From the day they were born right up to this point, everything we’ve done has been to get the calves ready in preparation for this day. They’ve been vaccinated twice, learned what cake is and that the cake truck means food, and handled with the greatest of care. We’ve had them walk by us at the gate whilst moving from pasture to pasture to earn their trust and prep them for the sort. And all the work culminates on one day in the fall – weaning day.
When it comes to the actual weaning process, we use what is called fence-line weaning. The calves and cows are sorted and placed on opposite sides of a fence in neighboring pastures. The fence prevents the calves from nursing from the cows, while still allowing visual contact. While there are a few different ways to wean, this is what works best for us.
PS – stay tuned for next week’s video to see how the days after weaning shake out.
PPS – you can click HERE to read the play-by-play of weaning day 2015.
Hello! I’m Terryn – the wife, mother, food safety enthusiast, Stormy Kromer fanatic who has slightly (okay, a lot) random tendencies, dabbles in photography, and shares (maybe a little too much) here at FFB.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for honest answers (sprinkled with humor + inspiration) to your beef related questions from someone who’s just momming and ranching her way through life, living on strong coffee & a whole lotta Jesus.
