Our 4th week of calving at Ogilvie Stock Ranch was a true mix of everything calving season can throw at you — newborn calves, snow, wind, sunshine and the kind of nonstop work that keeps you humble. We welcomed calves most days, processed new lambs, and spent long nights checking cows every few hours, even during a sudden six‑inch snowfall. There were a few quieter moments for catch‑up, a busy day that filled the barn, the hard day where a calf didn’t make it and a windstorm even ripped part of our machine shed roof off. Through it all we leaned on routine, vigilance, and each other.

Day 15

We started the morning with a new calf and then 2 more in the afternoon.  We processed the new lambs in the morning and they were all doing well. After in the early evening, the snow began to fall and the wind began to blow. We ended up with over 6 inches of snow along with some drifts, so we checked the cows every 3 hours. 

Day 16

Wow — what a day!   I woke up to two brand‑new calves and by midmorning we’d processed seven calves, filling the barn and outside pens.   By the afternoon the sun had the snow melting, three more cows calved within minutes of each other and we shuffled cows and calves to clean the barn and bring the new ones in. By evening two more cows were starting, so it was non‑stop care all day.   Talk about keeping us on our toes!

Day 17

Catch-up day at Ogilvie Stock Ranch — We woke up to a cow calving. We then processed all the calves from Day 16 and carefully walked through all the calves; sudden weather changes can be tough on them, so extra checks are non-negotiable. After a couple hours tidying the house in the afternoon, we shifted to working the show animals and wrapped up chores. Total calves for the day was 1. 

Day 18

A quieter day with one calf and one set of twin lambs. We had a great morning of chores and then the boys worked the show heifers. In the afternoon, we worked on the yard. Hard to believe how warm it was today. Beautiful day!

Day 19 and 20

5 cows calved.  The day was didn’t necessarily go as planned. Between wind storms and losing a calf, it just wasn’t a day we want to repeat.  A piece of the roof on our machine shed blew off in the wind storm and unfortunately not all calves are born alive and we lost one today. We were watching her calve closely but it happens. As we said, on with the next day. 

Day 21 

Sunshine, snow, then sunshine again — just another day on the ranch.  With temperatures swinging and moisture in the air, we checked the calves extra close this morning because those conditions can be tough on newborns. We brought one of the twins in and paired her with a cow who lost her calf last night; after a couple nursings in the squeeze they usually accept, and this mom been so gentle we are hopeful the transfer will take. We had three calves today, spread out through the day, and a great visit with friends that reminded me how much community matters.  

Even with the ups and downs, I’m grateful for our life. We’ll keep watching the calves closely as the temperatures swing. Thanks for following along with our calving updates — I’ll share more next week as the season keeps unfolding.