A Herd Reunited

There was a joyful reunion in the lower cattle pastures today. Two plus weeks ago, we separated our Charolais cow, Daisy, and her seven month-old bull calf, Tip. Daisy's half-brother, the big steer named Tad, kept Tip company while our Black Angus heifers, Libbey and Tove, hung out with Daisy.

The first few days of the weaning process were nothing short of mournful with mama and baby bawling for each other. Gradually everyone settled into a new and much quieter routine.

When we opened the gate between the two pastures, we weren't sure what would happen. Daisy trotted toward Tip and Tad, stopping to give Tad several "thanks for taking good care of my kid" kisses. At the same time, Tip tried to jump on Tove's head and Libbey chased him away. Daisy then dogged her too-cool-to-be-seen-with-mom adolescent son to the bottom of the pasture, where she gave Tip a long overdue lick bath. Libbey set about grazing, somewhat apart from the rest of the herd, as Tove and Tad sniffed and licked each other. Before long, all five cattle were companionably grazing.

By mid-afternoon, the ladies had, on their own steam, returned to the women only pasture. Tip and Tad were nestled in the grass on the other side of the fence. Funny.