Day 2 of the Charons Ferry muster commenced early. Fresh horses were saddled to do another sweep in the paddock to pick up the straggler cows and calves. 
Once again, the boys oversaw the drafting, assessing whether the calf was big and heavy enough to leave Mum’s side.
Tess reckons she has burnt off all the extra Easter Chocolates and then some. Dare I say, or blog, that her bottom is a teeny bit saddle sore as well. 
The mother cows were turned out although they were torn between returning to their paddock and pining for their babies left behind.
The truck arrived to cart weaners home to receive their “education and handling”, to become accustomed to grazing on their own and to enjoy some fresh pasture.
 Discussions occurred with our regular cattle transport operator, Mr Shaw, around a suitable numbers to be loaded. I guess you call this “Maths” in the real world.
The kids will definitely need a bath tonight..and the washing machine will be working hard.
While we call this work, it really is a great part of our life and although the days have been long for this mustering team, they are all still smiling and have energy to play and wrestle.
I’ve had no time to bake the banana cake yet, although maybe tomorrow I can manage Bill Granger’s Choc Banana Bread….
Tonight, the cool air carries the sound of calves crying for their warm mother’s milk. Tomorrow they will be weighed, vaccinated and nurtured on fresh hay. Once settled, boys will tail them out. And that will be another story….

There are 3 comments on this article:

  • On 11/04/2012 Anne at Great Slamseys Farm said:

    Thank you for sharing your day. It looks hard, but rewarding work. Are they your guinea fowl lurking under the trees?

  • On 12/04/2012 Ainsley said:

    They are indeed Guinea Fowl. This little flock (I counted 16 this week!) have lived in this garden for over 5 years, with little care. Obviously thriving – the boys found a nest of eggs in amongst the grass in the cattle yards…

  • On 12/04/2012 sharon said:

    your truck driver makes me smile: its nice when kids are appreciated and discussions – in all seriousness – are made with the kids about loading numbers or how to tackle the days work…its all learning, by osmosis almost!

    those weaners are looking pretty chubby too 🙂

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