We had one cow, the matriarch we called her because all the other cow followed her lead, when she'd calf she would go into the deepest darkest, thick with briars,and brushiest hollow she could find. Even if she had to walk through a 5 strand barbed wire fence to get there. But she'd show up the next day with a calf in tow, always calved good and was reliable.
You have a lot to be proud of...maybe you are just a born Cowboy, but that takes such resolve and dedication to learn so much in such a relatively short time. Your use of some key technology obviously saves you hours every day and night while literally saving animal lives. I am glad the winter has let up some and you are not doing all of that in sub-zero temps and spring snow storms. Hang in Pard. Terry - Justin Texas
Thanks Terry, that storm that is hammering so many right now, missed us. I'm glad it did but I feel bad for people that are dealing with it. Not sure about being born a cowboy, but I know that when you set your mind to something, you get it done. Thanks, as always, for watching - Mike
Beef cattle for dummies, great job sir and thanks for being honest and talking about "the learning curve" for raising cattle. Great job thanks for sharing. God bless
You remind me of my time as a kid and my Dad would get up two or three times each night to check on the cows and calf’s. We also would walk through the cows to check and feed them we had a good herd of Herefords.
Hi Mike , your videos contain that feel good factor that's just great, its gritty reality is countered buy the affection you have for your cattle and thier wellbeing . As a cropping farmer my Dad used to say( Son there's nothing like the satisfaction you get leaning on a gate looking at another farms cattle , and knowing they are not your worry!!)Thanks again for the Video , all the best to you and Erin , from the Uk
Thank you for another video. I have watched people work with animals all my life and have worked with livestock most of my life. Until I watched Dr. Temple Grandin's videos I never understood why quiet assertive behavior works. You practice what she teaches.
My cousin's ranch out Greeley Neb. is the home base they go out to Brewster and Bartlett. They have large sections of grass land for summer in these places. They calve everything closer to home this time of the year and I think they were in that blizzard yesterday. The last I heard they still doing the calving old school way yes on horse back. Great video Mike lots of info nice herd good looking calves you got the right color combination.
Mike the quality of your posts are outstanding. Former Radio people become ranchers so can put on great, ranching how to, videos. Next are affordable drones w some of the hardware for real time all weather viewing so watch from the gator and house/shop.
Thanks Steve, we do have a nice weather station on top of the shop but its sometimes its an omen, just telling you what you are going to deal with. :) - Mike
Hey Mike, that was a great video, man, I really enjoyed that. I grew up on a big Holstein dairy farm where we milked 400 head twice a day. When feed prices shot up in the early 90's, and milk prices went down, we sold all the milk cows, and went in the beef cattle business. We had red angus, and bramers (brangus). I know exactly what you do, and how you do it, including the struggles, and difficulties of running a beef cattle ranch. It takes a very special breed of people to do what you and your family does. My hat is off for the beef on my table, and the dedication, and hard work y'all put into these videos. A sincere heartfelt thank you, Mike!!
Thank you Craig, that means a lot to us. We always have the fear that people will think we are just tooting our own horn but we really want to get a message across and I'm glad that you are in our corner. thanks for watching - Mike
LOL Tooting your own horn huh? People crack me up. It takes a super hero to be a rancher!!!! This is a fact rite here....theres a million dollars worth of cattle out there that are calving, you can't take your eyes off of them for 5 minutes, there's 25 vital phone calls that have to be made, there's 50 jobs on the project list, 2 tractors are down, the bulls busted down the fence and got in the road, and someone just hit one, the sheriff is on his way out, no rain, no hay to bail, not enough money to buy all the hay we need, you've been deathly sick for over a week, no sleep for 3 or 4 days, one of the kids has a play at the school, and it'll break her little heart if u can't be there, you've got a 10 thousand dollar cow thats down, having trouble calving, and half to make a heart breaking decision. 3 kids constantly screaming daddy, daddy, daddy, color with me, play barbies with me, have a tea party with me daddy, play catch with me daddy, sorry kids, the load of hay just pulled in, the vet, and the sheriff is here too. I'm so sorry kids, I have to go. 1am, the wife wakes up hot, rolls over, and guess what, your not there to fix her need!!! Your 4 miles away, trying to save a momma cows life that is dying trying to calve, you can kiss your marriage goodbye!! Guess what, this is all just an appetizer, I haven't even started talking about ranching yet. Recognize any of this, Mike? *wink* Am I tooting a horn anyone?? Mike and Erin are SUPER HEROS!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad calving is going well for yall! Technology can be great, like the FLIR, but like you said nothing beats experience as all tools have flaws. We just wrapped up working our second batch of calves for the year today and even though we've had some losses it sure is nice being able to live this life we call ranching!
