The second half of 2018 has been quite a springtime. New calves again, a prolapsed uterus but both cow and calf saved, then little rain and our cows now do fire hazard reduction on neighbouring properties to everyone’s benefit. Finally the deck and pool fence has gone up in time for summer, but it has been misty and humid, instead of swimming weather. Oh and Alexander has now very successfully completed year 12!!
We had the wettest September ever at 237 mls. Here I am painting the fascias to get the extension roof on before a storm, but it was only partially done. Then we hunted for cows sheltering in the wild scrub but found lots of native orchids instead. The cows returned with calves in tow after the storm- we don’t know where they crossed the creek, but they have great instincts to take care of themselves.
Eating the the lemons was OK but then we enthusiastically lined up for the ‘bull’! He looked good in the catalogue. The calves will be due on July 30, 2016! You can also follow us on facebook at pricklefarm.
We are adding some Wagyu genetics into our pure black angus herd- so they will be grass and olive foliage fed organic beef. Soon virtual walks, with just the sounds and sights of nature around the property in different seasons will be available to purchase (a trial video features a brown snake quickly exiting the path in front of me and the dogs!).
Our cows started with a black and white ‘Abby’ and as we added more with a starter herd from ‘Corfe Park’ in the South East (my Fathers’ cattle property) and bred an Angus herd by Artificial Insemination, Abby was the matriarch who oversaw everything- the births, where they grazed and who also ‘mooed’ for attention when they needed to move paddocks or if water was low. Alas she dropped dead of a heart attack at 24 years old.Calving each year is a delight. We feed out hay in a ring and the cows get very excited when feral olives are being felled as they love the foliage and fruit as witnessed by the amount of seeds in their manure! We breed these cows for ease of calving, quiet temperament and don’t need to give them any chemical treatments so they are sold only for breeding to good homes. We have got very attached to our girls who now have names, not just numbers, as each has a different personality……and this year we had our first set of twins.