As a calf continues to grow, so does it's horns. You could compare their horns to our ears and noses. They never stop growing throughout our life. The same goes for Longhorn cattle. As you can see in this picture, it's almost like a rainbow of colors. At the base the horns look almost yellow. Then as you go outward you see more yellows, tan, white, purple, and finally a pink! The pink indicates good blood flow. Which is what you want to see in a young calf. Big John although not a young calf, has not reached his full potential yet. So we will continue to see his obvious horn growth for a few years. Just like when we get older the changes are not as subtle, the same goes for cattle. When they are fully grown it is hard to tell by merely gazing upon them if their horns have grown or not. Big John being a steer also contributes to his continuous growth. Meaning that all his energy and hormones are going towards horn and size production rather than reproductive matters.

Every animal is unique in their own way. Cattle in particular. There will always be that one little aspect that sets them apart from the others. Unlike Angus cattle, Longhorn cattle differences are far more noticeable. Not only be their color differences, but by their horns! After all, that is what they were named for! That's also the first thing here at the farm we look at when purchasing. "Man look at that set of horns!" is often thrown around as common phrasing.

It's a sad start to the month of March on the farm as we remember our Ol' Momma Cow. Although she lived the remainder of her days out on the farm, they were good ones for sure!

We acquired her some years ago through a "two for one" kind of deal. We purchased two decent cows and the old farmer threw her in the mix. Which was better than the alternative... She only gave us one calf before she became too old to calve. Unlike most big beef farms, we keep our cows until nature takes it's course. Mostly because they really are like our pets. We shed a few tears, but remember that this is a part of life on the farm. It's to be expected eventually, although we don't have to like it. Even when we know that they're days are limited, it doesn't make it any easier.

R.I.P Ol' Momma Cow.

A farmer can always tell when spring is on the way. For starters the weather is never the same in Texas two days in a row. Secondly, every living soul on the farm is shedding like crazy! Although there are still a few more weeks of winter left, the ol' hides know the hard times are almost over. For the farm manager, that is me, I just like being able to come home and see all of my babies in the evening sunlight. Even if it is only for a short while.

You could say our horses are picky eaters. For instance, they won't touch hay that looks even a little rough. Or any of the salt and mineral blocks we set out for them. They also think it's a race when they see that grey Chevy pull in the driveway and they take off to the feedlot. Supper time!

Mr. T enjoying his supper.

Hello 2017! With the beginning of the new year continues the strange weather in Texas. Cold one day and hot the next. 80's yesterday and 30's today. This week has been particularly chilly. With hints of frost and a few flurries. The four-legged's at the farm don't stay far from the hay. Did you know when cows eat the roughage,  and horses for that matter, they are actually warming their bodies at the same time? This is due to the fact that heat is released during digestion. So when they eat a lot, it's not necessarily because they are that hungry. They might just be that cold!

Here we have our "Herd Turd" as we like to call our bull Gentle Jack when he gracefully spreads and wastes fresh hay. 

Seniorita Margarita's new calf has finally arrived! A healthy bull calf. This was definitely one for the books. This was the first time i have been around a momma cow when she calved. It was a once in a lifetime experience for sure! We are all just thankful and happy that everything went smoothly. It is always neat to see a calf experience things for the first time. From trying to find the milk to testing out their new legs!

Trying out his new "land" legs!

Still couldn't quite find the milk at this point. 

"Honey my water just broke and the baby is coming!" Oh how I wish our momma cows could speak! So they could tell us "Yes the baby is coming right now!" or "I'm in labor y'all better stick around!" or even "I think there is something wrong so come help me!". Although that is not the case, I can usually tell when a cow is getting ready to calve. Longhorns typically seclude themselves from the herd and find a nesting place of sorts. Their udders look full and ready to produce for this new life they are about to bring into the world. They also seem to be more protective than ever towards anyone and anything. Not in an aggressive matter per say. But more in a "leave me alone" kind of way. Seniorita Margarita, pleased to meet ya, is in this predicament as we speak. Impatiently awaiting her newborn.

Good morning December! It never fails that our momma cows choose to have their calves at the most inconvenient times. It's either going to be when we are not home or it's freezing cold and wet outside. Maybeline blessed us with her first calf this year on such an occasion. Her last calf was in late December of last year so she is right on time. Typically if everything goes right, you can expect a calf from your cow every year. Usually our Longhorns have their calves 10-12 months apart. Rarely do we see a calf before or after that time span.

Maybeline and her new heifer