WEANING

It's the time of year when we wean our calves from the cows. It has been dry and dusty.  The cows weren't cooperating, so it was a little difficult to chase them and be a photographer.

Did I mention the dust?

The calves are loaded onto trucks and hauled to the feedlot on our main ranch in Baker.

Sad cows already missing their babies.  I hate this part.

We unload the calves and count them, weigh them and give them their vaccinations. 

Sometimes you have to really get into your work.. 

Since this last batch of calves consisted of 625, we actually gave them the shots the next day.  We started at first light to beat the heat. We do several groups of calves, this is the largest group we do.
​ The corals are so dusty.  We really do need rain.

Yes, that is a refrigerator.  No it doesn't have beer.  haha

I am not too sure I should have to work in these conditions.  I tell my boss that and he just says, "o well" 

We tuck them away in safe pens full of feed and fresh water. They will cry for a few days, then settle down and realize they don't have it so bad.
The mommas will be sad for about three days, then they will go about their happy lives eating.  They already have next year's calves in the hatch.