AgriLabs is introducing the Healthy Difference retail calf health information program to provide the calf raiser with timely educational tools relating to the health of newborn beef and dairy calves.   Producers know that the best breeding and feeding of their calves can’t overcome an unhealthy start. The Healthy Difference Program provides practical education and information – compiled by veterinarians – about how newborn calves can start and stay healthy from birth through weaning.  

I often write of the cornfield. Here, in Central Michigan, the corn plant is in the middle of its vegetative growth. On a recent one-day trip, I discovered the enduring tug of the cornfield, taking me in wandering ways through corn rows and over Midwestern terrain.

I was watching Will trying to entice a small bunch of cows through an open gate by baiting them with protein pellets. The last two cows could not find the gate! After three backtracks he finally coaxed them through. “It’s frustrating,” he said. “My dad told me cows are stupid, that’s why we eat them.” I thought that was philosophical genius! Right there in front of our eyes, akin to Columbus suddenly realizing that the earth was round or a 6-year-old discovering he can burp on command! One of those moments when a person sees there really is a master plan in the universe.

One of the jobs of a Dad is to protect his family from invaders. It explains his membership in the NRA and his tendency to look longingly at the .357 magnum in the glass case. He’s never had to shoot a grizzly bear or rabid rhino but he has imagined it – saving the family, then striking a pose like Thor on the pinnacle of the Parthenon. A covey of skunks had taken over the boneyard just over the hill from the house. An uneasy truce had been established between Mammalius squirtonamus and Dad until … he discovered they had been sneaking into his machine shed through the dog door and eating the dog’s food!

Her addictions ruled her. It affected all of her decision-making. When she had what she wanted she collapsed into neurotic pleasure and forgot about those who cared for her. When she didn’t have it she was consumed with achieving the buzz.

A skid steer is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment on a farm or ranch because it is designed to maneuver easily in tight spaces and has a variety of attachments to complete multiple jobs. Injuries from skid steer incidents can be extremely severe and include amputations, crushing injuries, mangled limbs and death.

Not too many Sundays ago, a little girl came to church in her jeans and T-shirt. She got up in front of the congregation and said, “It is not a matter of how you dress or if you come to church or not – it’s what’s in your heart that makes the difference.” She sat down.

Back in my grandparents’ day, farmwives and daughters were in charge of the household and helped out on the farm when needed. Few would have been considered in charge.