daily basis. How you keep track of and be immediately respond to all animal-needs is also amazing. All this and still producing quality videos. It's a lot.
Thanks you guys! For taking on the future. It’s good to see young Ranch and Farm families making a life that is far from the ordinary. And far from the urbane. I hope you all have a good Church to call home and can attend, in between tending the Ranch. Thanks again!
Good morning Mike, looks like things are fixing to get very busy on the ranch with caving, planting in the high tunnel and all the chores ,good luck, you know I'll be watching. Blessing to the ranch,Jerry
If I only had one person watching I'm sure it would be you Jerry and we really thank you for that. Lots going on, busy busy but we keep it up. Thanks - Mike
Brings back many memories of reviewing heifers mornings before school bus came and hitting the heifer pasture after school to do more of the same. generally I'd muster my brother and dad if I had to pull a tough one. We had a few of those calf pullers. And, like your to do list, the other areas still need your attention as well. Gppd luck on your Calving season.
Thanks for the videos! I always enjoy learning about the different variables that are involved with cattle ranching. Before I started watching your videos, I was looking for any information about ranching that I could get my hands on.... When I found your channel, you've provided me with a steady flow of knowledge for me to enjoy! Thanks again for the awesome videos and the honest and descriptive narrations! Keep it up!
Used to love the calving and lambing it would be good to go back to those days even the early mornings getting the cows in milking and feeding all the animals...
I'm so glad I found your channel. I've always wanted to have a ranch and raise a herd but it's so darn expensive anymore that I have no idea how to break into it. Thanks for sharing with us all, wish I was there!
I used to help some of my clients in Montana and Wyoming calf! They were always appreciative of the feed salesman that was willing to give them a break so they could get some sleep!
If I would have known your family when I was out there I would have gladly offered! I spent a few times out in Gillette with Both your CHS rep and your Hubbard feeds rep I know them both well!
LetTheWritersWrite haha I am always willing to help my customers. I’ve rode fence before and cut wheat! My customers are family to me and that means if I am available and you need help I’m there! Just the way I was raised to operate! But I was also single and had just moved to Montana so I didn’t know anybody and so my clients were friends too!
Thank you John, I'm actually glad we havent done this our whole lives. For us coming here has been a life changer and for us it gives us a much better perspective on things. Thanks - Mike
I have just started Calving to, but i am in Orkney in Scotland, watched your video before going to check the animals at the 12 am check. grate explanation and love the vids.
I've been doing this for years, and I'm still a Nervous Nelly while waiting for a cow to calve. Today, I waited to long before helping a first calf heifer, and she threw her calf bed. Fortunately, we saved both the heifer and calf and all seems well, but you can't help but kick yourself for waiting too long. It sucks to loose a calf or cow because you weren't vigilant enough.
I hear ya there, we have a general rule of giving a heifer an hour after either feet appear or her bag breaks. Even then we have had some close calls. Thanks for sharing, its not easy. - Mike
Excellent video Mike. Very informative especially for a person who is working towards there own farm in the next couple of years. A great way to start my Sunday. Hope you have a successful week and take care. Scott
I couldn't imagine the stress from going from a office job to pulling calves all in one year or less. Stress has to be less from that first day on the ranch job pulling calves instead of files LOL. I would say you have adapted very well.
That is one of the best videos I have seen explaining calving. I can see that a lot of thought went into its production. People need to know that the meat they eat does not come from a cooler on a styrofoam tray. Thanks
Awesome job on the video. It rates right up there at top. Keep them coming as I look forward to each and every one. I would like to wish you and Erin all the luck in the world during the 2018 calving season !!!!
So much information!! Can always count on you mike to explain things to those just starting out. I especially like the part about the different medications. I wrote it all down in my note book. Thanks for the video!
We have one good black orphan heifer from the feed-yard so far, my my six big girls haven't had anything yet.Hopefully they get to calving soon,I have 5 heifers to,I have no clue if any of them are even bred yet.Its certainly an exciting time of the year!
Great video! Hope your calving season goes well. We're full swing into ours already down here in Texas with our rye, oats and clover winter forage providing some awesome feed. Hopefully winter doesn't last too much longer for y'all. We had our first birth defect of hydrocephalus I've ever seen this year, but the calf seems just fine and is mainly a very pronounced forehead which appears to have a slight impact on vision, but nothing else. We've been lucky enough to not have any loses thus far. Love your channel and the top quality production!
