Today's dissapointment

[George]

Well it finally stopped raining ( almost 3" in 12 hours ) so I took the dogs for a walk and one of the new calves got struck by lightning - - - I called the insurance agent and I have a $500.00 deductible so there is no need to turn it in.

I have had a 100% calf crop for several years ( lost 1 last year but had a set of twins ) - - - I still have 2 cows to calve, I'll be looking for a twin real soon to graft. Got my fingers crossed!

 

[farmboy]

a 100% calf crop for a few years is great. How many head do you run? I thought we were doing well at only a 3% death loss.

 

[Soapweed]

George, you are fortunate the cow didn't get struck, too. Several years ago we had a cow and calf both struck and killed. At least they were a pair, which is better than losing a mismatched deal where a calf turns into an orphan. Not too many years ago, we lost six yearling heifers and one bull who were all near a steel water tank when they got struck by lightning. The only way not to lose cattle once in a while is to not have any to start with. You are to be congratulated for having a one hundred percent calf crop for as many years in a row as you have had. Nice work.

 

[Faster horses]

100% calf crop for even ONE year is something to celebrate. Good for you!

We lost 7 cows and 6 calves to lightening under one tree when we were
in SW Montana. And they weren't all pairs.......

A bull breeder in SE Montana returned home after their bull sale to
find 7 cows dead. They were eating out of a bale feeder that had been struck by lightening. :shock:
That was 7 registered cows and it happened in late MARCH. :shock:

 

[George]

a 100% calf crop for a few years is great. How many head do you run? I thought we were doing well at only a 3% death loss.

I just have 18 cows - - - and most are pets as well as income earners. Just a hobby and something ( along with my dogs ) to keep me busy and active.