Community Corner
Soule: Calves, Beautiful Calves
It's spring and on Miles Smith Farm, that means baby calves. Spring calves result from careful planning, not by the cows, but by the farmer.
Words of wisdom from Cow Coach Carole: I never lose or win. I learn.
It’s finally spring, and on Miles Smith Farm, that means baby calves. Spring calves result from careful planning, not by the cows, but by me, the farmer. Since cow gestation is nine months, Ferdie, the Scottish Highland bull, got to schmooze with the cows late in the summer of 2023. To be sure romance blossomed, Ferdie stayed with his bevy of ladies for two months, which should mean the calves would be born in April or May.
Three calves have already arrived. Born on April 4th nor’easter, Stormy now has two playmates, giving her mom, Magic, a break.
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Spring is a perfect time for the little ones to join the farm. There are no flies, and warmer weather means newborns won’t freeze to death. Soon, there’ll be lush grass for moms to gorge on to produce milk. There is one small problem with spring births, not for the cattle but for me, the farmer.
It’s boot-sucking mud.
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My new rubber knee-high boots are great, but when I lose one to the muck, the recovery is awkward, messy, and annoying. Slipperiness is a factor, too. Walking through my pastures is like skating without the skates, and I slide through the muck twice daily to check for newborns.
Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, where she raises and sells beef, pork, eggs, and other local products. She can be reached at carole@soulecoaching.com. Carole also coaches humans, helping them achieve the impossible a little at a time.