I hope winter finishes up fast but doesnt shut off the moisture on us, we need that. We had a hydrocephalus calf here a few years ago as well, that was no fun to deal with. We called out the vet and they thought we had a two headed calf. Loaded her up and went to town. It was a messy one. Thanks for watching - Mike
darn i was hoping this was an instructional video on how to get huge calfs to woo the ladies i wish you good luck on a successful calving season, if you miss a video in this hectic time dont worry about it, the ranch ( and family) comes first.
Thank you for video Mike. It covers the various periods of gestation and what's happening during those times. You've reminded me about the coming lambing season beginning mid April here. I keep track of breedings so usually know about when lambing will begin. Recognize as my flock gets bigger will need to go to ultrasound for preg checking.
Same rules apply. An empty ewe costs the farm, unless she has really nice wool. Then maybe. Penciled out need about twice the ewes have now for it to work in the budget. It helps for better management in how many lambs a ewe is carrying. With this flock often have more triplets and quads than twins. So ultrasound can be a useful tool.
It is always fun calving and you hope the day you get lots of calves is a nice one. 20years ago I took some outside cows to winter and calve and one day we had a 3' snow and the wind blew and we had 38 calves that day it was pretty crazy and that was in April.
Mike, Thanks as always for another good video. I have a couple of suggestions for you to consider. I watched an animal charging out of the vet chute knock your camera or phone down when she hit your tripod. Try stovepiping ( upright) a hay bale where your tripod would go and set your video up on it. Cattle will naturally go around it. And instead of feeding that enormous white and speckled lead steer without ever getting a calf out of him, break in a couple of smart , friendly cows as lead cows. They will become your long term allies in moving the herd. If you happen to keep a replacement heifer from one of your old lead cows she will already be half trained. Calves learn for their mothers. Keep up the good work. Dean Hofsommer
The cow knocking over the camera was my own fault, but it did make for a good shot lol, as for our lead steer we have already set some things in motion for that. We have a cow out there now that is working up to that spot also we have a calf from last year that will hopefully be able to do the same. Thank you very much Dean, love the tips and they help us in so many ways. Thanks for watching - Mike
Wow great, job. And i love cows, i hope one day i can visit you guys and the ranch. Best of luck to you and your family. God bless.from montreal city quebec province, country canada.
continuing to enjoy your channel tremendously it's always exciting to see the 🐮 cows and the pigs 🐷 ,I 😍 love the rugged life ha ha ha. the herd looks in good condition and we'll taken care of. till the next video God bless, 🐂🐮🐷🐷🐷⛅☁🏡👍👍👍👍👍👍.
Nice video I learn a lot from you thanks! Since im new to calving and you did a great job on what stuff does and what it is and explaining Keep up great videos
Wonderful! We just bought a angus X cow ( 6 yr and 2 mos bred)...of course the breed date is suspect...was done by ultra sound and come April, we will be on high alert...should be a may calf...thank you for all you show and explain. We have 1 bred cow and want to have the calf for grow out for beef for us...then re-breed and follow thru...hoping our cow can be re-bred a couple more times...we are not a business but a homestead where we want to know what our food source is...all information is appreciated!
Ear ,lets tag along while calving is in full swing !! This could be a mooving experience . Sorry mike just could not resist the pun , hope all goes wheel with your calving .Regards David
Wow Mike that's a big change for anyone working in the radio industries to go into ranching did Gilbert helped you on the way? I bet you enjoy being the boss for once instead of having to answer question's to your boss's. Great video Mike 👍
Well is still have to answer to Erin lol. Gilbert did help some, he was an old rancher, probably not the best teacher but I did definitely learn from him. Thanks Calum - Mike
Hey Mike, I run a cow/calf operation myself, about 75 cows on 400 acres. That's much smaller I know, but Missouri has good ground and weather to handle that many compared to Wyoming. I was wondering if you could eventually do a video on how cattle operations out there helps keep the ground fertile and growing. So many people just don't know how livestock actually is good for the environment. Thanks for the videos. I'm always looking for those little ideas that help make running the farm easier and better.
Fascinating info & video - I bet you didn't know you would going to become a rancher-famer-grower-veterinarian-medical assistant-husband-dad-et al when you began?! Best wishes for a healthy, safe and even restful 2018 calving season.
