The steers have to be gone through again today and I am wishing we had done it last week. The holiday sorta got me off schedule and that is no excuse, either. I just didn't get it done and the offspring had mentioned it several times.
So now, in the mud and the wind, we are gonna go through the paces and see who gets a ride to the golden arches. The ones that stay will be going to the feedlot soon. I am thrilled when I look at the way they have grown and how they are put together.
We have a pretty good guess that the steers we will keep are crowding 850 to 900 pounds and that gives us a better idea of how they will grow out. The genetics of this bunch are outstanding, mostly AI calves, and that is certainly showing in their composition. A $10 AI bull is almost guaranteed better than anything a regular producer might own. We did use semen that was from some proven bulls and I sure am glad we did. I know if calves are sold right off the cow, it is hard to tell what they will develop into.
I am up early, coffee is hot and good, and I can't help but rise when I know it is an exciting job day. The covered working area is sure nice and the mud is where we will pen the critters to start with. I should never complain, and yet that old part of me still does!
We had a good weekend, had to entertain some of the grands with their friends for a couple of meals. They are great storytellers about the life of teens and college living. We laughed a bunch and wondered even more if the studies ever entered into the picture! I suppose the times are much easier with all the electronics nowadays, kinda hope the brains get the needed filling. The eating was exactly the same as when our offspring was that age, so that was easy for us to manage with a trip to the store and plenty of ice for the colas!
My Christmas is looking pretty close around here! A tree has appeared in the living room, a school program has been scheduled, and lights were strung around the house by me myself with directions by my close relative! We like the twinkling of lights and I have them on as I drink my coffee. The season is a special spiritual feeding for us. We are so thankful for a church that goes to the trouble to do unique services and give us more of the true reason to celebrate!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, bust yourself out of the rut and do a secret good deed for someone! Even your best friend might need a little help or a surprise and you can never tell how much he needed you to help! I suspect the food depots and toy donations take care of lots, but what about repairing steps on a porch for that feller that just can't do it anymore? A little job for some is a gift to others that is unmeasured in worth!
Here I go to the barn; it is daylight!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 12/11/2019