Soule: What makes Kids and Calves the Perfect Combination?

The kids hooted as they pulled on lead ropes and dashed around the barnyard, each with a calf in tow. They didn’t need any encouragement to run in this competition; what child doesn’t want to race about with a calf? The calves were just as eager. It’s true. Children and calves love to run.

These kids and some calves were graduates of the 2023 Cow Camp at Miles Smith Farm. In July, the children had spent three weeks training calves, doing farm chores, and getting dirty. Twelve graduates were invited back for five “advanced calf training” Saturdays, working with five Belted Galloway heifers (female calves). These heifers joined ten trained summer camp calves.

Children Learn Self-Confidence

The children were told to lead the trained calves or take on one of the newbies. Rose didn’t hesitate. She grabbed Circe’s rope and led her into the barnyard, where Circe bounded and leaped. Rose did the right thing.

She stood her ground, holding the lead line so that Circe ran in circles around Rose. This technique keeps the handler safe and away from danger while the calf burns off energy. The calf thought she was running away but was orbiting Rose.

The same thing happened with Cameron when he took Hera for a walk. He stood still while Hera ran in circles.

Cameron and Rose were learning self-confidence. Learning to deal with a difficult calf will help them handle a difficult boss.

Just imagine.

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Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, where she raises and sells pork, raw milk, eggs, and beef. She can be reached at carole@soulecoaching.com.