Maybe a little late commenting here being it’s an older vid but have to say it is most informative and helpful to me in sooooo many ways. I’m trying to start an operation of my own sometime soon so every video you put out is like going to class haha. ✒️📖📕📗📘📙. Only a few hundred more credits and I graduate hahahaha ..please keep making videos I’m truly learning a lot and it’s incredibly valuable to me 🙂
This is my first year using straps, a viewer actually suggested them and I thought I would give them a try. I have heard plenty of horror stories over the years of chains slipping and causing more damage than good. Thanks for watching - Mike
We use chains if needed. The beauty of chains is they are so easy to adjust for length as that need changes when pulling. Sometimes you have to straighten out the calf before pulling and there is sometimes the effect on the calf's ankles from the chains, but it usually goes away. We find the cold is more detrimental than anything.
Mike, thank you for the hard work in putting this post together at this busy time of year. Great job, you could be a spoke person for UWy ag or the national beef cattle groups.
Thanks for sharing mike. Another great job explaining how things work on the ranch. Your editing is great. Hope the calving season goes well for you this year do you know how are pregnant with twins? what is the survival of twin berths approximately how is the peacock doing with the prosthetic leg and foot. How is he adapting to the new friend? Love you guys and hope you have a great day and God Bless!!!
We dont have any twins this year, we havent had really good luck with them anyway, to the point that we end up just taking one and hand raising it to be sure it survives. Peacock is doing well, he is now hanging out with his girlfriend so I'm sure he is alot happier. Thanks Bob - Mike
I never have, I'm not even sure if I have ever heard of that. Most of our cows probably wouldnt let me anyway, but it would be interesting to learn Thanks - Mike
Our Wyoming Life its just the pin bones at the side of the tail, they go down, normally a day or two before calving. It's the main indicator that I'd use. I'll try to find a video or article about it
Our Wyoming Life 'The first sign that a cow is starting to calve is when the pin bones slip and the tail head appears raised. This can be detected by feeling either side of the tail head. The ligaments running from the base of the tail head to the pin bones will be soft and relaxed. At this stage the best thing you can do is leave the cow alone. It may be a further 24 hours before calving will actually take place.'
Our Wyoming Life can't find any videos, but this is the closest. It doesn't actually mention feeling the actual pin bones though ua-cam.com/video/a66b-AO9r1U/v-deo.html
I never heard of that either but what he describes in his replies is the effect of the hormone relaxin on ligaments. Relaxin allows the pelvis to have just a bit of give to it. I have never palpated for it but on dairy cows you can see it. It is very subtle and takes a trained eye to spot it but it is there. I suspect with the extra flesh on a beefer this stays camouflaged.
How many acres does one cow require in your area? Also, what goes into deciding when you want the heifers/cows to calve? Does it have to be during the colder early months? Really enjoying the videos!
Hi Jared, here is it about 25-30 acres per cow. We try to time out our calving so that the grass is best when calves are starting to wean, that way they can gain weight on the good grass. Heifers calve before cows for a couple of reasons, they tend to have more issues with calving and having them calf before cows lets us keep a better eye on them and because it takes a heifer longer to cycle back into heat after having a calf. Great questions, thank you for watching - Mike
My friend and i both own cattle but he has a calf that has not grew in the last month or two and he is the size of a calf when they are born. What could be causing this?
A couple of things you can check for, worms might be an issue. I have a calf still around from last year that is a little runt also. She suffered heatstroke when she was on a couple of weeks old and still seems to be fighting the after effects. Without a vet looking at the calf though it could be a number of issues. Thanks for watching - Mike
What a significant and highly singular experience helping a cow calve would be! If I am lucky, I will have this experience one day in my life. Thanks.
Thank you for watching - Mike
As I look at all of these comments it has to make you both proud of the channel you have created. Good work.
Good luck to you all. As a product of Wisconsin and a family of dairy farmers I know how much luck, hard work and prayer go into a successful farming operation. As good Catholics, in the midst of lent, I want to add your family to my list of daily intentions. For a safe and successful calving season. For good calving and gardening weather, for strength and safety and all things good for you and your fine family.
Keep up the great work. We so enjoy your channel and I always learn something from either of you.
