Y Bont: 2004: December: Wellies and Wheelbarrows

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Rhagfyr 2004 December

Wellies and Wheelbarrows

Welsh Blacks are supposed to be a hardy breed of cattle able to thrive on poorer upland farms and in adverse weather conditions. This is a fact accepted by farmers the world over and just about anyone who has ever seen a cow in a field. My girls, however, obviously haven’t been told about their breeds reputation for toughness. One little snow shower the other night left them standing by my house giving their rendition of the Bohemian Rhapsody at full volume in the early hours of the morning. I wouldn’t mind but when I couldn’t stand it anymore and got up to throw them a bale of hay they did not appreciate it and just carried on.

I’ve had a few problems these last few weeks with cows as a whole. Whilst I was busy making some ill advised investment at the auction in the Neuadd, four of my bullocks were happily wandering along the road heading for Corwen. Fortunately for me Matthew Scott came to tell me (thanks Matt) and after a brief moment of panic I rounded them up and walked them home without too much hassle. Helga finally got round to calving the other night. I had hoped she’d co-operate and do it at a decent time, but she seemed quite happy to hang on until 3.30 in the morning. To be fair she calved herself with no interference from me and produced a cracking heifer calf. The only problem with Helga was for a few days after calving, if I as so much looked the calf she went bonkers. Feeding became a case of go in the shed quietly, throw the food in the trough and get out quick before Helga creamed me up against the wall.

Most of my lambs have gone now with 45 being left inside supposedly fattening. I’ve spent a fortune on meal, fed them as much hay as they can eat. I’ve vitamin dosed them and worm drenched them. In fact I’ve done everything bar sing them to sleep at night, yet they still don’t seem to be improving. I don’t see me making my fortune on this bunch.