I wish I wouldn’t have watched this. It was so touching and so sad. As a vegetarian I respect how u love and care for all of your animals. It’s so touching. I just can’t help wishing Sammie wasn’t just raised for food. But I guess that’s why you have the farm and I do not. Thank u for sharing.
I'm a massive fan of steak and all things beef. But thank god there are people out there like you who can love and care for these animals and then ultimately make the decisions that must be made at the end. I couldn't do it myself and have so much respect to those who can.it has been touching to see the other side and very reassuring about the personable way these animals are treated during there time with you THANKYOU
You are so right we had a dairy cow named dolly , when we process her we had dolly burgers. You can be respectful and compassionate when you have to do what is needed. Love your videos.
Thanks for sharing Sammy's story. It's a side of farming that most people don't get when they buy a cello wrapped steak and think nothing of it. When a hand reared animal has to go (it is a farm after all) it's different than your typical cow. If they had to sell their dog or cat for meat, then they would get it.
Great story about Sammy. My mother tells me stories of her time on the farm in Virginia. She talks just like you. I can relate. Thank you for giving those animals a good life.
One thing grandpa taught me while raising livestock was no matter what, respect and honor are not negotiable. When we loaded cattle into the trailer, we did it calmly as possible. After the door closed grandpa always said a prayer, thanking the lord and the animals for our blessings. When the steer would come back, and we would eat grandpa always prayed over our dinner. Often times he would use the particular steers name in the prayer. Although grandpa and I have different beliefs, I completely believe in honoring the animals with non-negotiable respect beginning to end.
I truly appreciate your channel. Sanity in a world of confusion. Coming from a praying family of farmers, we're forever grateful for the provision of every Blessing whether plants, meat animals and animal products ie. Eggs, milk. As others have commented so well, part of our gratitude is respecting the dignity of the animals and providing them with the best care possible from beginning to end. In the end, our bodies will return to the earth as well. What endures is Love, expressed for all living things. All the best to everyone.
Poor Sammy - felt bad for him being the somewhat outcast from the herd - eating alone! Kinda reminded of myself when I was in grade school - I didn't seem to click with most kids and during recess I would simply wonder around the school yard - not really connecting with others - I wanted too but it always felt I wasn't welcomed - great video Pete - never thought I would be saddened by a story of a cow.
I hope you culled Sammy’s “mom”. Another problem with a human raised calf, as he gets bigger, and wants to play, he can hurt someone…he won’t realize he’s bigger. City folk don’t understand the sacrifices country folk put in…thanks for sharing the video, very kind.
Did u get rid of the bad mama? I raised three calves one i had in a dog chain tied to a truck he mowed a circle around the truch and moved it every few days i asked my wife to hold the chain while i moved it she was about 8 months pregnant and the cow took her for a walk !!
I don't how how you guys send off a steer after being emotionally attached to him i feel sorry for you i couldn't do it with one steer when i was younger and than my dad sent him off to the butcher i did eat any of his meat at all
I eat meat, but a sammy burger is just strange. Deviate once in a while. You should have let this one live. My friend's dad had cows. Her brother told her your eating Blackie. She would not eat beef for a long time.
Peter, Any regrets on making Sammy a Steer or do you think he would have been a great bull, simply from a docility standpoint? I recognize he's small and poorly socialized but I'm thinking thats environment, not genetics...
I think Sammy is too docile to be a breeding bull. With a large animal, being overly-friendly can be just as dangerous as being wild. As an example, when I go out to see him sometimes he will kick up his heels because he's happy to see me, and a few times he's come close to kicking me.
I can feel your emotions as you talk through this video. I used to help my Uncle on the Family Farm with his Cattle. We bottle fed a rejected calf and he acted more like a pup dog than a cow. When I went into the pasture or barn to do anything Ribeye was there. Fixing fence was nearly impossible as Ribeye wanted to lean against me and get his chin scratched. Everything became harder as Ribeye was always in the way. Feeding the Herd, Brush Hogging the thistles in the Pasture, or even walking through the pasture, going to the woods to deer hunt was an ordeal as Ribeye wanted my attention. I commute to work and do the 7:00 - 3:00 so taking Calves to Market is usually a vacation day for me. The day Ribeye went to Market I just couldn't do it. It was too emotional for me. I'm a Big Softy, so I told my Uncle I was too busy at work. He's a tough old Bird and I think he seen right through the excuse but he never gave me any grief over it.. I remember going up to the Barn the night before scratching and hugging Ribeye. I spent a long time in the Loafing Shed with Ribeye. He was sad, like he knew something was wrong. Meanwhile all the other calves just stood there in all their ignorance watching Ribeye and I say our Goodbyes. I swore I'd never get attached to another cow again. My Uncle told me once you name it. it becomes a pet. And I hear in your voice you know this to be true. Eating a pet is hard thing to do. Sammy has just entered the Circle of Life that we all must play our own part in. God Bless You, Your Family and Your Farm.
i've had several bottle calves over the years due mostly to cows with bad udders that i really didn't want to cull. it is a lot of work and expense. two years ago a first calf heifer rejected her calf and we had to raise him in the back yard and he's a lot like sammy, super friendly and thinks we're the parents. he also never grew. rather than have it be a loss we put him to work as the steer that people can pet when they visit the farm or stay at the air bnb. we also left his horns on (he's part devon) so he looks really cool. he's the star of the heard. in the end it was an investment that paid off differently than as meat. he's happy and so are we.