Thank you very much John, Thats very kind of you we really appreciate it( and can use all the prayers we can get) - Mike
I bottle raised two half Holstein half black angus heifer calfs and I'm 18 starting my herd up slowly, I really like this channel
Thanks for watching Dave - Mike
Hi mike , it’s amazing how you guys can still give them all the medication you may need . Here in Australia they have taken nearly all out medication drugs from us . We need to call the vet in real world as if that’s going to work ! I say they are trying to make us give up the farm NO WAY!
It would be hard for us if we had to call a vet everytime we needed something, there are some meds of course we have to do that with but we are pretty lucky Thanks - Mike
Pulled many calves, when we didn't have our chains, baling twine worked most times, used a calf puller on the most difficult ones, there's not many more exciting thing to do than pull a healthy calf, and few things sadder than losing one, or pulling a dead calf, can't wait for more in this series, it will be great to reminisce, thanks
I agree, its a trade off between utter excitement and loss. Looking forward to more coming also. Thanks Tony - Mike
Far cry from the year 'round breeding and calving in the rough woods pasture down here in FL. Spent 3 great years working on a ranch in my early 20's, and it still hasn't completely left me.
Really enjoy the videos, and the vicarious living!
You are very welcome, I couldnt imagine calving year round but I know its done! Thanks for watching - Mike
Though I was born on a dairy farm where we bred cows long ago, I'm constantly amazed at the amount of work you all need to do on a daily basis. How you keep track of and be immediately respond to all animal-needs is also amazing. All this and still producing quality videos. It's a lot.
Sometimes the response isnt as immediate as I like it to be but we definitely keep busy thats for sure. Thanks for watching - Mike
Thanks you guys! For taking on the future. It’s good to see young Ranch and Farm families making a life that is far from the ordinary. And far from the urbane. I hope you all have a good Church to call home and can attend, in between tending the Ranch. Thanks again!
Thank you very much we do. Thanks for watching - Mike
Oh my word. That much land. And that many cows and work.
Anything you need more help. That's enough work for 20 people.
Your doing a amazing job.
Too bad it cant support 20 people lol Thanks Randy - Mike
LoL hahahaha
I am appreciating everything you all do for us. You all work hard like my grandfather's did.
Thank you very much - Mike
Some amazing skies!
I couldnt agree more, nothing better Thanks - Mike
Good morning Mike, looks like things are fixing to get very busy on the ranch with caving, planting in the high tunnel and all the chores ,good luck, you know I'll be watching. Blessing to the ranch,Jerry
If I only had one person watching I'm sure it would be you Jerry and we really thank you for that. Lots going on, busy busy but we keep it up. Thanks - Mike
Probably the most informative farming channel on youtube! Keep up the Good hard work!
Thank you very much, thats a huge compliment! - Mike
Good luck , may all of them be strong and healthy
Hope for the best. Thanks Hank - Mike
Brings back many memories of reviewing heifers mornings before school bus came and hitting the heifer pasture after school to do more of the same. generally I'd muster my brother and dad if I had to pull a tough one. We had a few of those calf pullers. And, like your to do list, the other areas still need your attention as well. Gppd luck on your Calving season.
Thank you very much Frank and of course thanks for watching - Mike
Thanks for the videos! I always enjoy learning about the different variables that are involved with cattle ranching. Before I started watching your videos, I was looking for any information about ranching that I could get my hands on.... When I found your channel, you've provided me with a steady flow of knowledge for me to enjoy! Thanks again for the awesome videos and the honest and descriptive narrations! Keep it up!
Thank you very much, we appreciate you watching and hope you keep enjoying as we go on. :) - Mike
Used to love the calving and lambing it would be good to go back to those days even the early mornings getting the cows in milking and feeding all the animals...
We love it, nothing like it. Thanks Charlie - Mike
You fine folks have excellent risk management/logistical skills and a very strong work ethic. Fun to watch, Thanks!
Thank you very much! - MIke
I'm so glad I found your channel. I've always wanted to have a ranch and raise a herd but it's so darn expensive anymore that I have no idea how to break into it. Thanks for sharing with us all, wish I was there!
Thank you Brian, we are glad you found us as well. Thanks for watching - Mike
I live on a farm and calving is always fun
That it is. Thanks - Mike
I used to help some of my clients in Montana and Wyoming calf! They were always appreciative of the feed salesman that was willing to give them a break so they could get some sleep!
