#315 went to market on Thursday.
First off, let me say this...
We take the health and comfort of our cows very seriously. We do our best to keep our cows around as long as we can, as long as they are healthy. It's never fun to see a cow go to market, but sometimes in reality, we need to sell or slaughter animals that for whatever reason aren't a productive part of the farming operation. I think in nineteen years of farming, we've only sold two or three other cows because of "temperament issues".
This particular cow and I had a love/hate relationship. Minus the love part. Back in November, she and I had a close encounter that left me hurtin' for a few weeks. Granted, it wasn't 100% her fault (maybe only 95%). She and Jim got along ok, but sometimes he's not available to milk her, so this week she took her final trip on the cattle truck...
I don't ever enjoy seeing cows going on the truck, and I did have the heart to feel sorry for her just a little bit.
But I will say this...I don't like being intimidated by a cow, and milking time is a lot less stressful for me with her out of the 4th row.
Oh Alica I so understand this as you know I am looking forward to the day Crazy Cow goes I am still afraid of her. "Better her than I" I have to say. One of us has to go before one of us and I am talking about me here because I am sure she will be the winner in another confrontation and this time I may not make it so lucky just like you.
ReplyDeleteHope you are OK.
I know this is not easy when it is a cow that is good but when the cow is a danger to you, it is the best thing to do.
Take care. Hugs B
That's dairy life, huh? I'm sure you won't "grieve" long! Not for one with a bad disposition.
ReplyDeleteMonday I'm taking Abbie, our 14 month old heifer to the sale. She isn't quite as "typy" as others and we're a little overstocked. But we do feel kinda bad...she is a bit of a loner and pretty sweet. But.....
That is still hard. I can't think of anything more scary than having a cow or a bull intimidate you. It is just something that has to be done. I didn't know you got hurt? Oh, I mailed your box today. It will be coming by UPS on Thursday. :) Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteAnimals are almost as unpredictable as humans. Having a cranky cow can be a real safety issue. Too bad she had to go, but it sounds like you made a wise decision.
ReplyDeleteOops--"comment visible after approval". Sorry for the double comment, thought I'd just had a senior moment and forgot to hit Publish. Delete whichever one or all. ;)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was on our farm I was pined by a ram between his hard head and the barn door they may not be large animals but they are strong , I have been kicked by a horse and had a herd of cattle almost run me over when I was 6 years old trust me animals are very unpredictable . You had to do what you had to do for your sake and other animals as it can get ugly sometimes, hope your ok ! Have a good weekend .
ReplyDeleteFarm/Ranch life is dangerous enough without keeping an unstable cow around. I've taken a ride on the front of a ornrey cow and it isn't much fun. Luckily, back then I was very young and bounced back. Glad you day is a little safer.
ReplyDeleteIt's always hard to make these decisions. We are livestock producers and I still marvel that I'm not a vegetarian. I like my steak! We had a steer almost kill my husband once, throwing him across the corral and them charging him when he was down. That was in the days of pagers. His was forced so hard into his body, that the shape remained there for a long time. A couple of ribs took a beating. As much as I love animals, there is no need to have something that dangerous around. Fortunately there are more good than bad. You made the right choice.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just have to. I had to sell Marley's buck because he was going to end up killing me because he didn't know his own strength and wanted to play. He would go into testosterone rages when he was in rut and try to kill my coat (forgetting I was in it). It broke my heart to sell him, and I wish I still had him, but he would have seriously hurt me.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you'll be much safer now!
And that, dear Alica, is why we don't have llamas anymore. I finally was intimidated to the hilt by the big gelding, and he was ready to get me.... it was time to wave goodbye, and know they were going to a loving home, where he doesn't get away with his sass. I totally understand.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we have to make those decisions to protect ourselves and for the betterment of the farm. I sold one of my goat girls this past spring because she was getting "pushy" with me and she had horns! Not a good situation.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! We would never have kept a dangerous cow and still don't now that we just have the beef cows.
ReplyDeleteMy milk cow is cantankerous but not dangerous but she doesn't like me taking her milk from her two babies! Maybe that is just my imagination but she has started running back to the field the minute we shut the babies in the barn.....we will outsmart her. DH will now leave them locked in the holding pen where she can see them and let her into the area next to them (another sort of very small lot) before he shuts them away. We will see how that goes.
When my Jersey freshens, I will retire Willow to the beef herd.
I bet you feel better going to the barn now.
i hate it so much too, i feel your discomfort. sadly it is the part of the lives that we lead. and we always say a few words to them to let them know that we appreciate all that they have done. weird i know, but it makes me feel better.
ReplyDeleteOh I am so sorry. But glad to know you will be safer in the barn.
ReplyDeleteBeing intimidated by a cow is truly frightening. After all, they outweigh us by about 900 pounds and have sharp feet. We recently culled a heifer who had homicidal tendencies. Your health and life are more important. I have to say it's not hard to make the decision when it comes.
ReplyDelete