I love this time of year because the days are getting longer (I get to work a little longer every day) and there has been a break in that long cold spell that kept us all inside. I think the cows can even tell that the weather is turning. They seem to be a little bit spunkier, running around the barnyard kicking up their heels.
One of the challenge we are running in to this season is the price and availability of young stock. Because of the drought in the West and Midwest the last two summers, ranches have been liquidating their herds due to lack of feed and carrying capacity. That has put the squeeze on availability of yearlings which I usually buy soon to run through the summer for next year’s harvest.
Of course when the availability decreases, the price goes up. I may have to settle on less animals for next year. This year is all good but next year is still in question. The animals we have for this summer harvest look beautiful. I’ll keep you posted when I know more about what I am able to find for next year’s herd. It never is easy.