Meet Ginger!

Here at The Sparrow Way we have many animals… Like cows, horses, chickens, deer, birds… but my favorite is Ginger. She is our Irish Dexter calf and she’s adorable… Take a look for your self!

I know… I can hear the “Awe’s…”  We got Ginger this winter out in Nebraska with the rest of my parents’ herd.  We have black, red and dun colored dexters and they are the cutest, most tame cows ever!  I haven’t really been around cows much of my life but my other half sure knows a thing or two… He grew up around them and always helped with his uncle at his grandparents’ farm.  He’s my cowboy! (…Insert hearts here…)

This winter has sure been a learning experience for me, but I’m thankful for it!  There have been some extremely harsh, cold days and nights lately, and if you’re anywhere close in the midwest region you know exactly what I mean!  To say it’s been “freezing” is an understatement.  But on those freezing and way below freezing days and nights, we both were out there breaking ice.  And sometimes together even… Oh how romantic! 

Taking care of the cows in crazy low temperatures is a task, I’m slowly finding out! But I’d say it’s so worth it.  It’s been giving me something to get out of the house for!  And of course, I always am so happy to see the girls!… And yes, the bull too!  He openly receives the neck rubs! The girls on the other hand, are still warming up. I absolutely love treat time though. They all spot the blue bucket and come running, literally! I think it’s the cutest thing to see an animal, who is pushing 800 pounds, run and kick her legs up because she’s so excited!  Then they bury their heads in the bucket and it’s quite the challenge to get it back… they are so strong! (Have some grace and patience with me here, you farmer and ranchers!… I’m still learning!)

Our parents and I have named every cow out here, and I think it has helped with connecting with them!  One of our girls practically comes when we holler out her name, “Sally.” She’s ‘The Momma’ of the herd for sure! She’s always got an eye on whatever is going on, she’s the protector for sure and still, she’s always the first one to the treat bucket!  I’d say she eats the most too…

We’ve got 4 that are pregnant right now and will be dropping in the spring, we’re all hoping late spring so that it’s warmer out here in the hills!  But wow, that is going to be so exciting!  And nerve-wracking… Just because it’s so new to me!  But what the heck? They know what to do right? I just can’t wait to get out there and get a halter on the new calves, and of course, take as many photos that my phone will possibly hold!  (There’s your warning of what is to come…)
I’ll leave you all with some pictures of us with my parents’ herd + Ginger! 

Ranching and farming is tough work! And there are so many in America right now that don’t get thanked enough for the work you do.  So if you are one and you’re reading this, thank you!  Thank you for going out in crazy freezing temperatures to break the ice so they can drink. Thank you for staying up in the middle of the night just to make sure the calves are born and there are no complications. Thank you for staying out in the heat and moving the herd around just to be sure they’re comfortable.  Thank you! For all you do!

Thanks to my husband and my dad! We’re just starting to grow a herd but I can already see the same qualities in the farmers and ranchers who really love and take care for their herd, even on the days when it’s tough, when it’s so much easier just to drive home and get warm in front of the fire, you choose to take care of the herd.

Thank you.