Breeding Season

Jazz was AIed yesterday to In Focus (page 5), a popular bull in the Angus industry. If she takes, her Shorthorn Plus (50% Shorthorn-50% Black Angus) calf will be born around March 24, 2012.

I was really starting to worry I might not catch Jazz in heat and not be able to get her bred back on time. So, this is good. A late March calf is good, and only a month later than this year's calving. Timing was crucial. I looked out the window 7:00 Tues. night and caught a glimpse of Jazz with her chin on Crater and him rushing forward away from her--maybe she started to ride him? Two hours before dark, asking kids to watch for more signs, on the internet, a few phone calls, was given the number of apparently the only AI guy around from Canby {see 'Local Resources' section in sidebar}. Called him and he could come in the morning. Nice. Narrowed down bull to go with next. Another call to 4R Ranch down the road to check on options for bull semen and finalized decision. Cow is mostly grazing, a little mulling around and head rubbing with steer, but kids saw her try to ride calf and steer again. That was it. I never really saw much myself, so good thing I didn't end up going anywhere that night. Good thing I forgot about the 4-H Leader meeting/fair orientation at the fairgrounds.

This first year of being back into raising cattle is like one hurdle after the other--just busy, and new things to learn and get set up. You really need a lot of resources {see 'Local Resources' section in sidebar} that come from networking with other breeders. Where to buy cattle, feed, show supplies, hay, who to use as a vet, AI tech, which shows to go to, where to register, on and on. Calving, vaccinations/worming, weigh-in, steer feeding program, showing, AI breeding, vet scheduled for Bangs vaccination, registering heifer, hauling hay, weaning, and on and on. I can't imagine how overwhelming it would be if I hadn't grown up with all this and had that background to guide me. Most of all, couldn't do it without support from husband, his skills at building fences and feeders, pasture management, driving a tractor and stock trailer, and...his money for investing.