For the most part My Farmer and his Dad take care of the hard labor end of our farm, but there have been times where my help is needed. I’ve helped to bale hay, feed the calves, and on occasion helped with herding the cows, but I don’t normally have to do any of this by myself.
The first time I helped to herd cattle was years ago and all I had was sandals on so I had to dodge the cow pies while trying to help My Farmer get the cows back in the fenced area where they belonged. Since then I’ve been put to the test many more times and if I do say so myself I’m not to shabby. I’m learning the techniques to get the job done, which includes the behavior of the cattle, their need for community, and the importance not to wear them out or spook them.
Situation Assessed!
I was put to the test again this morning! I was returning home from dropping the boys off while still in my PJs. As a got further and further down our half a mile long driveway I noticed some of the feeder calves were out of their fenced in area. I stopped in mid driveway so I didn’t spook them, assessed the situation and figured where they got out, and called my Father-in-Law to come and help me. While I was waiting for him I noticed two of the three were still close to the gate that they managed to get open. So I started to slowly drive my truck closer to them in hopes to nudge them back into the fenced in area. That didn’t work initially, but by using my truck as a barrier and running around looking like a nut and yelling at them with my arms flapping like wings of a bird to make myself bigger and more intimidating I was able to coax them back in. Phew! 2 down 1 to go!
Yes, I know that would be funny to watch if someone was video taping me. Plus me being intimidating is an even bigger joke. Thankfully I know that even though they are 5 times my weight they are more scared of me than I am of them.
My FIL trying while calf keeps an eye on me
Now the third one was a challenge and my FIL and I finally got the calf back in after 20 minutes of herding. Between constantly moving my truck as a barrier, coraling the rest of the herd into the feed lot, and opening various outer gates we were able to outsmart the calf and get him safely back into his pasture with the rest of the calves. Phew!
Thankfully we got it accomplished with no injuries to them or us, no fence to repair, and the gates are still on their hinges. I’m none to happy that I have cow poop on my white Sketchers though, and my legs were freezing since I only had PJ pants on. Oh well the sacrifice of being a farmers wife. I’m learning and wouldn’t have it any other way. 
So, how was your morning?
I’m impressed. There is no way my husband would EVER let me get the cows up by myself. He wouldn’t even let me take the tractor out of first gear when I helped with hay last summer. : )