Love the out takes lol thank you for these videos! I've not been able to live the life I've always wanted, one of ranching and farming... but at least I have my horses... so I'm living vicariously through y'all, so thank you lol it's a great life to raise your family! I know our daughter was blessed to of at least been raised with horses, showing and doing rodeo. 🐎👍 and had friends in 4H, unfortunately the FFA, Ag program here in our valley were taken out of most of our schools by the time she made it to high school its sad that our rural farming community has been turned into a place where they putting up solar farms instead of alfalfa fields... your blessed!
Excellent video. That infrared is very cool and useful during calving season. I agree, new technology is very helpful in improving productivity and efficiency, but don't forget about the old methods for when batteries die and the power goes out. Your intuition and old-school skills always work. I use some new technology in my life and old-school methods as well. Fishing, hunting, gardening, etc. help me feel connected to my grandparents and to nature.
Thanks Mike for showing the outtakes. Makes a man more secure to know that even if you can't speak straight the first time, there is a second chance. (Bah la la la la).
From where you cpme from. If you don't use it you will lose it. I find it amazing how we can learn and see how it is done in other areas away from what you know . Keep up the good work. Sorry about the hightunnel.
you are so lucky to have been born into this. I on the other hand was born into a city life. Love my parents. I would have rather worked in the country.
Mike, love your videos. I have a small cow-calf operation in Virginia and identify with your experiences and perspective of life on the farm / ranch. Struggling this week with a heifer that isn’t too sure of her role as a new mother. Keep the videos coming
Hi Tim, I have been there. I usually keep them locked in as tight as I can safely. Sometimes oxytocin can help as well. I have even had to sedate a cow so that the calf could suck and that worked as well. Another option, is that you can put molasses on the calves back, which will force mom to lick the calf . Thanks for watching - Mike
Mike thank you for taking us with you. I know that taking us with you out on the Ranch creates more and extra work for you. This was a great video never heard of moocall before sounds like a great product and I can see where it could be very useful and helpful. Always look forward to the new videos from you and Erin. Have a good evening and a great day tomorrow. Try to get some rest. LOL God Bless!!!
Mike, hey and happy Sunday. I see how easy it is over look a faint mark on the horizon when all you see is what is in front of you. I wonder, if you had an airborne flir on your drone...how that might work. At least from a vertical perspective, take it up oh a 100 ft up and map the images you need to check. I don’t know, maybe it would spook them hearing the rotors. Well, hope you all have a beautiful day!
Hey Tom, FLIR does make a drone but the price tag is quite high. Would be nice though. Surprising to me, the cows are pretty much ok with the drone that I have flying around them. They have kinda gotten used to it as long as I dont get too low. Thanks! - Mike
Santa put that same book in my Christmas sock in a few years back and I'm 43 years old but I keep it in a track box in the barn and do references it from time to time
Great video again! Thanks mike for the hand written note with my window decal! It’s going on my truck as soon as it warms up! Keep up the Great work, I’ll be with you guys for a long time!👍
Great video thanks mate, i'd say you're right about the cows trusting and fearing you there. All animals have an instinctive fear of people (not hard to see why really). I'd look more at the trust element, there you can be proud. The fear they were born with, the trust, you've earned that one! Wish you all the best!!!😀👍
Thanks for another great video, always like watching the little ones being born. Interesting new technology, nice that it saves time. Sorry to see the damage on the high tunnel. It can be a harsh environment out there for sure.Hopefully all goes well with the repairs. Take care
Wow!!, I wish we had got that kit when I worked on the farm progress has some really good uses...God bless you both and the Kids and may he watch over you with a tender heart as you do your animals.....
Honestly the FLIR as far as I know has never been used in calving. I contacted the company and they were very surprised and pleased that we have found a use for it. Thank you Charlie - Mike
I like to see this. We breed horses and dogs and you have to see the signs, when birth is coming. You have to check out, if they need help or if they can do it by thierselfs. You learn all the time. There happen different thing every year, every birth. And you learn, when you raise the animals. We have got a small farm in Austria and I like the big pastures you have. I know, you are doing a good job and if there happen some mistake, learn out of it. You can be proud of yourself.
Yo! Watching from the UK bro. Your temperature variations out there in the plains are savage. From 50s, 60 and upward during day, down to the teens at night. We tend to just stay at around a 20 degree variance all day and year haha. Keep up the good work man. :)
thank you for the videos. My friend lives in the Azores and has cows. He did learn from his father the tools to survive as a farmer... it's not a easy life.
It's pretty amazing what we have for tools these days. Excellent job on the video! You guys always put something together that's entertaining, educational and true to life. Keep it up!
Mike, Outstanding vlog! Amazing technology these days! Very interesting. Best of luck with all the girls this calving season. Nice to see the plains are greening up! Deb
Best way to start Sunday...lay in bed and Watch Our Wyoming Life. The kids calves, do you sell them and save the money or do you keep any to “grow” their herd? What was Gracie’s bull or heifer?