Pete you did the right thing with Sammy. You and your family are such wonderful people we can just feel the love and respect you have for your animals.
Loved this story. It was funny to me, that as you described how worried you were that Sammy was lonely and never bonded with the herd, it looked like the other cows were jealous while you were giving him attention. He might be the rock star of the herd? I'm glad you made the extra effort with Sammy.
Wouldn't it have been cheaper to milk the momma cow to get sammy the first milk from her? It might not be practical longterm with beef cattle, but it would have given him the proper antibodies quickly.
I have a highland cow that had been rejected by her mother as well. Just like Sammy, we bottle fed her and cared for her, became her “parents”. She is the a pet now almost. She is now 3 years old and she called this spring ( a nice moral boost in time of lock down). I was concerned that she would reject her calf as well...not at all. She was very motherly, protective with little Ben. We now have another one that the mother died when she called. Little George is like Sammy., a bit of a loner, smaller than Ben although a month and a half older and was at least 40 pounds bigger at birth. He is the most adorable steer ever. Should you have a little heifer that needs that kind of attention, do not hesitate, she’ll make a great mom.
As a dairy farmer. When my girls have trouble, I take them up and milk them, and feed the calf next to mom. I keep them in a quiet place away from the herd. I don't separate my calves from mom. Mom raises baby 24/7 and I take the extra. My animals have lots of hands on attention. It would have at least saved on the cost of colostrum and given Sammy some needed first antibodies. Lots of ways to keep her from kicking. I can milk my Dexters also. Just need smaller teat cups. I realize Sammy's momma wasn't the nicest, but at least you could have gotten a weeks worth of milk, an who knows what you could have done with her away from the herd.
Listening to you Pete about Sammy, it’s easy today for me to get emotional,growing up in a dairy farm,I experienced two sets of twins born,and remembering both sets,yes,one dies a few days later. I dealt with this with my Dad,but never have I remembered getting emotional as I have with Sammy’s story, I experienced a broken legs once in awhile,butcher,and bob wire tearing an eye out once,my father and I dealt with these things,he taught me how to,but now,older,wiser with lots of wisdom,Sammy really touched me,seems I was there with you,I’ll stop now, it’s Christmas Eve tonite,thanks for listening.
Sammy was very smart. When you took him to the butcher HE KNEW. He wanted to trust and followed you, but he could feel something was terribly wrong. He wanted you pet him, rub him. When he was separated from his family, he knew. What I could see was it bothered you and your lovely wife too. He had a great life, ate good, was taken care off. He knew he was loved and delish and yummy, great job.
Hey Pete, recent subscriber. Catching up on your various vids. I've really enjoyed the vids I've seen so far and seem to learn a lot from your content. I'm curious about Nelly. It sounds like she should have been culled before Sammy was conceived. But, it is possible that the timing was too close to have picked up on that initially. It may be that I'm just not experienced enough yet with cows to understand it is kind of a bang bang progression. I don't know if you will have a chance to go back and read comments on older videos. Thanks, Mark
That's the danger of farming. Getting attached to the animals you are raising. I had the same problem with a goat, mother had 3 kids and rejected 2 of them. One I lost but I bottle raised "flip". I know my names are a little strange. As a female she wouldn't be sent to slaughter. She couldn't bond with the goats later either. For me, I have to distance myself from the animals, I can't get attached like that and run a business. My advice, keep Sammy but his mother needs to go, 2 calves in 5 years? She is unproductive and taking up resources with not only no benefit but creating problems like Sammy. But with these videos, Sammy is now a sort of farm mascot and an advertising tool. That's one way to look at it other than the emotional attachment.
Sammy is y'alls mascot I want want u to remember the butcher is still better way out then getting sick or old age bang it's over rather then months of sickness and suffering
Honestly, I am like you, give them a good life then onto freezer camp. That said, we have, in the last ten years, had some animals that were endearing and we kept them around beyond what the economics dictate. For us it was chickens and the cost was low. Having a "pet" around was kind of nice. I would like Sammy around if possible. Makes the place more human. Crazy.
We raised chickens. Just like you, named animals were pets so we were not allowed to name the meat chickens. The Henson had names and the rooster stayed year after year. When the rooster passed, we buried him in the family pet cemetery (he was probably a tough old bird and not good eating anyway)
So glad you told that story. Have a bottle fed goat I'm bonded with. Her name is Millie. She's not being raised for meat & will always be with me, but I've seen her struggle with the herd. Always on her own, runs to me tho. Still my lil' girl. But, yea, she never bonded with her mother, they are barely friends at all now. I feel for Ms. Millie. Her life is different from the other goats. But, she's supper fun, very naughty & spoiled by me. Just not very socialable with her herd. I'm gonna breed her tho & she will raise her own kid. And have her real friend.