I have never had a salesman offer and we get a few coming in occasionally. That would be nice, thank you very much for doing that. - Mike
If I would have known your family when I was out there I would have gladly offered! I spent a few times out in Gillette with Both your CHS rep and your Hubbard feeds rep I know them both well!
Millennial Gardener I'd be a customer for life just on that !
LetTheWritersWrite haha I am always willing to help my customers. I’ve rode fence before and cut wheat! My customers are family to me and that means if I am available and you need help I’m there! Just the way I was raised to operate! But I was also single and had just moved to Montana so I didn’t know anybody and so my clients were friends too!
Another great video Mike! Your descriptive skills and camera presence are second to none! :)
Thank you very much, that is a huge compliment. Wow - Mike
Wishing you a very successful and enjoyable calving season. I'm looking forward to seeing that hybrid vigor of those black calves.
They are pretty tough little buggers. Thanks for watching - Mike
Thanks Mike very good video you look like you have done this all your life. You and Erin are great people that care.
Thank you John, I'm actually glad we havent done this our whole lives. For us coming here has been a life changer and for us it gives us a much better perspective on things. Thanks - Mike
I have just started Calving to, but i am in Orkney in Scotland, watched your video before going to check the animals at the 12 am check. grate explanation and love the vids.
Thank you very much, good luck to you - Mike
Fantastic video Mike. Watching from Whitehaven, England 🏴 so entertaining for a casual spectator. Keep up the great work 👍
Thank you very much and thanks for watching - Mike
Good luck with the calving season mike. Look forward to more videos
Thank you Russell and thanks for watching - Mike
I've been doing this for years, and I'm still a Nervous Nelly while waiting for a cow to calve. Today, I waited to long before helping a first calf heifer, and she threw her calf bed. Fortunately, we saved both the heifer and calf and all seems well, but you can't help but kick yourself for waiting too long. It sucks to loose a calf or cow because you weren't vigilant enough.
I hear ya there, we have a general rule of giving a heifer an hour after either feet appear or her bag breaks. Even then we have had some close calls. Thanks for sharing, its not easy. - Mike
That was great! My education continues and I hope that you have time to put up a few videos during calving season
I'm hoping we will, I am also hoping for a couple of live streams as well, should be alot of fun ! Thanks - Mike
Excellent video Mike. Very informative especially for a person who is working towards there own farm in the next couple of years. A great way to start my Sunday. Hope you have a successful week and take care. Scott
Thank you Scott and thanks for watching - Mike
Yes on the ups and downs on calving but most in the long run u did what u could the little ones
Ups and downs are how it goes. Thanks John - Mike
I couldn't imagine the stress from going from a office job to pulling calves all in one year or less. Stress has to be less from that first day on the ranch job pulling calves instead of files LOL. I would say you have adapted very well.
We definitely try, thank you very much - Mike
That is one of the best videos I have seen explaining calving. I can see that a lot of thought went into its production. People need to know that the meat they eat does not come from a cooler on a styrofoam tray.
Thanks
Thank you very much, that means very much to us. Thanks for watching - Mike
Wow, such a stressful time. I had no idea what calving entailed. Great video. Thank you !
Just wait Louis, much more on the way, we had twins this morning, been really busy around here today. Thanks for watching - MIke
Awesome job on the video. It rates right up there at top. Keep them coming as I look forward to each and every one. I would like to wish you and Erin all the luck in the world during the 2018 calving season !!!!
Thank you very much Carl, I have a feeling its going to be a good year! - Mike
So much information!! Can always count on you mike to explain things to those just starting out. I especially like the part about the different medications. I wrote it all down in my note book. Thanks for the video!
Thank you very much Sir - Mike
Very well done video Mike! Good luck this season!! We'll be watching.....
Thank you, it should be fun! - Mike
We have one good black orphan heifer from the feed-yard so far, my my six big girls haven't had anything yet.Hopefully they get to calving soon,I have 5 heifers to,I have no clue if any of them are even bred yet.Its certainly an exciting time of the year!
That it is, good luck to you sir! - Mike
such a lovely video and narrative. no wonder that you have a broadcast background. love your channel!
Great video! Hope your calving season goes well. We're full swing into ours already down here in Texas with our rye, oats and clover winter forage providing some awesome feed. Hopefully winter doesn't last too much longer for y'all. We had our first birth defect of hydrocephalus I've ever seen this year, but the calf seems just fine and is mainly a very pronounced forehead which appears to have a slight impact on vision, but nothing else. We've been lucky enough to not have any loses thus far. Love your channel and the top quality production!
