Introducing Maggie

We have a very special part of our family that helps out on the farm and because she does such a great job, I only thought it was fair to introduce her to the world.

Maggie was born on April 4, 2010. We chose her from the litter within a couple of days and couldn't wait to bring her home. When she was ready, we picked her up and decided that we were going to keep her in the house so she could really attach to the family. For us this was different because in the past all of our working dogs stayed outside. We knew Maggie was different...we knew that she was going to be something special in that very first week. She loved to cuddle and always wanted to be in someone's lap. She was very curious but also very docile. She was serious business with the cows and a loving pet with the girls.

As she has grown, Harry has worked with her and trained her to be his right-hand gal. She loves doing her job and as a matter of fact, when she isn't doing it, she drives herself a little batty with an obsessive need to chase something (usually ends up being the other dogs!).

Harry uses commands such as "go out, easy, trail 'em, and drive" to alert Maggie when help is needed. The commands" that'll do and down" tell her she is finished. She is amazing to watch in the field as she focuses on only two things: the cows and Harry. Border Collies are obsessive by nature and Maggie is no different. She wants to please Harry, but more than that she wants to do her job. Here on the farm, we use Maggie to help us move cows from pasture to pasture because she is gentle with the animals. Her agility and quickness allow her to be right where she needs to be to help move or turn the herd. One thing I know for sure, her situational awareness as Harry calls it, is much better than mine. I am positive she is a better helper than I will ever be!

It's Like Musical Chairs

Our farm uses rotational grazing because it is environmentally sensitive. This procedure allows for our grasses to have adequate time to rejuvenate, and it assists in decreasing soil erosion and overgrazing. This practice allows for optimum grass growth while preventing damage that would negatively impact the quality of our soil and grass. This means that our cow herds spend one week in a pasture and then move to the next pasture. So essentially our pastures have one week of intensive grazing and three weeks of rest. Rotational grazing is considered one of the best practices for proper grassland management.

Our mama cows have this system down to a science. These ladies know exactly when it's time to move and all we have to do is open the gates. The herd moves easily to their new home each week. This morning it was time to rotate pastures and I took some pictures of our mamas and babies. Everyone is happy and healthy. I can't imagine a better way to start a summer morning.

Where the Green Grass Grows

Having just moved across the country from Wyoming, I am so thankful for the green grass and green trees that surround us here at Vistamont Farms. Green grass is the main menu item for the cows on our farm. An abundance of green grass means that our cows are well fed and healthy. All of this grass also means that it's the season for haying which keeps Harry and Rich very busy.

Haying is a three step process that includes cutting the hay into windrows, raking it to turn it so it can dry all the way through, and baling it into large round bales that can be fed to the cattle. This process is a science that requires close attention to the condition of the hay and of course, current weather patterns. It often seems like we are in a race against time to make sure that Mother Nature doesn't rain on our freshly cut hay. Another major factor in this race is that equipment sometimes has a mind of its own!! But there is nothing that signals summer is finally here better than the smell of fresh cut hay!!

New Additions

Spring is in the air!! 

Vistamont Farms is proud to show off our newest additions!

 New calves from this season!

 The "Nursery"

 Look at that face!

 Concerned Mamas

Now where did that little one go??

One big, happy family

Calving 2012

Calving season is right around the corner. Our mama cows are getting heavy which is a great sign that new life is just around the corner. This exciting time starts near the end of February when we should begin to see new calves on the ground. Mama cows are very smart and find places that are safe to birth their young. This means that we are on constant watch around the pasture to ensure that the mamas are caring for their newborns right away. It is important that new calves nurse in the first few hours to get the all important colostrum which gives them protection from disease in the first few months of their lives. Another part of the calving process is ensuring that all calves are tagged with the same number as their moms and banded if necessary! There is nothing like the sight of a newborn calf standing and wobbling toward its mother as it experiences life for the first time. Stay tuned for pictures our new additions!

Welcome

Vistamont Farms would like to welcome you to our new blogspot. We will be using this media to dialogue about the daily operations of our beef cattle operation. Please feel free to follow us and check in often. You can also visit our webpage at www.VistamontFarms.com for more information about our products.