Blog - Miles Smith Farm

Becoming a Calf Mother

Weaning is that special time when I get to bond and snuggle with this year's calves. To make the separation less stressful for the calf and its mom, we sequester the calves in the front of the holding pen, separated from the moms by a metal gate. Each cow can see her baby and know he's OK. Each calf can sniff his mom, but because they no longer have access to her milk, we dish out high-protein feed and plenty of hay. The calves have learned to eat hay and grain by watching Mom, so there is no danger of starvation.

A Generous Cow and a Mooching Calf

As happens with most pregnant cows, about two weeks before giving birth both cows' udders swelled with milk. They were pastured with a herd of Scottish Highlanders that included cows with nursing calves. Calves are always hungry and can be opportunists. One calf named Hamish, enticed by Keeper's massive teats, decided to nurse on Keeper; Keeper let her! Hamish was a moocher, and Keeper was a willing "milk machine."

My Pig and Your Pets Could Be At Risk

We reluctantly use poison to control rodents and had stashed it, we thought, out of reach. Unfortunately, Sparkle found the container, opened it, and ate its contents. I immediately called my veterinarian, who gave me the ASPCA "Poison Hot-Line" number.

An Orphaned Calf Finds a Friend

Murray (left) and June will be available for snuggling at Miles Smith Farm at the next Elspeth's Place fundraiser on Sept 25 and 26. It will be by appointment -- you don't want to stand in line these days.

The Continuing Adventures of Blain, the bull

"Why would I sell the best bull I ever owned?" The thing is, I don't need a bull anymore. On Miles Smith Farm, the breeding window is only six weeks in July and August. But I still have to take good care of my bull the other 46 weeks. During the long New Hampshire winter, that means buying him huge amounts of expensive hay.

My Relationship to Blain the Bull

It might seem that a calf born on the farm lives out his life there. That's true of 90 percent of the herd at Miles Smith Farm. But some cattle, especially Blain-the-bull, have more-interesting careers. I met Blain in 2016 when husband Bruce and I trucked three heifers, a cow/calf pair, and a bull to a cattle auction in Earlville, New York. Blain weighed 1,000-pounds, back then. With short legs and a muscular body, he was more impressive than most other bulls, regardless of breed. Short legs mean there's less bodyweight that doesn't add value. Extra muscling does add value so short legs, and a massive body are desired in a bull so these traits can be passed along. His physique was impressive, but he was also easy to handle.