Sir , I’m a disabled veteran and i too myself feel lost within crowds. I would love to buy Sammy for butcher value and raise her. I got into pigs myself bc you. Also have chickens and ducks. I would love to have Sammy as a part of my family if that is even a possibility. Thanks Ryan.
This video popped up again so I just had to watch it again. An animal like Sammy seemed special because of all the love he gave back. You got him through some tough times at the start and he knew it. Sammy and your relationship overall was priceless.
@@JustaFewAcresFarm I know that you and the group will miss him, he's like close family to all. Maybe you could trade him to someone close that would give him a home. We did that with our dog who got shot in his hip by kids and didn't like any kids after that. Dad and the vet found a home in the country with an older family on a farm. We kept in touch and he lived a good long life on the farm.
Why not keep Sammy as a member of your family. Don’t send him to the butcher. Let him live his life out as a permanent part of your family on the farm. You have a bond.
He only has room for about 30 cattle on his farm. Keeping Sammy would represent a significant impact on his income every year he takes up a spot that would normally go to a production cow. And he puts a ton of effort into harvesting his own hay. A significant part of that would go to Sammy when it could be going to an animal that could financially repay him for that effort.
We had an angus heifer similar. We thought it was post partum depression. She would try to kill the calf by picking it up with her nose and tossing it across the field whenever it tried to stand up. We caught it early and would separate them. 48 hours later, she was the most protective mom ever.
I think the cow has post partum depression/shock and still remember that thing caused me pain. I'd tie the cow so it could eat but not turn its head and get a blanket. Rub on cow all over. Then rub on calf so calf smells like mom. Might have to milk her bc she's in pain and get the calf on her. Might work
For the future, buy two jersey calves and two red angus calves and make a small herd on another fence. Then he will cut like the boss of the others and gain courage. After 4 months, join the great 5 to the current flock and you will see they will not be humiliated and will feel respect.
I gotta say you really lost me when you said Sammy was going to the butcher next year given the close bond you developed with him and how he looked at you as his parent. Very sad and frankly heartbreaking that you couldn’t make one damn exception and keep him on your farm as a sanctuary animal. I don’t see how you could let him go and then anticipate eating him. It’s really contrary to human nature and kindness.
Love your channel, I’m not sure I could do a Sammy burger if I had a Sammy to do burgers with. I’ve raised hogs before, raised them to be as comfortable and happy as possible, until their time came. I think I would have a problem if I pet my food though.
We always try to have our mom close to the barn in case thing's go wrong with delivery or with babies, now if mom refuses babies she doesn't get off so easily but if all efforts fails we will use replacer, we either put her in a shute or tie her in stall so baby can suck or we milk her to feed baby from a bottle it takes extra time but sometimes mom will give in feeding her baby it's best for baby & saves money, then we work on training them to drink out of a bucket once they get the sucking down it's not to hard to get them on a bucket and less work! 🇬🇧/🇨🇦
did ya cull sammys mom outta the herd?sounded like ya gave her plenty of chances ta be a momma cow,,thank ya fer the story it happens ,, thank ya fer the video
@@JustaFewAcresFarm That is very sweet! I have 2 Jersey steer that we raised as bottle babies for the same reason. 1 was a neighbor's and he didn't want to deal with bottle feeding so we took him for a whole $37.50 and the other was an ooooold mama cow that was just done being a mama. They were both born in March 2 days apart. I think they will be a bit stunted too. Nothing like the real deal feeding right from Mama even as quick as we fed him the colostrum replacer. It happens. We love these two guys, Bubba and Hollis.
It sounds to me that Sammy's Mom was never going to be a good mom. I know we all get attached to animals and its hard to do what you have to do. Had two dogs which was like family but got ill and had to put them down. Dad taught us that you didn't want an animal to suffer so do the right thing. Glad that Sammy made it and is part of that love in your farm. Yes some day Sammy's turn will come but he will know he was loved and cared for. You didn't say what happened to his Mom but I guess you did what was right based on her history. Thanks for this story.
We called it nudging when the calves did that bucking thing. When I was a teenager, I would get up to 4 Holstein bulls at a time to bottle feed and raise. Dairy farms would sell bulls cheap. I was worth it to me back then to be able to have my own small farm enterprise. Milk replacer was cheaper back then. I'm only about 10 years younger than you. My dad and grandfather would let me run them through the cattle shoot when they were working their cattle. Thats when we'd dehorn and castrate them. I'd sell 2 or 3 and keep one once they got big enough to got to market. We'd slaughter the one I kept and have beef for about 5 or 6 months.
