At the first of this calendar year, I wrote about my little diversion from design work when our first grandchild was born. Today, I have another diversion of a different biological configuration. Today the pictured calf was born early and small, but thankfully is quite healthy and eating well. She’s the first calf born to those cows that will make up the pairs in our October sale. I always know that once these little creatures start being born it’s not too long until sale time. This little gal has a good mother; therefore, the photo was taken from outside the pen while the mother made  disparaging sounds in my direction. I’m certain she was saying, “If you come in here with my calf you’ll be real sorry!”

I enjoy listening to each new mother cow as she encourages her calf. The harsher moo echoed in the pasture pre-birth changes to a softer, gentler, more singing and elongated sound directed toward the calf. I never cease to be amazed at this occurrence. On the other side of this duo, the calf actually seems to pay attention. I’ve been almost close enough to touch a newborn only to hear that Mother Moo and have the calf immediately get up and move away.  It’s a shame that we humans don’t exercise that power over our children.

With six more births pre sale due in the next few weeks, I look forward to that hopeful feeling that often comes from nature in the Spring of the year when things branch out and bloom. In ranching, the best “blooming” comes from successful births and healthy calves.