This Way To My Blog

This Way To My Blog

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Whiff Of Cow Poop Fills The Air

At least it isn't smoke today. I took John up the street to the cattle auction to collect his check from selling several large calves. He made two trips and two telephone calls and he went to bed without his check. we heard there was the largest amount of tucks, trailers, pick-ups and anything they could haul a cow or a bunch in. People are having to sell out. The drought is past serious. The stock tank where John's daughter lives is the lowest it has been since John has leased the ranch. So far the well is holding up to fill the stock tank at the ranch where the renters live and provide enough water for the renters. Cows drink a lot of water. John has moved a large trough near the water for the house and fills it every other day. The cows are enjoying the fresher water. If they would use their head and not poop and pee in the tank when they stand in there. Cows can be dumb in someways but when it comes to taking care of their babies they are smart. So far John is hanging in there but he talks everyday about maybe having to sell. Its a hard decision to make as sometime just when you sell the rains come and it cost more to replace. We have a chance for some showers next week but showers won't cut it at this stage in the game although we will be thankful for anything we get.

13 comments:

Jon said...

I really hope you get some rain soon, even if it's too little too late. It's supposed to rain here in the Lubbock area Wednesday night and Thursday. I'll try to send some your way....

Donna. W said...

Cliff's Kansas brother helped a farmer has a farmer neighbor who traveled to Texas with four big trucks and bought out a guy's whole herd. Cliff's brother drove one of the trucks for him. I guess there are bargains there, if a person has the wherewithal to get the cows home.

Toon said...

That's really sad. I hope you guys get a nice, long soaking rain soon.

TexWisGirl said...

this latest severe heat wave is just adding insult to injury, isn't it? 107 here yesterday - hottest day ever this late in the year. just insanity... draining everything it can possibly get...

Jill said...

This just makes me so sad for all of you down there. I keep praying you get rain. Hang in there.

DD said...

I read that Texans are suffering the worse drought in history right now. The article went on to describe the cattle sales at doubled and trippled numbers. Lord, please send rain.

Helen said...

I have been sending up prayers for Texas to get rain. Helen

jack69 said...

Very sad about the drought and folks haveing to sell out. Yeah, it is a tough decision for John I am sure but I am glad the well is holding out. That pump is sure working over time.
Sending Love from across the Gulf, we are now in Central Florida.
Sherry & Jack

Marty said...

I'm doing a rain dance on your behalf. Oh, and a wind dance, too ... to whisk away the essence of cow poop!
Best,
Marty

Leontien said...

I am soo sorry to hear this. And yes i am doing a rain dance too... maybe it helps.

I feel for john. I had a big conversation yesterday with our cow jockey and he been telling me all the horses and cows that everybody is selling. I sure hope you get some rain soon.

Leontien

Anonymous said...

And one of the great things about all your posts is that they are based on reality, not theory.
~Mary


ps doing my rain dance too

~mel said...

A pear ball ~ ewww... don't go touching that! Oh I'm praying for that rain for you. It must be absolutely exhausting being in such a long stretch of heat and lack of rain. I heard on the news today about a hay drive being made from WI to TX. Wisconsin is bringing down their excess hay as we had bumper crops in some areas this year. I don't know where you call to find out; but maybe you can get some hay for your cattle. As far as I understand it ~ there isn't suppose to be any cost to the farmers ... or if there is it's suppose to be very minimal. Oh... there are so many people praying for rain for your area and cooler weather. Hang in there!!!!

salemslot9 said...

prayin' for rain
for your John's cows