I think you did right. We had a bottle fed pig whose mother would not take him. We called him Oink, Oink and he would follow us around all the time. It is life and it is real. I know you always try to do what is the best and sometimes it is very hard. Take Care. PS I am relatively new to your channel and am enjoying going back and seeing all of you old videos like this one. Thanks.
Pete, the story of Sammy is just another one of the unpleasant realities of raising livestock. You and Hillary have done a wonderful thing for little Sammy with giving him the opportunity to survive when the alternative was obvious. His story is another reality of the ways of nature. It is interesting in the way that animals can wrap themselves around our hearts. Pete, you've done a great thing here, and in the end, you can walk away with your head held high in the knowledge that at least you made the effort. God bless the Larson's.
Pete, thanks so much for that thoughful video. I'm going to look at the meat I eat differently now. Not just thanking the Lord for the nourishment, but also thanking the animal for giving its life. Thanks for your considerate thoughts in your videos.
I commend you on things you do on the farm I don't think I would be able to I remember watching your video last week taking Sammy to the butcher and I just watch this one and yeah there is no way I could I guess it takes a special kind of person
This short story about Sammy told us how both of you were so indulged in looking after Sammy and treated him like your own child.....we can tell from your tone of voice that you were very emotional over this little Sammy's wellbeing.....( like not eating well, not feeling well , not growing big as compare to others etc ) a human to animal "Relationship" was created in the course of your daily routines care/feedings on Sammy, just like we care for our kids....We really appreciate this short tale in memory of Sammy.....thanks for all the troubles in making this video for us ........God Blessed you both.....
I have had 8 bottle calves in the past 2 years, all varied degrees of health when they arrived at my house. I am the bottle calf caregiver of our family farm so most just get dropped off with about 10 minute notice. We found that feeding them milk replacer until they eat 2 pounds of calf starter per day for about a week is a good time to start weaning them. That usually comes out to be about 2 months of milk replacer. We mix in whole oats with the starter at a 1/5 ratio for rumen development, offer free choice quality hay, and loose mineral. This seems to be working well for our bottle calves. The premature twins we had sold in a lot with the rest of the steers at the sale barn. Feeding the calves milk replacer for too long may cause more issues (money and scours). I think at some point they start getting more nutrition from the grain and mineral than they can from the milk replacer since most people only give 4 quarts of replacer a day and grain feed stays around 1-2% of their body weight as they grow. I hope you don't have to worry about bottle calves again though, they are loads of work.
Pete, thanks 🙏 so much for the heart ❤️ warming video. A wonderful but kind of sad video. I tend to think 🤔 that some time’s we tend to forget that animals have feelings, a heart, and experience alone feelings too.
I wish I wouldn’t have watched this. It was so touching and so sad. As a vegetarian I respect how u love and care for all of your animals. It’s so touching. I just can’t help wishing Sammie wasn’t just raised for food. But I guess that’s why you have the farm and I do not. Thank u for sharing.
I'm a massive fan of steak and all things beef. But thank god there are people out there like you who can love and care for these animals and then ultimately make the decisions that must be made at the end. I couldn't do it myself and have so much respect to those who can.it has been touching to see the other side and very reassuring about the personable way these animals are treated during there time with you THANKYOU
You are so right we had a dairy cow named dolly , when we process her we had dolly burgers. You can be respectful and compassionate when you have to do what is needed. Love your videos.
@Anna Eagland no I'm not sick I was raised to know where my food comes from, sounds like you didn't
I feel sorry for you.
Thanks for sharing Sammy's story. It's a side of farming that most people don't get when they buy a cello wrapped steak and think nothing of it. When a hand reared animal has to go (it is a farm after all) it's different than your typical cow. If they had to sell their dog or cat for meat, then they would get it.
Great story about Sammy. My mother tells me stories of her time on the farm in Virginia. She talks just like you. I can relate. Thank you for giving those animals a good life.
One thing grandpa taught me while raising livestock was no matter what, respect and honor are not negotiable. When we loaded cattle into the trailer, we did it calmly as possible. After the door closed grandpa always said a prayer, thanking the lord and the animals for our blessings. When the steer would come back, and we would eat grandpa always prayed over our dinner. Often times he would use the particular steers name in the prayer. Although grandpa and I have different beliefs, I completely believe in honoring the animals with non-negotiable respect beginning to end.
Bill The Tractor Man perfect advice
I truly appreciate your channel. Sanity in a world of confusion. Coming from a praying family of farmers, we're forever grateful for the provision of every Blessing whether plants, meat animals and animal products ie. Eggs, milk. As others have commented so well, part of our gratitude is respecting the dignity of the animals and providing them with the best care possible from beginning to end. In the end, our bodies will return to the earth as well. What endures is Love, expressed for all living things. All the best to everyone.
Poor Sammy - felt bad for him being the somewhat outcast from the herd - eating alone! Kinda reminded of myself when I was in grade school - I didn't seem to click with most kids and during recess I would simply wonder around the school yard - not really connecting with others - I wanted too but it always felt I wasn't welcomed - great video Pete - never thought I would be saddened by a story of a cow.
