Sunshine and Easter Bunnies

FINALLY! Sunshine, green grass and happy baby calves. Life is good. Nick (the adopted son) was home this weekend and we got a wild hare for "livestock beautification". It was so nice this morning to amble through the calf paddock and look at the calves sporting a new look. There is something about looking at a month old calf completely maxed out that just seems strange.

Black Betty, our Maine donor has a knockout Heat Wave heifer on her this year. There is definitely something satisfying when you can take an incredible show and donor female and have her make a calf that outdoes the cow. That's 2 for 2. I guess we made a good decision on this cow.

360, the Angus cow that raised the Denver Champion Foundation Simmental as a first calf heifer has rung the bell again. We took the "clubby" route last breeding season and it looks like it is going to pay off as well. The Heat Wave and Who Made Who clicked and these calves are head-spinners.

Old Herf did it again this year. We refer to her as the old Herf but she's not really old. She foundered two years ago and doesn't get around the best. We baby her and have her feet done regularly but she kind of gimps around like me...hence "OLD" She had a massive Heat Wave bull calf. He isn't marked like a hereford but he is easily the stoutest and hairiest calf she has ever had. He is one to keep an eye on.

We are incredibly pleased with the calf crop this year. Monopoly has definitely made an impression at Nelson Cattle Company. We had no calving problems, the calves are stout, sound, hairy and...most importantly, they are dang good! I used Rocky Balboa on a smaller framed first calf heifer and got a super fancy heifer that is going to be a great show prospect. Nick has a cherry red Tiger Woods heifer that gets better every day; very feminine and has a great show look. I have an Uno Mas bull out of a Maine cow. I honestly wasn't that impressed at the beginning but the little guy is becoming a standout.

If you are ever in the neighborhood this spring I hope you will stop by and see the new calves, sit a spell at the bunkhouse and talk about your semen options this year. We are looking forward to seeing everyone! Have a happy Easter!!