Cows in Winter
Our cows live in our climate year round – in winter we feed them. A favorite activity of some adventurous guests has been to hike up and check out our winter cow picnic. It is sometimes difficult to hike up hill in winter with snow and ice, yet many adventurous guests enjoy the challenge. Our calves are born in March and April. Children are delighted to see the large animals up close.
Cows and calves eating hay in winter
The cows come to eat when we call them. We grow and feed a special hay mix of Ladak alfalfa and orchard grass. This is a good opportunity for us to inspect each one.
Cows usually have their first baby when they are two years old. Cows are generally productive until they are about 12 years old or a little more. We keep our cows as long as possible, so some reach age 15.
Our cows experience living in freedom in a low stress environment. They prefer to be called rather than chased when they are moved from pasture to pasture for range management. If guests are interested in a winter hike, they may come in to learn about proper techniques for being around animals that they do not know. We never want to scare our cows.
It is fun to see the babies. The Border Collies love participating and being part of the daily adventure.