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Pinedale Online > News > April 2010 > Calving Time
Calving Time
by DeeAnn Price
April 13, 2010

I’m getting plenty of exercise with trips to the field and the barn.
My muscles won’t stretch and my legs always ache, and I act just a little forlorn.

My alarm goes off for the night watch as I stumble once more from my bed.
It’s snowing outside and it’s awfully cold and I feel like I’m half dead.

The cows just aren’t behaving. Not another baby at night!
We’ve got to get the calf to the barn but Momma’s on the fight.

We called the vet at 2:00 a.m.; Caesarean number three.
We’re only half through with the heifers and Doc doesn’t do them for free.

We pulled another backwards calf and one with a foot back too.
The calving barn is already full but somehow we’ll have to make do.

When it snows and blows and the temperature drops, it’s calves with pneumonia and scours.
More antibiotics, electolytes and longer working hours.

We just put a new mother in the chute. It’s obvious that she’s mean.
She kicks and squirms and bellows but she can’t do a thing.

Then she lifts her tail and lets it fly. The cow always wins in the end.
My coveralls are covered and my glasses are splattered again.

Her calf is dumb and hasn’t got on. When I help he won’t suck or swallow.
He gives her bag a mighty bunt and hopes the milk will follow.

Yes. it’s calving time and it’s rough to get through, yet I marvel at every new birth.
And I love being part of the miracle and I never forget what it’s worth.

So though I complain of the work and the pain when our busiest time is here;
Believe it or not, I’m telling the truth; it’s my favorite time of the year!

Read for Sublette County Artist’s Guild June 16, 1999 and submitted to the S.C.J. by DeeAnn Price. Courtesy Green River Valley Cattleman's Association Cowbelles.


Pinedale Online > News > April 2010 > Calving Time

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