A Sad Day on the Farm

Due to the excessive drought, lack of grass, increase in cost of feed and necessity of early feeding, Mel decided we needed to sell 13 cows. He had worked very hard and put a lot of thought and planning into the kind of bull to use, feed, and calving dates.  He commented, "I had just gotten the herd like I  planned and wanted." 
Depending on the winter we just couldn't risk running out of hay early and then the $100 increase per ton of feed used.  Business decisions had to outweigh the sentimental desire to keep them. We still have 20 cows and 7 young heifers so we will start building back our herd again. 
I think of the scripture, Jeremiah 29:11 which says,  "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord,  "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".  Our task is to pray, listen and seek God's plan.

Some of the cows still on the farm

The trailers heading out.  Joe and Jerry came to help and provided another trailer so less trips to the sale barn would be made.

At the sale barn

 

 A last look at our "good-looking" cows