We had been patiently (or impatiently) waiting for the vet to come test our bulls. When he could finally come we were going to be in Billings for an Eagles concert (you know, the best band of all time). So, we left the bull testing in R's capable hands. Funny how he doesn't do much right when we're here (just seems that was because his dad is a control freak) but takes care of things pretty well when we're gone. Also funny how he likes it when we're gone and he can do things his way. He had our hired man to help him which was only fair since we're pasturing three of his bulls at the moment. I'm always happy when I don't have to deal with bulls so I wasn't sad to miss it. Everything went fine, but we did have one bull test bad. It seems to never be the one you'd like to get rid of. That kind of puts a kink in the plan of the bull turnout, but we'll figure it out. Just hoping we don't have to buy another one. Six new bulls this year but a crimp in the budget. When R was looking for his share of the last calves we sold I had to remind him that we spent it on bulls. Stupid things have the life--screw like crazy for a couple of months and then lay around and eat for ten.
Our trip to Billings was pretty quick--we were actually in town for exactly 24 hours. That's usually enough and we can spend a lot of money in a short time. We had to buy a lot of fencing stuff and a 4-wheeler ramp to replace that lost in the fire. My priorities were a couple of wedding gifts, some plants and a bench for the patio that I finally finished.
The Eagles concert was awesome and they played for over 3 hours. Not bad for a bunch of old guys. We went to St. Paul, Minnesota to see them in 2003, but I'd have to say this concert was better. They haven't lost a beat even though they've been at it for 40+ years. The tour was called "The History of the Eagles", and they talked about some of their history (not the controversial parts or the break up). I also got a running commentary from M on the history so I should be well informed now!
The day after we came home we branded the six new bulls and sent them back out to pasture until it's time for them to go to work. M's sister was here visiting so she came out to help. She owns a few cows so feels like she has to help out when she can. It's always so fun to have her here.
We moved one group of cows and calves a couple of days ago. It was a short move and it went smoothly other than a bunch of calves not mothering up and trying to go back to where they came from. We had to chase them back several times before they found their mamas. Then we had to bring the heifers home. They are too domesticated so that makes it difficult to chase them, and they made it harder than it had to be. We got them home and had to run them through the chute to give them shots to start the artificial insemination process. That was harder than it had to be, too, but we got it done. Now we have a bunch of agitated females and should start breeding tonight.
In the meantime, the guys are putting in a new fence on the far eastern edge of the new pasture we bought a couple of years ago. It's rough country so it's been a challenge. M comes home pretty tired and sore after building braces and pounding in hundreds of posts. He's one of those crazy people that enjoy the challenge. I'll get my turn when we have to start putting the wires up. I've been able to work in my yard and plant my flower pots. It's been so cold until the last week or two that I've had a hard time getting into summer mode.
Off to check on those hormone-crazed heifers!
