What You Need to Know about Antibiotic-Free Meat

March 04, 2016 by Real Farmwife On The County Line in Livestock

It’s really important to me to that we have access to effective antibiotics when needed to address health issues, both in my family and in our livestock.

Nights at the Cow Palace

February 24, 2015 by Taylor Thompson in Livestock

At 12:15 a.m., I know that my husband will wake up to check heifers who are about to calve. Sometimes he lets me sleep; sometimes he takes me along.

I know he’ll get his coveralls and boots on faster than me. I know that the pickup truck will be cold until we get down the road a mile and a half to the calving barn, “The Cow Palace,” and the calving pasture. By the time the truck is warmed up, it’s time to get out. A windy twenty degrees at night is bone chilling.

Time of the Season: Calving

February 17, 2015 by Taylor Thompson in Livestock

Is there anything better than watching baby calves kick up their heels in the sunshine? For us, that’s one of the favorite things we see on the farmscape.

There’s no doubt that baby farm animals are just plain cute, but we know that from a herd health standpoint that calves who race around with tails straight up in the air are feeling good. It’s always fun to watch the antics and energy of little ones, but also reassuring that all is well. We breathe a sigh of relief, for we know that treating sick calves can be an uphill battle.