I did it; committed to it . . .

[Kathie in Thorp]

Pondered it long over the last week, and while I was helping load street sweeper brushes this weekend, and cleaning out the raised beds, and just generally thinking my cattle plan over (and why do I work 9-hr. days?) . . . and committed to buying a reg'd British White cow/calf pair (7 week heifer calf) from MT, from a well-respected older guy retiring there. 2 trailer-loads will go to OR, and one of them will side-track to here. I'm excited! And Hubby isn't opposed. All good.

[Jogeephus]

Fresh genes will be good. No need to end up like West Virginia.

[Kathie in Thorp]

They are scheduled to arrive here from Victor, MT on Mother's Day. Perfect!

[Kathie in Thorp]

The pair arrived on the 24th about 7:30 pm. Hauler had some truck issues, then a family medical emergency that delayed the trip. They look good, but off-loading was not uneventful.

My pair and 2 yearling heifers were in the back compartment. For some reason, I assumed his 20+ ft. trailer had 3 compartments, but in truth only 2. I had figured since this was his first stop on the way to OR and then N. Calif., it would be easiest to put our pair in the back; then he could just back inside the gate to a small pasture area and kick 'em out. Long story short: his carefully planned maneuvers to get heads pointed in the right direction, etc., failed miserably when the calf door was opened, and all 4 were out and on the run. And those yearling heifers were wild-eyed and high-headed. After 2-1/2 hours, 2 busted fences, and 3 round-ups, the heifers were finally back in the trailer, with no broken bones and no bleeding gashes (would have been lots of bleeding if the busted fences had been barb wire instead of field fence). Poor guy still needed to get south of Portland before he could quit for the night, and he didn't get out of here till 10:00. Have removed "stock hauler" for my list of things I might want to do when I grow up.

[cow pollinater]

Alls well that ends well. The little unexpected rodeos are just part of the fun.

[Kathie in Thorp]

I know, CP. There are far worse critter fiascos every day than this one was.

[Workinonit Farm]

Well, aside from all the excitement I hope the new pair are doing well and turn out to be everything you hope for.

Katherine

[Kathie in Thorp]

There is peace in the valley -- and they look good!