Exotic livestock have moved into our area

The sun came out this afternoon and I was, a little after lunch, taking hay to the cow pasture. They were all stretched out like a huge army of cow tippers had come through and tipped them all! Some heads raised as I opened the gate, but you better believe these old hides were enjoying the heat. We are blessed the rain didn't freeze and today is dry out time!

We haven't had much sickness yet during the cold and I hope we are on a roll. That scour and pneumonia business gets right into your billfold. I am looking forward to a nice crop of babies in about six weeks and praying for a warm spell during late February and early March. I know we all have a tendency to be done with cold after the second day of the second Arctic front that engulfs our southern attitudes! My close relative has received garden catalogs since the second day of this year and she has figured out how to spend about eight head of steers. Do not repeat that, please!

There are several sales around the area for bulls. I try to make the rounds and I don't need any new bulls, but slinging the bull is sure entertaining. I like to watch fellers try to outbid each other by twitching their nose, scratching an ear and then turning real red-faced when they let it go to the other feller. You also see some win the bid and look a little green around the gills when the reality of the price hits them right between the eyes.

I have been needy for bulls this late in the season a few times. It is almost impossible to look at a yearling calf and determine what he will grow into. I like one at least eighteen months old if I am buying, and they always cost more but are worth the extra. Take one home and have him tested by your vet before letting him out at the barn. I have lived a lot of years and learned some hard lessons. Bought a bull from a friend late in the season one year. He was not good per my vet and that feller still doesn't speak to me. Be careful in your dealings and any other things like that, such as hiring your close relative's cousin's brother-in-law!

The feed and seed jockeys are out and about promoting their supplies. I have two new caps and they only cost me three hours each! I try to explain that I am not going to plant this year, will buy feed when I need it from the local fellers. A seasoned salesman does not have the ability to digest any negatives during the first or second hour of presentations. As my sainted mother would say, "Bless their hearts!"

Looks like our hay supply will stand us through the winter. We should have a load or two to sell if anyone runs dry. We all did a tremendous hay season last summer, stacked it up and ran it over. We have seen some years when two or three-year-old hay would have been great to have. I think we will have plenty left after selling a load or two.

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, a large amount of exotic livestock has moved into our area. I have seen pastures with llama, alpaca, water buffalo and American bison next to cattle. I wonder if their particular immunity to normal cattle diseases is apparent or if their particular diseases could be contracted by cattle. I aim to find out. I tried Googling it, but nothing definite there. I am gonna go to town about noon tomorrow and take a veterinarian to lunch to discuss the whole thing. We will be forced to eat at the steakhouse due to our occupations. I have already excused myself from a headquarters meal, amid frowns and raised brows. I will report on the findings later!

Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 01/17/2018