The days are getting so short that I find myself hurrying to get the evening chores done before dark. There aren't many to take care of, but I dread the six o'clock darkness, stumbling over rocks and my own feet walking to the house. I said I thought we should put a motion detection light up on the barn a couple of years ago. Still sounds like a good idea.
All the calves from the fall bunch are on the ground. Didn't make the hundred percent we always shoot for but got a good bunch. We lost one during birth, one got stepped on and one was eaten by dogs or coyotes. I gave all three cows new babies who are easy to spot due to their Holstein hides! The mornings are so nice to observe the calves nursing and then the play is on!
Still have lots of good grass and, if we could get some rain, it would last for awhile. The steers are looking good and don't bawl after the truck when I go check them. They would be stampeding if they needed cubes. The first weighing will be the middle of November to see where we are on the way to 900 pounders. I am always sad to move a bunch of steers, because I enjoy looking at them when they get so big and pretty. But my desire for money wins and I ship them out!
Clyde, my friend with the crazy horse, or one of my friends with a crazy horse, came out to the place yesterday. He was dragging his trailer and that sorta scared me. I just have no love for that contrary animal Clyde owns. Surprise for me, he sold that critter and bought an older horse that was solid broken and handles like he has power steering!
Clyde hopped out, opened the trailer gate and called his name, and out backed old Joe. I was so proud I almost hugged Clyde but caught myself in time! That horse is good looking, gentle and Clyde can mount him as he stands still! What a deal and, speaking of deals, I just had to ask.
The previously owned animal was purchased by a young man, young but old enough to know better, for a dogging horse. He was sure he would make a good one. He paid twice as much as Clyde gave for the horse as a 3-year old. The new mount was pretty pricey because he belonged to a feller's kids. The kids could climb all over him and he did whatever they asked him to do. Since they were all grown and gone to towns to work, the horse was bought but not for a small fee!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, money well spent is always a blessing. Old Clyde won't hesitate to load and go to ropings or trail rides. He will enjoy trusting this new horse to lope along and behave when a rabbit runs out in front of him. Money well spent probably won't ever be missed at all, and Clyde will surely be safer than before! Take care of yourselves, fellers. Mean cows and bad horses will put you away, so pay attention.
Pick your apples now, pies are needing to be made!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 10/12/2016