Everything Is Better With Some Cows Around

May you always have cows around

So Many Perks

One of the best perks of my job is the annual calf bonus. Each year, I get my pick of the calf crop. If I choose a steer, he’ll be sold along with the ranch steers in the fall. If I choose a heifer, I can either sell her with the ranch heifers or keep her and breed her after her second birthday.

I’m inclined to select heifers, build my own herd, and—someday—ranch. My cattle will remain with the permanent herd throughout the year to be fed and vetted by the ranch. The only time they won’t be with the herd is during breeding after their first birthday; yearling heifers don’t go out with the bulls. Naturally, when my heifers have babies, they become cows, and I own their calves as well. It’s a really sweet deal.

The Original Spotted Heifer

I’m not someone who thinks about manifesting very often, but a friend of mine used to tell me that she would “act as if” whenever she was drawing something new into her life. When she wanted to upgrade her car, she started putting the cost of the insurance increase into a dedicated savings account… “as if” she was already paying the increase. When I picked my first heifer, Spot, I named my ranch “as if” I already have the land and all the accouterments. Spot is my original heifer and the namesake of Spotted Heifer Ranch—and Spotted Heifer Animal Essays.

I took this video of her a few days ago. I think she was wearing a mud mask so she’ll look her best when she meets her beau next week.

Rigorous Interview Process

I have until Fall to make my official selection, but the interview process starts in April when the babies start catching my eye. I love the interview process. I always get tickled watching the calves screwing up all their courage to come investigate me or whatever equipment I’m driving. I do my best not to move too quickly and scare them, but some are braver than others.

The next few videos are all interviews… Some of these calves are very brave, and some are more timid, but they get a little closer every time they see me. The videos are short…under two minutes, I think.

The One

The interviews are fun, but you always know “The One” the moment you see her. That’s how it was with Spot—and I didn’t even know about the calf selection bonus when I knew she was special. That’s how it has been with Bubby, too.

It was like she appeared out of nowhere and said to me, “You’re going to be my human mom. You’re going to call me Bubby,” and that was that.

Everyone who sees her in person says she looks like a show calf. I think so, too.

This is Bubby.

Let Me Bestow This Western Blessing

Last but not least… Here’s a fun cow song I had to put some of my video to. You wouldn’t believe the quantity of cow pics and vids I have—it defies comprehension.

The song is Cows Around by Corb Lund. If you’re not familiar with Corb, here’s a YouTube playlist. It’s fun music.

The video includes members of all four cow/calf herds, the bull herds, and the nurse cow herd. Bubby is fairly heavily featured near the end of the video. You can’t miss her, she’s the prettiest.

Best Job Ever

I don’t mean to brag, but my job is pretty awesome. Job stress is pretty low, for sure. In fact, sometimes I just go to work to get my mind off life stress. Bovine therapy is good therapy.