A very touching story. Such a blessing. Thank you for showing so much respect and gratitude.
I relate to you so much Pete. I absolutely love your farm, your thought process and stories. Thank you. You are my life goals.
I hope you culled Sammy’s “mom”.
Another problem with a human raised calf, as he gets bigger, and wants to play, he can hurt someone…he won’t realize he’s bigger.
City folk don’t understand the sacrifices country folk put in…thanks for sharing the video, very kind.
Thank you for sharing this story Pete.
i love this Sammy story....i feel for you....
Hi Pete, does that mean you're going to be eating a Patty patty in the future.
sammy could have been a house pet
Did u get rid of the bad mama? I raised three calves one i had in a dog chain tied to a truck he mowed a circle around the truch and moved it every few days i asked my wife to hold the chain while i moved it she was about 8 months pregnant and the cow took her for a walk !!
Nellie would’ve been replaced at the next opportunity, specially if she hadn’t been a good fertile cow previously.
Sammy already slaughtered. That's life
I don't how how you guys send off a steer after being emotionally attached to him i feel sorry for you i couldn't do it with one steer when i was younger and than my dad sent him off to the butcher i did eat any of his meat at all
I eat meat, but a sammy burger is just strange. Deviate once in a while. You should have let this one live. My friend's dad had cows. Her brother told her your eating Blackie. She would not eat beef for a long time.
Peter, Any regrets on making Sammy a Steer or do you think he would have been a great bull, simply from a docility standpoint? I recognize he's small and poorly socialized but I'm thinking thats environment, not genetics...
I think Sammy is too docile to be a breeding bull. With a large animal, being overly-friendly can be just as dangerous as being wild. As an example, when I go out to see him sometimes he will kick up his heels because he's happy to see me, and a few times he's come close to kicking me.
its sad you butchered him
Sammys kebab 😭
I can feel your emotions as you talk through this video. I used to help my Uncle on the Family Farm with his Cattle. We bottle fed a rejected calf and he acted more like a pup dog than a cow. When I went into the pasture or barn to do anything Ribeye was there. Fixing fence was nearly impossible as Ribeye wanted to lean against me and get his chin scratched. Everything became harder as Ribeye was always in the way. Feeding the Herd, Brush Hogging the thistles in the Pasture, or even walking through the pasture, going to the woods to deer hunt was an ordeal as Ribeye wanted my attention.
I commute to work and do the 7:00 - 3:00 so taking Calves to Market is usually a vacation day for me. The day Ribeye went to Market I just couldn't do it. It was too emotional for me. I'm a Big Softy, so I told my Uncle I was too busy at work. He's a tough old Bird and I think he seen right through the excuse but he never gave me any grief over it.. I remember going up to the Barn the night before scratching and hugging Ribeye. I spent a long time in the Loafing Shed with Ribeye. He was sad, like he knew something was wrong. Meanwhile all the other calves just stood there in all their ignorance watching Ribeye and I say our Goodbyes. I swore I'd never get attached to another cow again. My Uncle told me once you name it. it becomes a pet. And I hear in your voice you know this to be true. Eating a pet is hard thing to do. Sammy has just entered the Circle of Life that we all must play our own part in.
God Bless You, Your Family and Your Farm.
dude. you don't eat your pets because that's betrayal.
Gosh, why is it raining on my face right now in my office while I read your comment>??!
i've had several bottle calves over the years due mostly to cows with bad udders that i really didn't want to cull. it is a lot of work and expense. two years ago a first calf heifer rejected her calf and we had to raise him in the back yard and he's a lot like sammy, super friendly and thinks we're the parents. he also never grew. rather than have it be a loss we put him to work as the steer that people can pet when they visit the farm or stay at the air bnb. we also left his horns on (he's part devon) so he looks really cool. he's the star of the heard. in the end it was an investment that paid off differently than as meat. he's happy and so are we.
Pete you did the right thing with Sammy. You and your family are such wonderful people we can just feel the love and respect you have for your animals.
Well I’m crying now, when you were out in the field with him, you guys are his mum. It’s so sad that he has to die 😭
Loved this story. It was funny to me, that as you described how worried you were that Sammy was lonely and never bonded with the herd, it looked like the other cows were jealous while you were giving him attention. He might be the rock star of the herd? I'm glad you made the extra effort with Sammy.
Wouldn't it have been cheaper to milk the momma cow to get sammy the first milk from her? It might not be practical longterm with beef cattle, but it would have given him the proper antibodies quickly.
I have a highland cow that had been rejected by her mother as well. Just like Sammy, we bottle fed her and cared for her, became her “parents”. She is the a pet now almost. She is now 3 years old and she called this spring ( a nice moral boost in time of lock down). I was concerned that she would reject her calf as well...not at all. She was very motherly, protective with little Ben. We now have another one that the mother died when she called. Little George is like Sammy., a bit of a loner, smaller than Ben although a month and a half older and was at least 40 pounds bigger at birth. He is the most adorable steer ever. Should you have a little heifer that needs that kind of attention, do not hesitate, she’ll make a great mom.
