Payday is coming. I hauled an old cow to the local sale barn so she might die there instead of here. They can haul her carcass off if it happens before she sells. I can't begin to tell you how this makes me feel when I can't make a decision early enough to prevent an incident like this.
The cow of which I speak was old and I just shooed her through the chute when we worked them last. I looked her over and she was fat and slick and bred. What else could a feller want from a 12-year-old model? So, she went back with the herd to deliver a calf this fall. She was sure enough carrying a big calf, due in a few weeks.
Her weight had just melted away, walking was more staggering than steps and I just couldn't stand to watch her watch me! I loaded her very slowly, ashamed of myself because she had given me no trouble until now, and we all become a little infirm as we age. Well, that sounds like I might be one of those animal rights people, and I sure ain't. I just like my cattle and appreciate what they do for our family.
All this boils down to being a good steward of the land and the animals. That is up to each individual, and we all have different ideas. I like a little brush in the fence rows so rabbits and maybe even quail could have a little cover. I like to leave a row of grass along the hay fields so it can seed out and feed some birds. I do think the rats also enjoy it, but I don't mean to feed them! I dig thistles when I see them early in the year and we spray to kill all I miss. Never get them all, but we do try.
The animals are sure important and I realize almost 100 percent of beef producers are on the ball when it comes to taking care of their cattle. We are aware of our livelihood and the need to protect it. The possibility that some owners might be a little lax is there. Most of that sort is made up of folks so poor they are unable to do a proper job and those who heard you could buy some cattle, turn them out on grass and make a pile of money. Those of us who are seriously owned by the banker are a little more diligent!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, the price of liking what you do in the country is usually not so high. We sell the steers, heifers and sometimes a load of older cows. The bulls have to go occasionally, and we are never hesitant to do the business necessary to make our places pay the bills. Unlike the times, we have a lump-in-the-throat job -- and we do have those -- and are required to take it like a man.
See you at the coffee emporium!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 08/17/2016