Each year we have given each kid one heifer and they sell their calves in the fall and that money goes into an account for them. He calf was a bull :) - Thanks Misty - Mike
Hey Mike, great video, don't forget when the hooves are showing, are they pointed up or down. If down, the little guy is breach and its time for some intervention fast.
Very good point, good reason to get up close on each birth and take a look. I've pulled a couple of breech calves and its never fun. Usually means the cow will be leaving the ranch. Thanks Darren - Mike
That was a great vid. That infrared scope is really cool. I have also watched some vids from dairy operations. The automation process there is unbelievable.
Nice to see you packing heat in the gator. When I was a kid every pickup truck in town had a 22 and a 30-06 in the rear window gun rack. You could leave the keys in your truck and house unlocked at night. What has happened.
Another video that is a home run. You have a great life and a wonderful family. The way you care for the cattle is amazing. Isn't technology great. One question, do you have much trouble with predators? Have a great day, time for a nap.
Hello, thank you for your kind words. Predators do come out occasionally, coyotes will sit and watch calves being born if they are getting brave. Soon they learn they arent welcome. Thanks - Mike
Thanks for yet another great video, Mike! As you point out, the cattlemen of yesteryear were using cutting-edge technology for their times. We'd be foolish not to do the same. Love that ending!
Mike check out the ROVIR mounted thermal overview by Tx killer u tube video. Mounts on top of your side by side making it easier to find your lost calves. They use them for night hunting.
Great video! I learn something new every time I watch one. How’s the progress on the high tunnel? I hope Erin didn’t lose any produce after the wind destroyed the cover on the other high tunnel. Have a great day and I hope the weather cooperates more with you this week. Tell Erin to be expecting a small gift I’ll be sending as soon as I finish it. In about 2 weeks I think.
Honestly, the high tunnel is mess. We are trying to keep everything alive and she will be putting out a video about it next week. Not a total loss and we will rebuild, cant give up. Thanks Barbara - Mike
Hey Mike, Just a suggestion here from northwestern Pennsylvania we seem to run into the late frost problem just as Erin is going through do to the unwanted remolding of the high tunnel. Drive a t post at end of her rows and hang some heat lamps ( like the ones you would use for pigs or chicks etc.) It’s a little time consuming and costly however it should save her plants ( most of) the frost.
Great info glad to see you using technology and learning we can all learn from each other. Matter of fact I just got my first smart phone I know late to the party but I like it. Say hi to all
That is a pretty cool gadget I had no idea that moocall existed. Curious Mike do you use dogs to work your cattle if so a video would be cool, watching dogs work is amazing and much better than doing the running yourself haha. Love the videos Mike & Erin keep up the great work!
We hope to get a dog someday, we still have our dog that we came to the ranch with, she is getting old and probably wouldnt tolerate another dog but someday - Mike
I'm a new subscriber and have to thank you for some great content! That flir camera is a fantastic tool and coming from the army side of things wouldn't have thought about using it to check cows 😁. Again thank you.
Just think Mike,what high tech gadget will be next,maybe some night vison on the drone ( then you will be able to check on the cows from the warmth of house).See ya on the next one,oh,and tell Erin we said hey - Jerry
Hey Jerry, hope all is well. FLIR does make a drone, but I would hate to see the price tag on it haha. Would be nice though. Erin says hi as well. I'm gonna get a nap lol - Mike
I feel like a broken record saying how great this video is. They're all great, but this one is a little greater if that's possible. Oh yeah, what's your guess for total number of all cows on the ranch this year after calving? Thanks.
No broken records here, we love it and thank you for watching. Course now I have to beat it. At the end of calving we should have about 300 counting everyone. Thanks Jack - Mike
Great video mike. That's some cool technology. Have you ever thought of adding a night scope to your arsenal. Fun fact those golights are made about twenty miles from me. Thanks for the video
We recently just lost a momma cow and now have a bottle baby, this has never happened before so I am wondering how long we bottle feed and what is the appropriate time to let it out with the herd? What do you guys do when this happens? By the way we love the show and our two boys (6 and 7) watch it regularly! Keep up the good work- Northern MN is watching!
You are going to be bottle feeding for at least 40 to 60 days, you can start introducing some calf feed early and it will probably start eating it. If you are planning on bottle feeding with the herd then you can probably let it out once it can get around and is healthy. Normally we keep bottle calves in the barn or corrals for the duration of the time they are here but we only bottle feed them until we can get them eating on their own. Thank you very much - Mike
I try to add a tiny detail from my own experience- even though it is extremely limited... Back when my folks had a far, and had a few angus, If they were out of town I would swing by and feed them, they were fine unless I spoke...then they shied and got very protective for their calves.. the next day, they were fine as I stayed silent..