Nelly needs a trip to the butcher. You shouldnt have kept her thos long
I bred and raised birds for over 20 years. I understand and appreciate the story.
This video is what made me a fan. I cried a few buckets for Sammie and of course you and Hilarie and the kids.
As a dairy farmer. When my girls have trouble, I take them up and milk them, and feed the calf next to mom. I keep them in a quiet place away from the herd. I don't separate my calves from mom. Mom raises baby 24/7 and I take the extra. My animals have lots of hands on attention. It would have at least saved on the cost of colostrum and given Sammy some needed first antibodies. Lots of ways to keep her from kicking. I can milk my Dexters also. Just need smaller teat cups. I realize Sammy's momma wasn't the nicest, but at least you could have gotten a weeks worth of milk, an who knows what you could have done with her away from the herd.
Sammy and you are something special. God bless you and your family
Listening to you Pete about Sammy, it’s easy today for me to get emotional,growing up in a dairy farm,I experienced two sets of twins born,and remembering both sets,yes,one dies a few days later. I dealt with this with my Dad,but never have I remembered getting emotional as I have with Sammy’s story, I experienced a broken legs once in awhile,butcher,and bob wire tearing an eye out once,my father and I dealt with these things,he taught me how to,but now,older,wiser with lots of wisdom,Sammy really touched me,seems I was there with you,I’ll stop now, it’s Christmas Eve tonite,thanks for listening.
Sammy was very smart. When you took him to the butcher HE KNEW. He wanted to trust and followed you, but he could feel something was terribly wrong. He wanted you pet him, rub him. When he was separated from his family, he knew. What I could see was it bothered you and your lovely wife too. He had a great life, ate good, was taken care off. He knew he was loved and delish and yummy, great job.
Such a tragic and wrong decision very sad and a betrayal of a sweet animal that looked to you for love and protection.
This is hit so hard, I wasn't expecting it
GREAT STORY ABOUT A LONELY STEER‼️🐂 THANK YOU Vinny 🇺🇸
Give him a pardon like the mayor did for the turkey.
Hey Pete, recent subscriber. Catching up on your various vids. I've really enjoyed the vids I've seen so far and seem to learn a lot from your content.
I'm curious about Nelly. It sounds like she should have been culled before Sammy was conceived. But, it is possible that the timing was too close to have picked up on that initially. It may be that I'm just not experienced enough yet with cows to understand it is kind of a bang bang progression. I don't know if you will have a chance to go back and read comments on older videos.
Thanks, Mark
That's the danger of farming. Getting attached to the animals you are raising. I had the same problem with a goat, mother had 3 kids and rejected 2 of them. One I lost but I bottle raised "flip". I know my names are a little strange. As a female she wouldn't be sent to slaughter. She couldn't bond with the goats later either. For me, I have to distance myself from the animals, I can't get attached like that and run a business. My advice, keep Sammy but his mother needs to go, 2 calves in 5 years? She is unproductive and taking up resources with not only no benefit but creating problems like Sammy. But with these videos, Sammy is now a sort of farm mascot and an advertising tool. That's one way to look at it other than the emotional attachment.
Sammy is y'alls mascot I want want u to remember the butcher is still better way out then getting sick or old age bang it's over rather then months of sickness and suffering
Honestly, I am like you, give them a good life then onto freezer camp. That said, we have, in the last ten years, had some animals that were endearing and we kept them around beyond what the economics dictate. For us it was chickens and the cost was low. Having a "pet" around was kind of nice. I would like Sammy around if possible. Makes the place more human. Crazy.
We raised chickens. Just like you, named animals were pets so we were not allowed to name the meat chickens. The Henson had names and the rooster stayed year after year. When the rooster passed, we buried him in the family pet cemetery (he was probably a tough old bird and not good eating anyway)
@@jonathanking3497 Ah, but if you simmered it for a day and than made Coq-au-vein, yummy! :)
😂😂😂 I was sad tell you said "sammy burger. " I'm sorry...I can't.... That was just too funny.
I completely believe in honoring the animals with non-negotiable respect beginning to end.
So glad you told that story. Have a bottle fed goat I'm bonded with. Her name is Millie. She's not being raised for meat & will always be with me, but I've seen her struggle with the herd. Always on her own, runs to me tho. Still my lil' girl. But, yea, she never bonded with her mother, they are barely friends at all now. I feel for Ms. Millie. Her life is different from the other goats. But, she's supper fun, very naughty & spoiled by me. Just not very socialable with her herd. I'm gonna breed her tho & she will raise her own kid. And have her real friend.
