This is my favorite season! Not only is it time for pumpkin spice everything, apple cider and fall foliage, it’s fall calving time! Our cattle herd is divided into two breeding groups—the spring cows calve January through March. The fall cows calve August through October. And while anytime a new calf is born is cause for celebration, the fall calves are my favorite. The weather is usually mild, with warm, but not too hot days. In order to give our calves a great start, they all get vitamin A&D shots, along with Multimin, iodine on their belly buttons to prevent infection, VitaCharge paste and an ear tag for identification. It gives them a number (based on which order they are born) and a letter (based on the year), i.e., the 250th calf born in 2018, would receive tag 250F. They also get a the sire code and dam’s tag no. written on their tag, so we know which calf goes with which mama. They are individually weighed as well. All this information is written down in a calving book, then transferred to the computer.

I love riding along to check pairs, help tag, and let’s be honest, I’m usually invited so I can open the gates. The kids enjoy being able to help their dad too, and are learning from him all the time. Any time I can capture a little of our ranch life, I’m happy. These days are going by quickly and the weather is turning colder. I will forever be thankful for days with my tagging crew.