Hey Guys, Mickey from Nashville Tn. I throw the Tn. in their because I know you have another fan from Nashville Illinois Isn’t technology great! Now if they could figure out how to get 8 hrs. sleep into 2 life would be sweet. Have any of the Heifers had any problems this year and does your new Heifers each year and the cattle that get culled each year always keep you in the 160 total herd range
Yea, we either keep back heifer calves or we buy heifers. Not every year but usually every other year to keep the numbers constant. We had an issue with one heifer that had a very long labor and we lost a calf that got stuck and we didnt catch in time. We also lost another heifer calf that got stepped on. Thanks for watching - Mike
Actually it rotates 185 degrees in one direction and 185 degrees in the other. Thanks for watching - Mike www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012OJKFY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1
Yeah mike granddaddy checked his cows every day on an open cab ford 4000 and when he died the next day my dad feed the cows and they waited till the tractor left before they came to the hay the cows did that for a month before they started coming up to the tractor. The cows new something was different
Loved your endings Mike😆. Go on get some sleep friend then when caving is finished then have along lie in. you deserve it👍. by the way, any idea were I could get a copy of that book? I know the very person next door to me who Certainly could do with it as gift from me😁 all though it might end with another fall out. 🤣LOL.
haha, I have alot of books I bought when we first came, from the dummy book to story's guides. I just laugh everytime I see the Dummy book and I still keep it in the shop. Reminds me I dont know everything :) - Mike
Hey mike I’m wondering how you learned so much and the tips and tricks? I’d like to be in your spot one day however it feels like you’re climbing a wall trying to learn things
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Raising beef cows for dummies, wish I knew about that 10 years ago. Just found a birthday present for my brother. Thanks.
We had one cow, the matriarch we called her because all the other cow followed her lead, when she'd calf she would go into the deepest darkest, thick with briars,and brushiest hollow she could find. Even if she had to walk through a 5 strand barbed wire fence to get there. But she'd show up the next day with a calf in tow, always calved good and was reliable.
You have a lot to be proud of...maybe you are just a born Cowboy, but that takes such resolve and dedication to learn so much in such a relatively short time. Your use of some key technology obviously saves you hours every day and night while literally saving animal lives. I am glad the winter has let up some and you are not doing all of that in sub-zero temps and spring snow storms. Hang in Pard. Terry - Justin Texas
Thanks Terry, that storm that is hammering so many right now, missed us. I'm glad it did but I feel bad for people that are dealing with it. Not sure about being born a cowboy, but I know that when you set your mind to something, you get it done. Thanks, as always, for watching - Mike
Beef cattle for dummies, great job sir and thanks for being honest and talking about "the learning curve" for raising cattle. Great job thanks for sharing. God bless
You remind me of my time as a kid and my Dad would get up two or three times each night to check on the cows and calf’s. We also would walk through the cows to check and feed them we had a good herd of Herefords.
Always good to get out there with them, for you and the cows. Thanks Ina - Mike
Hi Mike , your videos contain that feel good factor that's just great, its gritty reality is countered buy the affection you have for your cattle and thier wellbeing . As a cropping farmer my Dad used to say( Son there's nothing like the satisfaction you get leaning on a gate looking at another farms cattle , and knowing they are not your worry!!)Thanks again for the Video , all the best to you and Erin , from the Uk
Thanks David, your Dad sounds like a smart guy. I guess you all get a chance to lean on my fence. :) - Mike
Nothing quite as satisfying as seeing the New addition ,especially when healthy
Very true. Thanks Tony - Mike
Thank you for another video. I have watched people work with animals all my life and have worked with livestock most of my life. Until I watched Dr. Temple Grandin's videos I never understood why quiet assertive behavior works. You practice what she teaches.
We really do try, there is alot of cow psychology going on out here. Thanks Earl - Mike
My cousin's ranch out Greeley Neb. is the home base they go out to Brewster and Bartlett. They have large sections of grass land for summer in these places. They calve everything closer to home this time of the year and I think they were in that blizzard yesterday. The last I heard they still doing the calving old school way yes on horse back. Great video Mike lots of info nice herd good looking calves you got the right color combination.
Thank you very much John and thanks for sharing - Mike
Mike the quality of your posts are outstanding. Former Radio people become ranchers so can put on great, ranching how to, videos. Next are affordable drones w some of the hardware for real time all weather viewing so watch from the gator and house/shop.
Thanks Steve, we do have a nice weather station on top of the shop but its sometimes its an omen, just telling you what you are going to deal with. :) - Mike
Hey Mike, that was a great video, man, I really enjoyed that. I grew up on a big Holstein dairy farm where we milked 400 head twice a day. When feed prices shot up in the early 90's, and milk prices went down, we sold all the milk cows, and went in the beef cattle business. We had red angus, and bramers (brangus). I know exactly what you do, and how you do it, including the struggles, and difficulties of running a beef cattle ranch. It takes a very special breed of people to do what you and your family does. My hat is off for the beef on my table, and the dedication, and hard work y'all put into these videos. A sincere heartfelt thank you, Mike!!
