We can all learn something from cows…

With calving season in full swing I thought I would take a moment to look at what we all can learn from cows. 

“The everyday is nice, but sometimes you just need a walk down a different road.”

A few days ago we had a heifer calf that decided to take a little adventure of her own.  She was in the winter pasture with her mama and the other cow and calf pairs.  She has always been an adventurous type, quick to go frolicking off.  On this day she decided to climb into the concrete Jbunk feeder and jumped over the outside wall.  (No worries it is only about a 4 foot wall, so she was not injuredJ)  These little Angus calves are adventurous like that, always running around, jumping and playing fake out like they will run your over.  They are just like children, they love to play!

And that’s where were found her, just leisurely walking around and taking a stroll down the road.  Thankfully this is a one lane dirt road that might see 3 cars a day, 2 of which are probably my husband and I.  And as I watched her I couldn’t help but think that we all can learn a lot from cows.  She saw an opportunity to explore and she took it.  Yeah there were risks but she just jumped right in.  How do we as people know what opportunities are right around the corner if we don’t take that leap of faith?  Sometimes in life it’s not always safest to stay behind the fence…

“Those first steps aren’t always the easiest, but they are always worth the reward”

We are in the middle of spring calving.  We calve twice a year; we have a small group of cows that calve in the fall and the majority of our herd calves between January and April.  So we are about half way through and each week we are having more and more calves born.  And even though we have been doing this for 10+ years now, I still am amazed with every new calf. 

 

They take a shock that’s for sure.  When they are born they have to leave the nice warm space they had in the womb for the outside world.  Yes, each cow has their own maternity pen and it is lined with fresh dry bedding for the cow and her calf.  But it’s still a shocker.  These calves are wet and the air even in the barn can be crisp.  Then their mothers lick them off and want them to get moving.  These calves are alert and do what their mothers ask.  With wiggly unsteady legs they will take their first steps after just being born not too long ago.  And with each passing hour they become surer of themselves and in no time at all they are running around the maternity pens.  And then after a few says they are allowed outside in the barnyards and small spring pasture.  You would never know that a few days or weeks prior they were these unsteady calves unsure of themselves. 

It’s like that with us as well.  You never know what you can achieve if you don’t take those first unsteady steps.  I can attest that I would not have a college degree, be married or even own my own business if it weren’t for unsure steps and a great support system saying nope you can get up and do this just like those mama cows.

“Love your babies, protect and care for them”

A lot of farmers joke about Angus mama cows being…well let’s say “very maternal”.  I have heard more wise tales over the years about Angus cows and their calves and how these mamas protect their calves.  To be honest I have owned, Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn and countless mixed breed cows.  I don’t really think it is a breed thing.  I think it is more a mother thing! 

Cows nurture their calves, they protect them and they know where they are at all times.  I can’t tell you how many times, I have had a cow calve in the pasture on a beautiful warm spring day and Derrick and I have gotten to play “calf hunt”.  It’s not that fun of a game, trust me.   “Calf hunt” if you are not familiar is when these mamas have their calves and then decide to hide them in the most dense and hardest to get to areas and then they go off to eat or drink while their babies nap.  This game can last for a few minutes while you try to find the calf or several hours.  And I will admit there have been times where the mama has stumped you all together and you just wait till she goes and gets it. 

 

That being said these cows are not much different from us humans.  They let you know by their moo when they aren’t happy that you just vaccinated their calf so it stays healthy, just like I have cried when every one of my babies got their shots.  When their calves decide to feel their oats and go off with a group of calves across the pasture running around like racers and the mama cant see her calf anymore.  They go calling their calf and running after them.   Much like me, when my first, second, third and fourth went to school for the first time.  I didn’t follow the school bus or wait in the preschool parking lot…but that’s probably because my husband stopped me by taking my car keys.  

So if you ever get a chance to just stop and observe cattle or really any other animals for that matter.  You will see how close they are to us in our own behaviors…its scary sometimes really haha. 

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