Here is the first calf for the season.  Early for 2015 or late for 2014!
 Because she was born during the Christmas season I have named her Chrissy.  Her mother is named Jasmine, a first time Mom.
Well look what Father found in the dark wee hours of Boxing Day morning.  Our first heifer calf born to Jasmine.  We were not sure when Jasmine was due because she had never had a calf before and thus we were not sure if or when our new bull Mike had actually gotten down to business and well, got the job done.  Being as Mike was not even a year old himself it is quite something to see a calf on the ground so early.  So it was amazing that this little girl arrived safe and sound in the balmy wet weather of Boxing Day morning.  This Momma had to carry her over to the loafing barn to lay her on a bed of clean straw which was a bit of a challenge because first, I am not as young or as strong as I was in the past and second, these hefty critters are as slippery as bars of soap in wet hands when they are newborn.  All the while you are straining under the weight of the calf, you are also trying to keep an eye on where Momma is to make sure she is not taking offence and deciding to plant you in the ground for your efforts.  We were fortunate however as this new mom was right on her baby, licking and cleaning her up to make sure she was dry and warm.  She did not seem at all bothered by my intrusion.  In no time at all Chrissy was up drinking the precious colostrum, assuring us that she was going to be healthy, strong and independent.  Whew, what a relief from some of the other rodeos that we have had to master.  Good job Jasmine and also to you Mike, you are proving your worth already.  If you keep up this kind of work ethic, you may find a long happy life ahead of you here on the farm.