Thank you Craig, that means a lot to us. We always have the fear that people will think we are just tooting our own horn but we really want to get a message across and I'm glad that you are in our corner. thanks for watching - Mike
LOL Tooting your own horn huh? People crack me up. It takes a super hero to be a rancher!!!! This is a fact rite here....theres a million dollars worth of cattle out there that are calving, you can't take your eyes off of them for 5 minutes, there's 25 vital phone calls that have to be made, there's 50 jobs on the project list, 2 tractors are down, the bulls busted down the fence and got in the road, and someone just hit one, the sheriff is on his way out, no rain, no hay to bail, not enough money to buy all the hay we need, you've been deathly sick for over a week, no sleep for 3 or 4 days, one of the kids has a play at the school, and it'll break her little heart if u can't be there, you've got a 10 thousand dollar cow thats down, having trouble calving, and half to make a heart breaking decision. 3 kids constantly screaming daddy, daddy, daddy, color with me, play barbies with me, have a tea party with me daddy, play catch with me daddy, sorry kids, the load of hay just pulled in, the vet, and the sheriff is here too. I'm so sorry kids, I have to go. 1am, the wife wakes up hot, rolls over, and guess what, your not there to fix her need!!! Your 4 miles away, trying to save a momma cows life that is dying trying to calve, you can kiss your marriage goodbye!! Guess what, this is all just an appetizer, I haven't even started talking about ranching yet. Recognize any of this, Mike? *wink* Am I tooting a horn anyone?? Mike and Erin are SUPER HEROS!!!!!!!!!!!
Craig Petty, I live on a 500 cow Holstein dairy farm and appreciate all the work that is involved in doing it
Glad calving is going well for yall! Technology can be great, like the FLIR, but like you said nothing beats experience as all tools have flaws. We just wrapped up working our second batch of calves for the year today and even though we've had some losses it sure is nice being able to live this life we call ranching!
It is wonderful, I totally agree! - Mike
Love the out takes lol thank you for these videos! I've not been able to live the life I've always wanted, one of ranching and farming... but at least I have my horses... so I'm living vicariously through y'all, so thank you lol it's a great life to raise your family! I know our daughter was blessed to of at least been raised with horses, showing and doing rodeo. 🐎👍 and had friends in 4H, unfortunately the FFA, Ag program here in our valley were taken out of most of our schools by the time she made it to high school its sad that our rural farming community has been turned into a place where they putting up solar farms instead of alfalfa fields... your blessed!
Live vicariously away :) I hate to see that, I'm afraid that might bite us in the butt. Thank you very much - Mike
Excellent video. That infrared is very cool and useful during calving season. I agree, new technology is very helpful in improving productivity and efficiency, but don't forget about the old methods for when batteries die and the power goes out. Your intuition and old-school skills always work. I use some new technology in my life and old-school methods as well. Fishing, hunting, gardening, etc. help me feel connected to my grandparents and to nature.
I get that totally and there is some real connection that comes with doing it the same way they did. Thanks - Mike
I watch your channel from Serbia-Europe, you are GREAT!
Thank you very much, thanks for joining us! - Mike
Thanks Mike for showing the outtakes. Makes a man more secure to know that even if you can't speak straight the first time, there is a second chance. (Bah la la la la).
Probably one of the best videos hou have ever done so far. Good job Mike.
Thank you very much, I might be setting the bar too high lol - Mike
From where you cpme from. If you don't use it you will lose it. I find it amazing how we can learn and see how it is done in other areas away from what you know . Keep up the good work. Sorry about the hightunnel.
you are so lucky to have been born into this. I on the other hand was born into a city life. Love my parents. I would have rather worked in the country.
We werent born into it. We only came to the ranch a few years ago from corporate jobs and the city ourselves. Thanks for watching - Mike
Thanks Mike, I really liked this particular video. Life is good, especially under a clear blue sky with the promise of Spring. Take care.
You as well Larry, life is good. Thanks - Mike
Mike, love your videos. I have a small cow-calf operation in Virginia and identify with your experiences and perspective of life on the farm / ranch. Struggling this week with a heifer that isn’t too sure of her role as a new mother. Keep the videos coming
Hi Tim, I have been there. I usually keep them locked in as tight as I can safely. Sometimes oxytocin can help as well. I have even had to sedate a cow so that the calf could suck and that worked as well. Another option, is that you can put molasses on the calves back, which will force mom to lick the calf . Thanks for watching - Mike
Tim, are you far from Rockingham County?
Go lights are awesome, I got one for construction and its a life saver.
Mike thank you for taking us with you. I know that taking us with you out on the Ranch creates more and extra work for you. This was a great video never heard of moocall before sounds like a great product and I can see where it could be very useful and helpful. Always look forward to the new videos from you and Erin. Have a good evening and a great day tomorrow. Try to get some rest. LOL God Bless!!!
