Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

Resting in the shade  on a hot July afternoon is the routine for 

these  cows that  will be calving within the next two weeks.

It's hard to find a cool spot in the month of July,

 but  if you follow the cows during the day, you will find yourself 

moving to where ever the shade is found in the pasture.

It's our job to make sure they have access to  fresh water

and shade and monitor them closely for signs of calving.

We also provide a special formulated feed that meets their

nutritional needs while they are resting from milk

 production and  preparing  for calving.

When I watch the cows resting in the shade by the yard, 

I'm thankful for the memory of planting these pine tree 

twigs nearly thirty years ago with Cody and Casey playing

 in the yard, for the beauty of each tree and the shade

 that is so appreciated by our beautiful Holstein cows 

down on the dairy farm.

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

Being a "dry" cow means that you are resting and not giving milk everyday 

while you wait for the birth of your baby.

These dry cows  are due to calve within the next two weeks and

 are in the pasture next to our house so we can monitor them closely.

Even though we've had our share of cold and dreary days in January,

I'm thankful for  each bright black and white spotted cow that brighten our days

and

                       
                                                   for the opportunity to care for each one
                                                      everyday down on the dairy farm.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

While I was  mowing along the fence yesterday, grass clippings blew within reach of these soon to be mama cows. Although our pregnant cows  enjoy grazing in the pasture and are fed a  special balanced and nutritious  diet to prepare them for calving, they were enjoying the grass clippings like kids in a candy store.

                                       I'm thankful for these unexpected moments that bring a smile
                                 and for the  appreciation I have  for these perfect recycling experts!