Summer has arrived!

Summer has arrived!  We have been so fortunate that the Texas heat has not arrived yet.  So we have been enjoying the cooler than normal temperatures. 

Every morning when we go to feed the cattle our newest baby along with momma come to the fence together for their morning feeding.  Such a precious sight.  We feel so honored to be raising our Wagyu herd.  Seeing the growth of the cows is such a wonderful site.

Next week we will be saying goodbye to our number 50 bull.  He is such a gentle bull.  From birth to mature animals is a great experience.    Watching number 50 grow up has been a truly exciting experience.  He has such a warm, gentle nature and we always look forward to seeing, and greeting him in the morning.  When he leaves the ranch we will be sad and happy for him to continue his next stage of life.  So long 50, you will be missed.

 Preparing for winter seems strange in summer, however we have all our hay stacked and waiting for the colder months.  So important to prepare, prepare and prepare again.  Building up the infrastructure of a ranch is an ongoing task, be it putting in additional water lines, and building more fences to outside sheds.  We understand that the building up our ranch never stops with one project it goes on and on.  The cycle of living a ranch life is different from many other ways of life.  We are grateful that ranching has been a natural next step for us.   We love caring for all of our animals.  

 Within the next few weeks we will have new babies and we are excited about our new arrivals.  Like any new “parent”, watching over the new ones is a 24 hour watch duty.  Calling us caring breeders is something we are proud to wear.   More pictures will follow with our new little ones.

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.

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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.