Thank you sir for coming along. yesterday was a 24 hour day, by 4 am I was wiped out but I did get a nap today so that helps. Talk to you soon! - Mike
Mike, hey and happy Sunday. I see how easy it is over look a faint mark on the horizon when all you see is what is in front of you. I wonder, if you had an airborne flir on your drone...how that might work. At least from a vertical perspective, take it up oh a 100 ft up and map the images you need to check. I don’t know, maybe it would spook them hearing the rotors.
Well, hope you all have a beautiful day!
Hey Tom, FLIR does make a drone but the price tag is quite high. Would be nice though. Surprising to me, the cows are pretty much ok with the drone that I have flying around them. They have kinda gotten used to it as long as I dont get too low. Thanks! - Mike
Santa put that same book in my Christmas sock in a few years back and I'm 43 years old but I keep it in a track box in the barn and do references it from time to time
I like using it as an example. I have lots of other cattle books but this one really does lay it right out there. Thanks Jason - Mike
Thoroughly enjoyed the video, by far one of the best. Thank you
thanks Mike & Erin .....be safe
Thanks Buck! :) - Mike
great video Mike. calving is the best time of year!
I agree, a double edged sword, the most stressful and most rewarding. As most things usually are. Thanks Chad - Mike
The first video I watched on your channel was the original Moo Call video. Keep up the amazing work!
That is awesome, I am hoping to use it more this year. Thanks Jesse - Mike
Great video again! Thanks mike for the hand written note with my window decal! It’s going on my truck as soon as it warms up! Keep up the Great work, I’ll be with you guys for a long time!👍
You are very welcome, glad you like the sticker! - Mike
Great video thanks mate, i'd say you're right about the cows trusting and fearing you there. All animals have an instinctive fear of people (not hard to see why really). I'd look more at the trust element, there you can be proud. The fear they were born with, the trust, you've earned that one! Wish you all the best!!!😀👍
Thanks for another great video, always like watching the little ones being born. Interesting new technology, nice that it saves time. Sorry to see the damage on the high tunnel. It can be a harsh environment out there for sure.Hopefully all goes well with the repairs. Take care
Thank you very much, we will rebuild, its what it is all about. You cant give up. - Mike
Love the fear and trust factor. I know how that works.
Wow!!, I wish we had got that kit when I worked on the farm progress has some really good uses...God bless you both and the Kids and may he watch over you with a tender heart as you do your animals.....
Honestly the FLIR as far as I know has never been used in calving. I contacted the company and they were very surprised and pleased that we have found a use for it. Thank you Charlie - Mike
I had never heard of it but it is an obvious use well thought of Mike...
Cool, thanks for the video. put it up on all the other platforms. Jesse
Thanks Jesse - Mike
Brings back good memories! Thanks for sharing your videos. Be safe.
Glad we can do it. Thanks - Mike
I like to see this. We breed horses and dogs and you have to see the signs, when birth is coming. You have to check out, if they need help or if they can do it by thierselfs. You learn all the time. There happen different thing every year, every birth. And you learn, when you raise the animals. We have got a small farm in Austria and I like the big pastures you have. I know, you are doing a good job and if there happen some mistake, learn out of it. You can be proud of yourself.
Yo! Watching from the UK bro. Your temperature variations out there in the plains are savage. From 50s, 60 and upward during day, down to the teens at night. We tend to just stay at around a 20 degree variance all day and year haha. Keep up the good work man. :)
The variations are crazy and they happen quick. Thank you sir! - Mike
thank you for the videos. My friend lives in the Azores and has cows. He did learn from his father the tools to survive as a farmer... it's not a easy life.
It's pretty amazing what we have for tools these days. Excellent job on the video! You guys always put something together that's entertaining, educational and true to life. Keep it up!
Thank you very much, it is amazing. - Mike
These little babies are so darn cute!
Mike, Outstanding vlog! Amazing technology these days! Very interesting. Best of luck with all the girls this calving season. Nice to see the plains are greening up! Deb
Thanks Deb, I do love seeing the green, even when its under white. Thanks - Mike
Best way to start Sunday...lay in bed and Watch Our Wyoming Life. The kids calves, do you sell them and save the money or do you keep any to “grow” their herd? What was Gracie’s bull or heifer?
Each year we have given each kid one heifer and they sell their calves in the fall and that money goes into an account for them. He calf was a bull :) - Thanks Misty - Mike
Hey Mike, great video, don't forget when the hooves are showing, are they pointed up or down. If down, the little guy is breach and its time for some intervention fast.
Very good point, good reason to get up close on each birth and take a look. I've pulled a couple of breech calves and its never fun. Usually means the cow will be leaving the ranch. Thanks Darren - Mike
Getting to be a real pro at the video. And, I'm loving the content, too.
Thanks Shane! - Mike
I love your video and I ask god to give you strength . Keep up the good work
Thank you and thanks for watching - Mike
I think this may be my favorite OWL video so far! :-)
That is awesome, and calving is just getting started. Thanks Jessica - Mike
You done very well going into ranching blindly.
