Sub Zero Temps

This weather has been an lifelong experience to remember this past February. We started the year with mild temperatures, however the 19th of February all that changed. For a solid week, we had to chip out the water throughs for all the cattle. The pond was completely frozen. In fact we worried about the cows going to the pond and trying to find water to only fall into the pond. Luckily we didn’t have a problem. Yes, we do live in Texas.

(Peaster)

As you can see the cattle survived, with lots and lots of hay.

You are looking at a piece of ice after 4 days of 70 plus weather.  I was in shock to see this piece of ice in such hot weather.  That’s mother nature for you.

Ranch Update and Shadow

As we finish up the year, we had over 9 cows sold in one week in December.  A weekly record for us this year.  We are happy and sad to send our cattle out but we know that all the buyers are excited about starting their own herd. 

Our final cowshed was completed this last week.  The pasture for the young bulls will finally have a shed for them to run to with ugly weather approaching. 

As the season changes here in Texas, the grasses start to turn brown, the trees lose their leaves, and the chill is in the air.  The cattle stay closer to the outdoor shed for protection against the cold wind.  We are happy to spend time each and every morning feeding all the cattle, horses, dogs and cats on the ranch.  Winters are slower so we can focus on spending more time with all our animals.

Shadow

It was with great sadness that I share that we lost our dear horse, Shadow.  Shadow was a rescue horse that we had for over 15 years.  He was beautiful, but boy did he have an outgoing personality.  My nickname for him was “butthead”, but I loved his spirit.  Shadow loved to bother all the other horses.  Come and play with me was what he wanted in life.  He will be sorely missed.

German Breeders Come to Erichsen Black Dog Ranch

German Breeders Come to Erichsen Black Dog Ranch
Guest Speaker:  Dr. Brad Stroud

So excited  to have a group of German Breeders visiting the Erichsen Black Dog Ranch.  A lively discussion on Wagyu Cattle in the US compared to the European market.  Our special speaker for the Day was Dr. Brad Stroud.  Dr. Stroud, spoke about his work around the world in genetics and embryo research. 

 Steve Erichsen gave an overview of the Erichsen Wagyu Cattle breeding process and his strategy for today and future of Wagyu.  We ended the day with visiting the Wagyu cattle and pictures for all.  This year because of Covid we did not have a visit, however in 2021 we will be ready again to see our German friends.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

The "Moose"

The “Moose” enters into the world with much excitement.  Our newest calf was born three weeks early,  When he was born he was gigantic and stood a good two feet taller than the other newborn (who was 5 weeks old when Moose was born).  Looking at Moose’s legs is a funny sight. Tall is one description.  Confident, eager to run with the other cows is what makes him special.  You can see by this picture he is large hence the name, Moose.   We will post pictures as he continues to grow.

Welcome

A couple of days ago, we welcomed a new member to our herd.  Momma on Wednesday night started to show signs of delivering her baby.  Around 8:00pm we noticed momma was sitting under the tree, sideways and back on her belly.  We checked a couple more times and decided we would see what the morning brings.  At 6:30 in the morning we small this itty bitty little calve.  It almost resembled a cow pile.  By midday the little calve was up and nursing.  Momma and baby were brought into the pen to keep a close eye for a couple days.  Yesterday they were given the green light to go back into the herd.  Check out their entrance into the herd at www:erichsenblackdogranch.com or on facebook.  You just have to love new little calves.

Vet Day

Thinking about going to the vet is a pretty simple process.  Having cattle makes that simple process a bit more complex.  The people over at Millsap Vet know us well.  They come to the ranch on average about 5 times a year.  From vaccinations of cattle, horses and sometimes dogs and cats.  The complex process means making sure all the cattle are in the right place for the Vet to give shots.  Right place means going and gather in other pastures all the cattle that needs to be vaccinated to the main vaccination chute in pasture one.

 This past week it was time to vaccinate our young bulls and heifers.  Moving the bulls over to the squeeze Chute is always a fun process.  The bull calves are extremely gentle.  The young bulls know the drill.  They load easy and wait in the trailer until the door closes.  Gentle would be a great description for these young bulls.

List of To Do's on the Ranch

Everyday I have my list of to do’s but most days I have a surprise event that I was not planning that happens too.  Today, I’m planning on moving our bull calf to be with the other bull calves. In the back pasture.  Weaning is completed, horns are gone, and now the move is happening.  This bull calve is very gentle, and moves into the trailer with ease.  The short ride to the back pasture is quick.  Meeting his brothers appears to be full of joy.  The bull calve is greeted by number 17 with enthusiasm.  It appears that number 17 found his playmate.  They joyously move to get under the tree quickly especially in this 107 degree day it’s the only cool place here in Texas.

Now onto looking into weaning the calves.  I have four calves that I’m weaning.  Two Angus that will be AI in the future and two full blood heifers.  All horns are gone so now it’s waiting time to fully wean.  One of the cows has a running nose, so after talking to the vet will take in for a quick set of shots to make sure the cow is solid before releasing into rest of the herd.  Taking care of all my cattle and horses make up about 3 hours of my day.  The rest of the day is spent on ranch maintenance or getting supplies for the ranch.   

It’s hot in Texas, which means its 100-degree plus days and high eighties at night.  Making sure there is fresh water for the cows and horses is a must.  Cleaning out the water is also a must.  Making sure there is plenty of shade is a blessing we have on our ranch.  We have excellent loafing sheds and lots and lots of oak trees to comfort the hot animals.   Salt blocks are everywhere for the horses and cattle.

One of the most difficult duties of the ranch is painting the pipe fence.  We have miles and miles of fence.  This year we have decided to make it a priority to get the pipe painting done.  Each week we dedicate two days to paint.  The painting might only be a couple of hours a day but we make it happen.  We are almost reaching our goal of painting this year.  Next year we will start over again.  It never ends.

Tomorrow we will be visiting a specially feed company and exploring their mixture of feed.  All of our cattle are grass fed on our ranch.  We supplement our feed with minerals and corn, but we are exploring if there are better feed for the Wagyu  breed.  Stay turn for more information.

Steve and Mary