It was an exciting weekend at Otium Farms.  We welcomed our first calf of the season on Saturday.  We have given him the name "Uno".  Cow #12710 is the proud new momma, and is doing a great job with her first born.  The calf is a bull, and is doing great.  The rest of the herd is very curious, so Uno is getting alot of attention. 

There was a brief moment of concern when momma lost track of her baby while she was grazing.   Momma had gotten some distance from the calf who was laying down in some tall grass, and when the momma realized the calf was not next to her she panicked.  Jeanine was alerted while working in the garden by the momma frantically searching for her calf.  Of course Jeanine, being the momma that she is, when into panic mode also, as she didn't see the calf either.  She drove down to the south pasture where I was working to tell me, but by the time we got back up to the north pasture they were reunited.  
We are expecting some busy weeks ahead as the other heifers are getting huge and look ready to calf at any time. 

Tiger the farm dog has decided that it is cool to dive into fresh cow patties, so he gets regular baths after the farm visits. 

Ami has been working hard with her horses, Shanti and Shilo, and things seem to be going smoothly as their bond gets stronger.

Jeanine's garden is growing and she is seeing her first fruits and vegatables start to form.   She is hoping for a big harvest as payoff for all of her hard work.

I have been working in the south field running fence to start the rotational grazing.  The hay should be ready for the second cut in about four weeks.

Well its been a long week.  Farm work everynight after work-work.  I don't like getting home so late, but some things just need to be done and weekends aren't long enough.  

The beaver battle rages on.  I thought I had come to an understanding with them, as they were letting the flow of the creek remain at a trickle for many weeks.   Now it seems they have changed their terms, and completely dammed up again, flooding into the pasture and my bridge road over the creek.  A huge tree was down on the bridge road and I spent hours in a down pouring rain cutting it up so I could get through with the tractor.  Pesky varmits.

The cows were turned out into the grove and they are lovin it.  Tall lush grass, lots of shade, and more contact with me, the farmer!  That's the part I love anyway. 

Turkey's are nesting and I have spotted one nest so far with 11 eggs.  I will be keeping a closer eye out when working in the pastures.  TTFN

Well we just finished our first hay cutting of the season.  Talk about on the job training.   Hopefully the next cut will go a little smoother.  It would be great to run two tractors, as I would love to have someone raking in front of the baler.  I ended up working nights getting the raking done and the first part of the baling.  Killed a six ft gator in the hayfield, he got in front of the John Deere and I just didn't see him until it was too late.  Sorry gator.
Ami and I went and picked up her two horses on Saturday.  She was exicited and the horses are just beautiful.   They are Shilo and Shanti, a gelding and a mare.  She has alot to do this summer with training and getting to know them.   The introduction of the horses to the cattle went well, but it was a little hairy for a moment, now they are sharing the same pasture. 
The neighbors moved their huge Angus bull into an adjacent pasture, which ticked off Moopheus the bull with our herd.  But I think they have come to an understanding.  Jeanine finished planting her garden, and Gabriel and Christabel were a big help to her. 
The beavers have been busy as usual dam building, I have given up on fighting them, as it was pointless.  Everything I would tear down that they built, they would have repaired overnight.  I have decided that I need to learn to live in harmony with them, because really there is no other choice.   
Tiger the puppy just loves the farm and runs until he passes out, he is so funny.
Joey, Jeanines brother cooked a pork shoulder on an open fire of pecan wood Friday and made for a fantastic meal, man that guy can cook, thanks bro.