Indeed
Thank you very much :) - Mike
Hi Mike,I enjoyed today’s video. You and Erin do a great job
Thank you very much and thanks for watching - Mike
That was a great vid. That infrared scope is really cool. I have also watched some vids from dairy operations. The automation process there is unbelievable.
I've seen some of those, you rarely see a person. Thanks Jerry - Mike
Great video, one of your best yet! Always enjoy watching. Keep up the good work. God bless
Thank you very much Marc, and of course thanks for watching - Mike
Love this! Bloopers included!
Thank you very much - Mike
One of my favorite videos of yours.
Thank you Frank, one of mine as well. - Mike
That Flir would be a great item to have. I could see where that would have saved us a lot of time.
Its very nice, thanks Frank - MIke
Thank you for your videos. Love watching
Thank you very much, we love the fact you watch - Mike
Great video love the scenery we just got another foot of snow here in midwest seems like spring doesn't want to come this year
We have more snow in the forecast too. That last storm just missed us but I bet we wont get lucky twice. Thanks - Mike
Nice to see you packing heat in the gator. When I was a kid every pickup truck in town had a 22 and a 30-06 in the rear window gun rack. You could leave the keys in your truck and house unlocked at night. What has happened.
I have no idea, but its a different world, Even our neighbor had his truck stolen right from his yard. Its a shame. Thanks Jess - Mike
Guns stay in my unlocked house. My pickup has keys in the ignition and cash in the console. Maybe I am naive but it works here.
Another video that is a home run. You have a great life and a wonderful family. The way you care for the cattle is amazing. Isn't technology great. One question, do you have much trouble with predators? Have a great day, time for a nap.
Hello, thank you for your kind words. Predators do come out occasionally, coyotes will sit and watch calves being born if they are getting brave. Soon they learn they arent welcome. Thanks - Mike
Thanks for yet another great video, Mike! As you point out, the cattlemen of yesteryear were using cutting-edge technology for their times. We'd be foolish not to do the same. Love that ending!
Thank you Jeanette. I had a 24 hour day yesterday, and by the time I got done with the video I was feeling it. Thanks for watching - Mike
I hope you got paid overtime. (jk!)
Mike check out the ROVIR mounted thermal overview by Tx killer u tube video. Mounts on top of your side by side making it easier to find your lost calves. They use them for night hunting.
Thanks Mike for all your great informative videos!!
Glad you like them!
Enjoyed the bloopers at the end!
Thank you! - Mike
Put together nicely. Enjoyed it.
Thank you and thanks for watching - Mike
Great video! I learn something new every time I watch one. How’s the progress on the high tunnel? I hope Erin didn’t lose any produce after the wind destroyed the cover on the other high tunnel. Have a great day and I hope the weather cooperates more with you this week. Tell Erin to be expecting a small gift I’ll be sending as soon as I finish it. In about 2 weeks I think.
Honestly, the high tunnel is mess. We are trying to keep everything alive and she will be putting out a video about it next week. Not a total loss and we will rebuild, cant give up. Thanks Barbara - Mike
Good for you being the boss. Yeah and feeding is the way to earn the harem's trust.
Sure is, thanks for watching - Mike
Amazing vlog Mike. Thank you.
Thank you Joe - Mike
Hey Mike,
Just a suggestion here from northwestern Pennsylvania we seem to run into the late frost problem just as Erin is going through do to the unwanted remolding of the high tunnel. Drive a t post at end of her rows and hang some heat lamps ( like the ones you would use for pigs or chicks etc.) It’s a little time consuming and costly however it should save her plants ( most of) the frost.
Great video ! We have one more goat to kid, and it's gonna be during the goat show!
Oh of course haha. Good luck! - Mike
I love this video. The tech is a great benefit to you, and I can see it could easily pay for itself. Thanks for sharing this.
i watch all your videos
mike you are doing a great job
Thank you and thanks for watching - Mike
Great info glad to see you using technology and learning we can all learn from each other. Matter of fact I just got my first smart phone I know late to the party but I like it. Say hi to all
All says Hi Michael. Technology is a blessing in some aspects but can be a curse, enjoy your phone, try not to throw it. : ) - Mike
That is a pretty cool gadget I had no idea that moocall existed. Curious Mike do you use dogs to work your cattle if so a video would be cool, watching dogs work is amazing and much better than doing the running yourself haha. Love the videos Mike & Erin keep up the great work!
We hope to get a dog someday, we still have our dog that we came to the ranch with, she is getting old and probably wouldnt tolerate another dog but someday - Mike
Another great video my friend-thanks.
Thanks Tim ! - Mike
love the bloopers!
Such a great video!
Thank you very much - Mike
Love your videos !! You guys have such a cool life :))
Thank you very much -Mike
I'm a new subscriber and have to thank you for some great content! That flir camera is a fantastic tool and coming from the army side of things wouldn't have thought about using it to check cows 😁. Again thank you.
