The calves are coming up on ten months of age. The age at which we wean them from the mamma cows. This morning we gave them their first round of vaccinations. In two more weeks, the calves will be put in a pasture adjacent to one with the cows and in another two weeks, the calves will receive their booster shots. The weaning process will be complete.

Weaning time is a prime example of our low key, low cost management practice. After coffee and sausage this morning, we called the cows and calves up, flaked out some hay in the working area and let the group mill around while we set up a catch pen. A short alley runs between the working area and the catch chute in which the calves are allowed to walk in and out of. This makes it easier to run one calf in the chute when another exits out the front. No loud noises or chasing around the pen required. Low key.

The low cost comes in by performing the vaccinations ourselves. I would encourage anyone to practice this. I would advise studying the practice first though. Speak to and watch your veterinarian. Understand the correlation between weight and dosage. Get a feel for subdural injection as opposed to intramuscular. Know the proper storage and handling of vaccines, syringes and needles. And when that last needle is properly disposed of, give yourself a pat on the back for that do-it-yourself attitude.