Lots of happenings to catch up on

There has been a lot going on here over the past month so I haven't been very good about keeping up with my blog. The most exciting thing that has happened is that my daughter, Hayley, has finally returned from her year-long Rotary exchange in Bolivia. It was a wonderful experience for her and we owe it all to Rotary International. She kept an incredible journal and photo-journal of her experiences that she hopes to make into a book for her family.

Since Brad is currently serving on the board of the Iowa Maine Anjou Association we have both been busy with the Junior National show which was held in Spencer, Iowa just a week ago. Russ and Sue Salton deserve a round of applause for the immense work they put into planning the show. We spent a little over a week in Spencer setting up and helping with the show. I think it was an amazing success. Hayley actually spent the entire time volunteering to help during the show. She really isn't much "into" the cattle part of our operation but she loves the kids and the people. It was a great experience for her as well.

The week just before we left for Spencer was a little stressful as we discovered that we had a SERIOUS infestation of Army Worms in our front pasture where we hold our pasture sale. In less than 24 hours the worms had completely devoured every blade of grass and they were working their way across the road to the neighbors and also into my parents carefully groomed and watered yard. Our local Co-op was called to action and they were stunned at the amount of worms they found. They said that they had never seen anything like it. Our paved driveway was actually slimy with the stinking little boogers. The ground actually appeared to be moving. All I could do was spray a barrier around the perimeter and let them live out thier short life-cycle. I spent the week of Jr. Nationals wondering if our pasture would survive and get re-growth before our sale. The rain-gods obviously smiled on us and when we returned much of the brown mowed off pasture was once again finding its green and starting to grow.

The calves are doing great. I am especially excited about the calves out of our Gigolo Joe daughters. The Heat Wave steers are pouring on the power and seem to change every day. I find the Captain Morgan calves(two smokes and a black) out of a Maine cow to be very interesting. They are freaky fronted, sound, correct and super hairy. I had a small group on recips in another location and they were weaned VERY early. They are a little more green than most of my calves but are really coming along. I think there could be a real sleeper in that group. I have two Grizzley steers that are very interesting as well. They have a very soft look and are incredibly correct with lots of hair and eye appeal. I think they are the later maturing type but I love how they are looking now. If you are looking for some great Maine heifers you won't want to miss the offering we are going to have this year!

It's been raining raining and raining here and things are looking soggy but green. If any of your are bored please feel free to stop by and test drive our John Deere 850zero turn mower. It runs like greased lightening. I'll let you spend as much time on it as you like! LOL!