I love your videos .i look forward every day your do aeesome filled of knowledge..
Just think Mike,what high tech gadget will be next,maybe some night vison on the drone ( then you will be able to check on the cows from the warmth of house).See ya on the next one,oh,and tell Erin we said hey - Jerry
Hey Jerry, hope all is well. FLIR does make a drone, but I would hate to see the price tag on it haha. Would be nice though. Erin says hi as well. I'm gonna get a nap lol - Mike
Awesome video!
Thanks Brian - Mike
Great video! I always look forward to seeing your new videos.
Thank you very much and thanks for watching - Mike
Good good information about cows
Thank you very much
Great video. Love that Flir.
I do, its pretty cool Thanks David - Mike
I feel like a broken record saying how great this video is. They're all great, but this one is a little greater if that's possible. Oh yeah, what's your guess for total number of all cows on the ranch this year after calving? Thanks.
No broken records here, we love it and thank you for watching. Course now I have to beat it. At the end of calving we should have about 300 counting everyone. Thanks Jack - Mike
Great video........again. Thank-you
Thank you for watching - Mike
Great video, I know the others say the same, but I wanted to say so too!
Thank you, it means alot to us. Thanks for watching - Mike
Great video mike. That's some cool technology. Have you ever thought of adding a night scope to your arsenal. Fun fact those golights are made about twenty miles from me. Thanks for the video
Thats cool, I didnt know where they were made. A night scope would be nice. FLIR makes some really cool ones I was just looking at. Thanks Kory - MIke
We recently just lost a momma cow and now have a bottle baby, this has never happened before so I am wondering how long we bottle feed and what is the appropriate time to let it out with the herd? What do you guys do when this happens? By the way we love the show and our two boys (6 and 7) watch it regularly! Keep up the good work- Northern MN is watching!
You are going to be bottle feeding for at least 40 to 60 days, you can start introducing some calf feed early and it will probably start eating it. If you are planning on bottle feeding with the herd then you can probably let it out once it can get around and is healthy. Normally we keep bottle calves in the barn or corrals for the duration of the time they are here but we only bottle feed them until we can get them eating on their own. Thank you very much - Mike
Very informative, thank you for sharing.
Cows also hold the person that brings the food in high regard...and the do recognize voices
Very good point, thanks - Mike
I try to add a tiny detail from my own experience- even though it is extremely limited... Back when my folks had a far, and had a few angus, If they were out of town I would swing by and feed them, they were fine unless I spoke...then they shied and got very protective for their calves.. the next day, they were fine as I stayed silent..
Hey Guys, Mickey from Nashville Tn. I throw the Tn. in their because I know you have another fan from Nashville Illinois
Isn’t technology great! Now if they could figure out how to get 8 hrs. sleep into 2 life would be sweet. Have any of the Heifers had any problems this year and does your new Heifers each year and the cattle that get culled each year always keep you in the 160 total herd range
Yea, we either keep back heifer calves or we buy heifers. Not every year but usually every other year to keep the numbers constant. We had an issue with one heifer that had a very long labor and we lost a calf that got stuck and we didnt catch in time. We also lost another heifer calf that got stepped on. Thanks for watching - Mike
Love the outakes.
4:15 you mean 360*? Haha thanks for another video!
Actually it rotates 185 degrees in one direction and 185 degrees in the other. Thanks for watching - Mike
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012OJKFY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1
Great video, Mike. LOL; being butt dialed from a cow!!! Where will technology go next.
I'm thinking GPS tracking might be on the way, but who knows. Thanks Gene - Mike
Yeah mike granddaddy checked his cows every day on an open cab ford 4000 and when he died the next day my dad feed the cows and they waited till the tractor left before they came to the hay the cows did that for a month before they started coming up to the tractor. The cows new something was different
Wow, thats incredible. I can see how they knew something was off. Thank you for sharing that - Mike
Loved your endings Mike😆. Go on get some sleep friend then when caving is finished then have along lie in. you deserve it👍. by the way, any idea were I could get a copy of that book? I know the very person next door to me who Certainly could do with it as gift from me😁 all though it might end with another fall out. 🤣LOL.
haha, I have alot of books I bought when we first came, from the dummy book to story's guides. I just laugh everytime I see the Dummy book and I still keep it in the shop. Reminds me I dont know everything :) - Mike
I recommended a dummies book to a friend in 90s and she was offended. They are great!!##
Love the videos man, hope all is well keep it up.
Thank you very much and thanks for watching - Mike
Hey mike I’m wondering how you learned so much and the tips and tricks? I’d like to be in your spot one day however it feels like you’re climbing a wall trying to learn things
we never stop doing that
Thanks Robert - Mike
Hopefully the weather cooperates for the rest of calving.
Time will tell, hope for the best, plan for the worst - Mike
Nice vid with some good info thanks👍🏻
Thank you :) - Mike