Cold weather is harder on the cattlemen than it is on the cattle. The herd is happy, constantly hunting little blades of tender green and never straying far from the old bales of hay they munch on to fill their bellies. The calves are not hurting either. I have to stop and remember that the cattle in the far north make it just fine, most grow bigger than ours with the exact same genetics and how cold it is there during their calving seasons. I am the one that needs the warm spring weather.
We didn't hide eggs around here on Easter. The grands did church programs and then we had a big family gathering, but the rainy weather was not for outdoor activities. There was plenty of candy available and bubble gum bubble blowers were plentiful. I am always thankful on Easter, mostly mindful of the true meaning and how important it is that we understand why we celebrate. This one goes down as a grand day for our herd.
Had to call the farrier for a visit. I am going to shoe Snip just on the front this time. I don't use him enough to need all around but the Grands do ride theirs pretty hard, so they need all four done. It takes a good half day to get to all of them, and I enjoy the time. My old pappy always shod our stock himself, did a good job, but it is hard on a man's back. I have not the tools or the desire to do the job. It is easy to quick a horse by one little clip too far.
I recall the old racetrack at the neighboring town when I was a young sprout. The fellers with enough cash would match a race, hire farriers to come and put aluminum shoes on their horses. The least bit of an advantage was desired, don't know that it helped. Most of the races were run by ranch horses and very few folks had any spare cash to bet anyway. But you gotta remember, the simple words, "My horse can outrun yours," has sparked many a duel!
This week is the return for the second dose of dewormer for the old cow herd. I suspect it will be a mess trying to pen the old hides with new babies and grass starting. I wish I could determine the good of the ordeal this year. I will try to be reasonable and search for positive results. I know it is hard on cattle to run them around.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, I believe that it is spring. I have lived through so many that I know it happens like this occasionally and then it will settle in. Be thankful for the rain, sow some seed and expect it to grow. Watch the leaves sprout and listen to the birds sing. Frogs are loud and happy too. Put out tick granules now; I have already been the target for some of the nasty little blood suckers. Look forward to tomorrow, accomplish what you can and take care of your family.
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 04/04/2018