I hope winter finishes up fast but doesnt shut off the moisture on us, we need that. We had a hydrocephalus calf here a few years ago as well, that was no fun to deal with. We called out the vet and they thought we had a two headed calf. Loaded her up and went to town. It was a messy one. Thanks for watching - Mike
darn i was hoping this was an instructional video on how to get huge calfs to woo the ladies
i wish you good luck on a successful calving season, if you miss a video in this hectic time dont worry about it, the ranch ( and family) comes first.
We will have lots more from calving I'm sure, it should be a lot of fun. Thanks ! - Mike
AWESOME BLOSSOM 🌻
Get your long johns ready too. LOL Hope they are ALL safe and healthy.
As do we. Thanks - Mike
Very good segment, well done. Thanks
Thank you very much James Thanks for watching - Mike
Thank you for video Mike. It covers the various periods of gestation and what's happening during those times. You've reminded me about the coming lambing season beginning mid April here. I keep track of breedings so usually know about when lambing will begin. Recognize as my flock gets bigger will need to go to ultrasound for preg checking.
I dont know much about sheep, I guess I never thought about the fact that they probably ultrasound them as well. Makes sense though. Thanks - Mike
Same rules apply. An empty ewe costs the farm, unless she has really nice wool. Then maybe. Penciled out need about twice the ewes have now for it to work in the budget. It helps for better management in how many lambs a ewe is carrying. With this flock often have more triplets and quads than twins. So ultrasound can be a useful tool.
Wow your herd is very productive
It is always fun calving and you hope the day you get lots of calves is a nice one. 20years ago I took some outside cows to winter and calve and one day we had a 3' snow and the wind blew and we had 38 calves that day it was pretty crazy and that was in April.
Oh wow, we get our big April storms here too, with wet heavy snow. No fun at all. That had to be a busy day though. Thanks - Mike
Someone give this guy a tv show. I would rather have my kid watches this and learn about animals/farming/nature
Thats quite the compliment, thank you very much and thanks for watching - Mike
Sounds like the fun begins thanks mike
That it does, up and rolling again. Thanks - Mike
Mike, Thanks as always for another good video. I have a couple of suggestions for you to consider. I watched an animal charging out of the vet chute knock your camera or phone down when she hit your tripod. Try stovepiping ( upright) a hay bale where your tripod would go and set your video up on it. Cattle will naturally go around it. And instead of feeding that enormous white and speckled lead steer without ever getting a calf out of him, break in a couple of smart , friendly cows as lead cows. They will become your long term allies in moving the herd. If you happen to keep a replacement heifer from one of your old lead cows she will already be half trained. Calves learn for their mothers. Keep up the good work. Dean Hofsommer
The cow knocking over the camera was my own fault, but it did make for a good shot lol, as for our lead steer we have already set some things in motion for that. We have a cow out there now that is working up to that spot also we have a calf from last year that will hopefully be able to do the same. Thank you very much Dean, love the tips and they help us in so many ways. Thanks for watching - Mike
Wow great, job. And i love cows, i hope one day i can visit you guys and the ranch. Best of luck to you and your family. God bless.from montreal city quebec province, country canada.
Thank you very much! - Mike
We just had a calf and sadly it passed away but we just had one but there has been no more sadly ps I love your channel so much.
I'm so sorry to hear that, never fun. Thanks for watching -MIke
Morning Mike job well done.
Thanks Brent - Mike
Good morning Mike. Great video.
Good morning to you as well. Thanks for watching - Mike
Great video!! Right on with the information.
Thank you Arden :) - Mike
continuing to enjoy your channel tremendously it's always exciting to see the 🐮 cows and the pigs 🐷 ,I 😍 love the rugged life ha ha ha. the herd looks in good condition and we'll taken care of. till the next video God bless, 🐂🐮🐷🐷🐷⛅☁🏡👍👍👍👍👍👍.
That is wonderful, we have a long calving season ahead of us, you might get tired of baby calves lol Thanks Athea - Mike
Our Wyoming Life no way I love animals to much the cowboys and cowgirls life 🐄🐂
Yes so true
Thanks for watching - Mike
Your cat wants to assist. Good video Mike.
