[Augie]

After watching the farmer try to catch a calf that was ‘only’ a couple of weeks old, then try to ‘steer’ it to the gate by the tail (where it got away from him), they aren’t adorable nor easily manageable for long .... it was a rodeo!

The day of our herd dispersal sale was one of the happiest days of my life.

I miss just two things about owning cattle. Watching the babies play, and putting a properly grain-fattened steer into the freezer.

Now when I feel the need for either of those things I go see Good Neighbor Dave.

My days of getting bull-stomped are over.

[Qiviut]

Both sets of my grandparents had cow herds - both had beef cattle & one also had a Grade A dairy. While I have never owned cows, I did help the grandparents so I do have some appreciation of the work involved & how easy it is to get hurt ... stepped on, kicked, head butted & I personally have been chased by bulls (yikes!).

Fortunately, the two things you miss, I can currently enjoy: watching the babies play in the field across the road & my niece bought a large 4H steer that she recently processed so I have access to good beef plus the neighbor next door will also gladly sell me a cow to process :-)