Smarter than a 12-month old heifer?

Nope! Last weekend was a real challenge. Suffice it to say, a 500 lb. heifer, three 900 lb. steers, and a 1200 lb. cow can jump over any fence if she/he is truly motivated. One motivation? Getting back with "mama." Another motivation? Wanting to "be" with papa.

Last weekend was spent trying one thing, then another to try to wean the 12-month-old heifer and re-wean one of the steers. The last place that seemed to be working was the small pasture near the house. By Saturday night about 11:45 p.m. I finally, begrudgingly, got up to find my earplugs. Let me tell you, cows are loud! And, they don't get tired bellowing! Earplugs again Sunday night and by now I'm worried that the closest neighbors are going to come, gun in hand, to put us all out of our misery.

Monday morning about 3 a.m., Sandy needed to go out. While out, she started barking at something and I realized that the gang I had in the pasture next to the yard were now in the yard (past an electric wire and over the fence). Went back to bed, but as soon as it started getting a little light, I went out and secured (yeah, right) them again and gave them some hay as a distraction. Went in, took my shower and got ready for work. Ready to walk out the door, I spotted, once more, one of the steers back in the yard. Wondering where the others were, I started looking around and finally realized that they were all back in with the herd (over yet a second fence) AND, most importantly, that Big Red was very, very, very interested in the young heifer.

I quickly changed back into my farm clothes, grabbed my cell phone and a 3' long stake and started trying to dissuade Big Red from following through on his natural instincts, following them around the pasture and yelling "NO, NO," poking at him with the stake each time he started making his move -- all the while trying to judge his temperament. (I was remembering the story that Mr. Morrow had told me about a fellow he knew who was killed by a bull that had left him without a stitch of clothes on his body.) I might add, the heifer was not helping one bit because she was also very, very, very interested in the bull's affections.

While I was running around after them, I called Ann (sheep owner, vet) and asked her how critical the situation was. She said that there was something you can inject to cause the heifer to abort, but it would be much better if I could just separate them for at least 12 hours. She said give her 30 minutes to get ready and she would head out to help. Another thing I have observed is that when one cow is in heat, EVERYONE is interested in someone . . . little bull calves are jumping up on the bull, a cow, or each other . . . cows are jumping up on each other . . . everyone is mingling around the bull, seemingly jumping (with an "h") on anything within reach!

Well, after a while, I was actually able to get the heifer back in the yard, with a cow to keep her company, and then into the adjacent pasture. (Called Ann and said never-mind.) Before I could get the water container moved, they were both back in the yard. (Called Ann and said yes, come.) Grabbed a bucket, got some grain to lure Big Red into the pond area, thinking I would try to isolate him, rather than her. Thankfully, he was more interested in food than amour and was faster than the heifer and the cow, who by now decided they'd like some food, too, and jumped the second fence. Now all were heading toward me and the food. Finessed Big Red and the steers (to keep him company) into the pond area. (Called Ann and said never-mind.) Freshened up, changed clothes and went to work feeling like I had already put in a full day's work.

After keeping them apart for the required length of time, all are back together and I have 17 - 20 days to try to outsmart the heifer and secure her. Hopefully, Big Red will go about his business with the big girls but for now, no one seems interested since the little heifer is out of heat. . . go figure.