They always want to help. Thanks - Mike
Nice video I learn a lot from you thanks! Since im new to calving and you did a great job on what stuff does and what it is and explaining Keep up great videos
Thank you and we are glad to do it. Thanks for watching - Mike
Wonderful! We just bought a angus X cow ( 6 yr and 2 mos bred)...of course the breed date is suspect...was done by ultra sound and come April, we will be on high alert...should be a may calf...thank you for all you show and explain. We have 1 bred cow and want to have the calf for grow out for beef for us...then re-breed and follow thru...hoping our cow can be re-bred a couple more times...we are not a business but a homestead where we want to know what our food source is...all information is appreciated!
Ear ,lets tag along while calving is in full swing !! This could be a mooving experience . Sorry mike just could not resist the pun , hope all goes wheel with your calving .Regards David
Very punny David. Thanks a bunch and thanks for hanging with us - Mike
Thanks for the video
Thank you and thanks for watching - Mike
Mike, your video is amazing. Thanks, again.
Thank you! - Mike
Wow Mike that's a big change for anyone working in the radio industries to go into ranching did Gilbert helped you on the way? I bet you enjoy being the boss for once instead of having to answer question's to your boss's. Great video Mike 👍
Well is still have to answer to Erin lol. Gilbert did help some, he was an old rancher, probably not the best teacher but I did definitely learn from him. Thanks Calum - Mike
Great video, Mike
Thank you - Mike
We used to give all our calf an iron shot . We lost a lot of calf before that.
I've never had an iron issue here thankfully. Thanks for sharing - Mike
Hey Mike, I run a cow/calf operation myself, about 75 cows on 400 acres. That's much smaller I know, but Missouri has good ground and weather to handle that many compared to Wyoming. I was wondering if you could eventually do a video on how cattle operations out there helps keep the ground fertile and growing. So many people just don't know how livestock actually is good for the environment.
Thanks for the videos. I'm always looking for those little ideas that help make running the farm easier and better.
Definitely, I think we will plan something around haying about the soil and rangeland management. Great idea! Thanks - Mike
Every time a cow raises its tail i get excited.
If I had a dollar everytime I went running when a cow was just pooping....lol Thanks - Mike
Me too Mike Me too....That other thing is that missed heart beat when a cow is just resting flat on her side legs straight out. Golly I hate that.
Sounds very true
Excellent video and info. Best of luck this calving season.
Thank you very much - Mike
thank you
Thank you Earl - Mike
Excellent video!
Thank you very much ! - Mike
Excellent video
Thank you Audrey and thanks for watching - Mike
Great video!
Thank you - Mike
BEST VID EVER.
Thank you Travis - Mike
Fascinating info & video - I bet you didn't know you would going to become a rancher-famer-grower-veterinarian-medical assistant-husband-dad-et al when you began?! Best wishes for a healthy, safe and even restful 2018 calving season.
Those many hats we wear. Thanks :) - Mike
Welder mechanic plumber and electrician. What else we missing? Mike could have a spare moment or two
Maybe a little late commenting here being it’s an older vid but have to say it is most informative and helpful to me in sooooo many ways. I’m trying to start an operation of my own sometime soon so every video you put out is like going to class haha. ✒️📖📕📗📘📙. Only a few hundred more credits and I graduate hahahaha ..please keep making videos I’m truly learning a lot and it’s incredibly valuable to me 🙂
Very cool. Thanks for watching. -Mike
Thanks. Very informative
Thank you for watching - Mike
Great video hoping for no tragedy this season
For sure, thats always the hope! Thanks - Mike
Another great video.
Thank you Mike - Mike
What an exciting time of the year! I'm looking forward to it (especially since I can be an "armchair" rancher, lol).
Not a bad place to be, its much cleaner lol Thanks Jeanette - Mike
Great video just bought new set of chains and handles last year think those straps you have look like a better way never liked chains on a hard pull
This is my first year using straps, a viewer actually suggested them and I thought I would give them a try. I have heard plenty of horror stories over the years of chains slipping and causing more damage than good. Thanks for watching - Mike
We use chains if needed. The beauty of chains is they are so easy to adjust for length as that need changes when pulling. Sometimes you have to straighten out the calf before pulling and there is sometimes the effect on the calf's ankles from the chains, but it usually goes away. We find the cold is more detrimental than anything.
awesome video Sir
Thank you Rodney and of course thanks for watching - Mike
Can't wait! Deb
Me neither! - Mike
Mike, thank you for the hard work in putting this post together at this busy time of year. Great job, you could be a spoke person for UWy ag or the national beef cattle groups.
