Observe Cattle and Discuss Farm Practices

What happens here

After distributing the hay, the farmer parks the ATV and observes his herd. He interacts directly with several cows, petting them while discussing their individual personalities, such as 'Spaz' (a particularly energetic cow) and 'Lil Levi' (a young calf). He meticulously checks for signs of impending calving, including swollen udders and rear ends, and notes any cows that isolate themselves, as these can be indicators of labor. The farmer also touches upon his breeding strategy, emphasizing the importance of 'line breeding' (a controlled form of inbreeding) to reinforce desirable traits like parasite resistance, thus reducing the need for costly medications. He advocates for grass-fed beef and a natural approach to livestock management, contrasting it with common feedlot practices and highlighting the health benefits for both animals and consumers. He concludes by stressing the importance of avoiding GMO grains and other processed feeds, preferring to let his cattle thrive on natural pasture.

Goal: Monitor animal health and discuss breeding/welfare.