It’s been a long and challenging summer for the livestock team at the farm, but this week marked an important seasonal milestone: the end of calving. Two cows (Smiley and Whiteface) had been holding out on us, until Monday when they finally had their beautiful and healthy bull calves. A whopping 12 calves were born this season, and all of us – cows and humans alike – are feeling extraordinary relieved and exhausted.
Calving is a rewarding and awe-inspiring process in which to participate, but the season rarely goes without hitting a few health concern snags along the way. While my passion for livestock stems from my interest in animals, my energies are sustained first and foremost by the wonderful humans I am fortunate to work alongside. I am incredibly, sincerely grateful for the livestock team this year doing their best to ensure everyone is healthy and thriving. Harmony Esqueda has been my fearless partner throughout the summer, and seeing her return from vacation this week was one of the happiest homecomings I can recall. The animals also benefit regularly from the hard work of Johannes Ali (’22) and Gavin Frueh (’24), two student farmers from the summer crew, as well as assists from our amazing apprentices Maddie DuBoyce (’20) and Espoir DelMain (’21).
Another update of this week is that we’ve had meat return from the butcher, and now our steak supplies are fully stocked! If you’re interested in purchasing farm meat, take a gander at our online meat store: https://dcorganicfarm.square.site/
As for the rest of the season, we’re all hopeful for sufficient rain to grow our pastures, and ideally a respite from the heat. For now, the animals are beating the heat by lounging in the shade and dreaming of cooler fall days.
Danielle
Livestock Apprentice