Sir , I’m a disabled veteran and i too myself feel lost within crowds. I would love to buy Sammy for butcher value and raise her. I got into pigs myself bc you. Also have chickens and ducks. I would love to have Sammy as a part of my family if that is even a possibility. Thanks Ryan.
This video popped up again so I just had to watch it again. An animal like Sammy seemed special because of all the love he gave back. You got him through some tough times at the start and he knew it. Sammy and your relationship overall was priceless.
Thanks Larry. Sammy's still around, but his date at the butcher is coming in a few months...
@@JustaFewAcresFarm I know that you and the group will miss him, he's like close family to all. Maybe you could trade him to someone close that would give him a home. We did that with our dog who got shot in his hip by kids and didn't like any kids after that. Dad and the vet found a home in the country with an older family on a farm. We kept in touch and he lived a good long life on the farm.
Sells cow for money and calls relationship priceless 😂😂😂
Why not keep Sammy as a member of your family. Don’t send him to the butcher. Let him live his life out as a permanent part of your family on the farm. You have a bond.
He only has room for about 30 cattle on his farm. Keeping Sammy would represent a significant impact on his income every year he takes up a spot that would normally go to a production cow. And he puts a ton of effort into harvesting his own hay. A significant part of that would go to Sammy when it could be going to an animal that could financially repay him for that effort.
We had an angus heifer similar. We thought it was post partum depression. She would try to kill the calf by picking it up with her nose and tossing it across the field whenever it tried to stand up. We caught it early and would separate them. 48 hours later, she was the most protective mom ever.
I think the cow has post partum depression/shock and still remember that thing caused me pain. I'd tie the cow so it could eat but not turn its head and get a blanket. Rub on cow all over. Then rub on calf so calf smells like mom. Might have to milk her bc she's in pain and get the calf on her. Might work
Haven't had milk cows or pigs in a long time....the feelings never leave.
For the future, buy two jersey calves and two red angus calves and make a small herd on another fence. Then he will cut like the boss of the others and gain courage. After 4 months, join the great 5 to the current flock and you will see they will not be humiliated and will feel respect.
I gotta say you really lost me when you said Sammy was going to the butcher next year given the close bond you developed with him and how he looked at you as his parent. Very sad and frankly heartbreaking that you couldn’t make one damn exception and keep him on your farm as a sanctuary animal. I don’t see how you could let him go and then anticipate eating him. It’s really contrary to human nature and kindness.
I think Sammy looks very cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m guessing you can’t milk the mom and feed that to the calf. Hope she went to the butcher.
Love your channel, I’m not sure I could do a Sammy burger if I had a Sammy to do burgers with. I’ve raised hogs before, raised them to be as comfortable and happy as possible, until their time came. I think I would have a problem if I pet my food though.
Hi Cliff! Yes it's a hard line to walk, caring for animals and being in the meat business.
Do not sell it, do not send to Sammy it to the slaughterhouse please 😭😔🐂
My neighbor had a similar experience this spring. I’m sure he’ll relate to your story.
This is my favorite Just a Few Acres video. ❤️
Beautifully said.
Thank you.
I remember when I was a kid we had a bottle calf at my grandpas named root beer and we loved to feed him
If I recall correctly, y'all took Nellie to slaughter soon after
Wow I can see and feel the emotion coming from you
I couldn't eat Sammy even the thought about it I could not because he would be like a pet to me
We always try to have our mom close to the barn in case thing's go wrong with delivery or with babies, now if mom refuses babies she doesn't get off so easily but if all efforts fails we will use replacer, we either put her in a shute or tie her in stall so baby can suck or we milk her to feed baby from a bottle it takes extra time but sometimes mom will give in feeding her baby it's best for baby & saves money, then we work on training them to drink out of a bucket once they get the sucking down it's not to hard to get them on a bucket and less work! 🇬🇧/🇨🇦
So why can’t you just keep Sammy as a pet. 🐃
I love knowing Sammy!. Thank you
What a beautiful and heartfelt story of Sammy. You and your wife are special souls. Thank you so very much for sharing it with your viewers.
“That stuff’s not cheap” -Pete, the moo-moo maker
Beautiful story. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing his story.
Such a humble channel :) thank you!
Respect to you P. Respect.
did ya cull sammys mom outta the herd?sounded like ya gave her plenty of chances ta be a momma cow,,thank ya fer the story it happens ,, thank ya fer the video
Yup, she got culled, and we don't miss her!
Nellie Burgers 🙂
On y'a Mate, Respect to you.
Sammy is so cute
I love him so much
Its July 2020. Is Sammy still with you or has he gone to the butcher?
Sammy is still with us! You'll be seeing him in Friday's video.
@@JustaFewAcresFarm That is very sweet!
I have 2 Jersey steer that we raised as bottle babies for the same reason. 1 was a neighbor's and he didn't want to deal with bottle feeding so we took him for a whole $37.50 and the other was an ooooold mama cow that was just done being a mama. They were both born in March 2 days apart. I think they will be a bit stunted too. Nothing like the real deal feeding right from Mama even as quick as we fed him the colostrum replacer. It happens. We love these two guys, Bubba and Hollis.
