“The Character of every action depends
upon the circumstances in which it
is done”.
~Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.~

I had the opportunity to bid adieu to the last day of winter at midnight and welcome in the new spring all under an exquisite full moon this last month as I set out on my nightly calving check. It was one of those rare nights that I didn’t need the flashlight I was carrying, or even the heavy coat I was wearing. The fatigue that had been gathering for weeks after spending so many nights checking and re-checking cows even seemed to lift. I had what I refer to as one of those rare moments in time when for just a few beats everything in the sphere of my universe was happy, or rather more like contentment with life and everything in it. There is nothing like finding a healthy newborn calf up and nursing in the moonlight to bring home what really is important.

On the subject of healthy calves, I want to bring to our reader’s attention a new book that one our feature contributors has just completed. Heather Smith Thomas has a great book out titled “Essential Guide to Calving”; it is the most comprehensive piece of work on the subject that I’ve ever seen. Once you start going through it you find out just out much you didn’t know about problem births, twins and so much more. It is 336 pages of information imparted in terms that does not require you to have a veterinary license to comprehend it. It is complete with photos, diagrams and short personal side stories of the problem births and sick calves that she has encountered over the years, it will keep you riveted for hours. No, I’m not receiving any monetary gain for my promotion of this exceptional piece; I believe that its one of those things every one who has a cow should have on hand for reference. It is published by Storey Publishing who can be reached through www.storey.com or (413) 346-2199. The cost is $24.95 paperback or $34.95 for hardcover.

We’re providing you some easy reading this month as well. From Heather we have an article “Rebreeding Two-Year Olds” that brings in some sage advice that will help you keep those young cows on track. In the Western Cowman Retrospective, Wes Ishmael takes a look at where Animal rights organizations are today. We then take a trip to artichoke country to visit with the Bianchi family, as they go about their busy days in the Charolais business. These are just a few of the terrific reads we have in store for you.

Settle in with something to sip and treat yourself to a dose of spring fever as you flip the pages of this sunny spring issue. By April my sleep deprivation should be over and I’ll be able to enjoy the trail with all those calves on it. Stay content, stay unique, and keep it real…….Happy Trails.