Well, no one is knocking down my door lol Thanks Steve! - Mike
You guys are COOL farmers...
Thank you George! - Mike
Brilliant video mike 👍👍
Thank you very much - Mike
lost our first cow / calf today, always sucks and makes me question what I could have done different.
Been there, it always weighs on ya. The only advice I have is to be able to focus on the next one. Thanks - Mike
You guys are so cool love the vids
Thank you very much - Mike
What breeds do you use for your bulls and why?
The herd was set before we got here and we have been rolling with black and red angus. We buy registered bulls as well. Thanks - Mike
Thanks for sharing mike. Another great job explaining how things work on the ranch. Your editing is great. Hope the calving season goes well for you this year do you know how are pregnant with twins? what is the survival of twin berths approximately how is the peacock doing with the prosthetic leg and foot. How is he adapting to the new friend? Love you guys and hope you have a great day and God Bless!!!
We dont have any twins this year, we havent had really good luck with them anyway, to the point that we end up just taking one and hand raising it to be sure it survives. Peacock is doing well, he is now hanging out with his girlfriend so I'm sure he is alot happier. Thanks Bob - Mike
Pull chains, what a great gift!!😉
The gift that keeps on giving. Thanks ! - Mike
Great stuff Mike best wishes for calving 2018
Thank you very much - Mike
I haven't helped calving in 25 years I miss it
Well theres lots more to come! Thanks for watching - Mike
Do you ever feel the bones to try to tell when the cow /heifer will calf?
I never have, I'm not even sure if I have ever heard of that. Most of our cows probably wouldnt let me anyway, but it would be interesting to learn Thanks - Mike
Our Wyoming Life its just the pin bones at the side of the tail, they go down, normally a day or two before calving. It's the main indicator that I'd use. I'll try to find a video or article about it
Our Wyoming Life 'The first sign that a cow is starting to calve is when the pin bones slip and the tail head appears raised. This can be detected by feeling either side of the tail head. The ligaments running from the base of the tail head to the pin bones will be soft and relaxed. At this stage the best thing you can do is leave the cow alone. It may be a further 24 hours before calving will actually take place.'
Our Wyoming Life can't find any videos, but this is the closest. It doesn't actually mention feeling the actual pin bones though
ua-cam.com/video/a66b-AO9r1U/v-deo.html
I never heard of that either but what he describes in his replies is the effect of the hormone relaxin on ligaments. Relaxin allows the pelvis to have just a bit of give to it. I have never palpated for it but on dairy cows you can see it. It is very subtle and takes a trained eye to spot it but it is there. I suspect with the extra flesh on a beefer this stays camouflaged.
Great vid Mike. Keep yankin' 'em out! LOL!
Thanks Jerry, I hope the moms do all the work but I'm always a backup player. lol - Mike
How many acres does one cow require in your area? Also, what goes into deciding when you want the heifers/cows to calve? Does it have to be during the colder early months? Really enjoying the videos!
Hi Jared, here is it about 25-30 acres per cow. We try to time out our calving so that the grass is best when calves are starting to wean, that way they can gain weight on the good grass. Heifers calve before cows for a couple of reasons, they tend to have more issues with calving and having them calf before cows lets us keep a better eye on them and because it takes a heifer longer to cycle back into heat after having a calf. Great questions, thank you for watching - Mike
Hello Mike, Can you still get LA200 at the store or do you have to get it from your vet? We can't here in Wisconsin.
I'm 8yrs old l have doggie calfs myself and I have two year old calfs named Boss and Sassy
Nice! Thank you very much - Mike
nice calf!
Thank you ! - Mike
My friend and i both own cattle but he has a calf that has not grew in the last month or two and he is the size of a calf when they are born. What could be causing this?
A couple of things you can check for, worms might be an issue. I have a calf still around from last year that is a little runt also. She suffered heatstroke when she was on a couple of weeks old and still seems to be fighting the after effects. Without a vet looking at the calf though it could be a number of issues. Thanks for watching - Mike
Why do you keep the bulls separate from the cows? I keep mine with them year round
We like to control our breeding season, that way all of our calves are born around the same time and are the same size come sale time. Thanks - Mike
nice calf
Thanks Connie - Mike