Hello Peter. It's 10/29/2022. Came across the video that I hadn't seen. Thanks for sharing Sammy's story. Be well & safe. 🥰
It sounds to me that Sammy's Mom was never going to be a good mom. I know we all get attached to animals and its hard to do what you have to do. Had two dogs which was like family but got ill and had to put them down. Dad taught us that you didn't want an animal to suffer so do the right thing. Glad that Sammy made it and is part of that love in your farm. Yes some day Sammy's turn will come but he will know he was loved and cared for. You didn't say what happened to his Mom but I guess you did what was right based on her history. Thanks for this story.
Well said, Larry,. thank you. Yes, Sammy's Mom went to the butcher soon after he was born.
We called it nudging when the calves did that bucking thing. When I was a teenager, I would get up to 4 Holstein bulls at a time to bottle feed and raise. Dairy farms would sell bulls cheap. I was worth it to me back then to be able to have my own small farm enterprise. Milk replacer was cheaper back then. I'm only about 10 years younger than you. My dad and grandfather would let me run them through the cattle shoot when they were working their cattle. Thats when we'd dehorn and castrate them. I'd sell 2 or 3 and keep one once they got big enough to got to market. We'd slaughter the one I kept and have beef for about 5 or 6 months.
I think you did right. We had a bottle fed pig whose mother would not take him. We called him Oink, Oink and he would follow us around all the time. It is life and it is real. I know you always try to do what is the best and sometimes it is very hard. Take Care. PS I am relatively new to your channel and am enjoying going back and seeing all of you old videos like this one. Thanks.
Pete, the story of Sammy is just another one of the unpleasant realities of raising livestock. You and Hillary have done a wonderful thing for little Sammy with giving him the opportunity to survive when the alternative was obvious. His story is another reality of the ways of nature. It is interesting in the way that animals can wrap themselves around our hearts. Pete, you've done a great thing here, and in the end, you can walk away with your head held high in the knowledge that at least you made the effort. God bless the Larson's.
What a beautiful story. I just don’t think I could take him to the butcher. I know it’s part of the cycle of life but Sammy is like family sorta!
Pete, thanks so much for that thoughful video. I'm going to look at the meat I eat differently now. Not just thanking the Lord for the nourishment, but also thanking the animal for giving its life. Thanks for your considerate thoughts in your videos.
I commend you on things you do on the farm I don't think I would be able to I remember watching your video last week taking Sammy to the butcher and I just watch this one and yeah there is no way I could I guess it takes a special kind of person
This short story about Sammy told us how both of you were so indulged in looking after Sammy and treated him like your own child.....we can tell from your tone of voice that you were very emotional over this little Sammy's wellbeing.....( like not eating well, not feeling well , not growing big as compare to others etc ) a human to animal "Relationship" was created in the course of your daily routines care/feedings on Sammy, just like we care for our kids....We really appreciate this short tale in memory of Sammy.....thanks for all the troubles in making this video for us ........God Blessed you both.....
You don’t necessarily have to saluted every calf. When you bottle feed a calf, your contract is different.
I have had 8 bottle calves in the past 2 years, all varied degrees of health when they arrived at my house. I am the bottle calf caregiver of our family farm so most just get dropped off with about 10 minute notice. We found that feeding them milk replacer until they eat 2 pounds of calf starter per day for about a week is a good time to start weaning them. That usually comes out to be about 2 months of milk replacer. We mix in whole oats with the starter at a 1/5 ratio for rumen development, offer free choice quality hay, and loose mineral. This seems to be working well for our bottle calves. The premature twins we had sold in a lot with the rest of the steers at the sale barn. Feeding the calves milk replacer for too long may cause more issues (money and scours). I think at some point they start getting more nutrition from the grain and mineral than they can from the milk replacer since most people only give 4 quarts of replacer a day and grain feed stays around 1-2% of their body weight as they grow. I hope you don't have to worry about bottle calves again though, they are loads of work.
Pete, thanks 🙏 so much for the heart ❤️ warming video. A wonderful but kind of sad video. I tend to think 🤔 that some time’s we tend to forget that animals have feelings, a heart, and experience alone feelings too.
I would have forced her to nurse for the first week. Then give him milk replacer. I'm stubborn tho.
In the video when you guys said bye to Sammy, I broke down in tears.
Not me crying because I feel like I could ralate to Sammy feeling like the odd one out in the herd.. 😅❤️
Oh sorry I didn’t really watch a lot I kind of like that in the middle of it because it was almost over so that’s why I did it
To bad these know all vets have disallowed farmers to make their own decisions when to to feed Auromyocin for scours and boosting growth.
kinda what happens when a piece of livestock becomes more of a pet
That was very interesting. Thank you.
Good name for her, Nell means stone
What happened to Nelly, his mom?
You are a kind and gentle man, somewhat like myself