This past week I was at PCC® headquarters in Cheyenne Wells, CO for Bull Workdays. There were several guests present, along with world-renowned cattle judge, PJ Budler. He spoke about the fundamental profit-producing traits and pointed out some “tells” of fertile, masculine bulls: A stout bull head, wide-set eyes, strong jaw, wide muzzle, pronounced neck crest and well-developed testicles. He introduced me to a new term: the “scrag.” This is the area where the crest of the neck meets the shoulders. He said a thick scrag is an indicator of superior muscling.

During my stay, several people asked why there has been no Herd Quitter® Minute. Well, my mother taught me, if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all. It has been a tough summer with drought, fires, and some miserable grazing. One of the guys said I need to share the bad with the good because we all have troubles.

So here it is: we started the summer saying goodbye to my Dad in May. He finished his course and was ready to meet Jesus. Good for him, but sad for us. Our summer grazing for our first-calf heifers cancelled out due to drought. We changed gears to graze a couple of farms that we usually put up for hay. Cancelling our summer plans, I drug out my electric fence and walking boots. By mid-summer, the second farm consisted of low-quality, over-mature fescue. They ate it, but the cows were NOT satisfied at all, bawling at me like they’re starving every time I go to check on them. Just recently, they had access to some swampy cattails and willow sprouts. The result was several cases of foot rot. Although Draxxin made quick work of it, you hate to see them in pain. Add to that a broken-legged heifer, an injured bull, and a disappointed bookkeeper.

On a positive note, we took some time off to spend with family doing some group therapy, as well as special rehab for Nana and Papa. It worked wonders! The cows have since moved on to greener pastures, which makes checking on them a lot more pleasant.

Everybody needs an attitude adjustment now and then. Turns out that all we needed was a little green grass and some time off. I’ll see you next time on the Herd Quitter® Minute.