Spring on the ranch means weather that can’t make up its mind and a day that never quite goes as planned — sunshine, snow, wind, and newborns keep us moving. This week was a perfect snapshot: extra-close checks, bringing a twin into the barn and pairing her with a new mom who lost hers, quiet days that let us tackle yard work and bookkeeping, and surprise births (including a backwards calf) that remind us calving season always has the last word. Between the boys working their show animals, deliveries to Kamloops, and visits from friends and family, we leaned on routine and each other.

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.  

Day 22

Early-morning surprise on the ranch — I found twin lambs during my check and we welcomed two new calves! I moved the lambs into the barn where they curled into clean straw with bellies full of warm milk — quick warmth and a good feed really make all the difference for newborns. In the afternoon, it was sunny but the wind kept us on our toes while we worked in the yard and when the boys worked their show animals.

Day 23

A quiet day for calving and lambing. We processed the calf that arrived last night and the boys spent the morning working their show animals. With hardly any wind, we used the calm to tackle yard work — there’s something so satisfying about getting the list done when the weather finally cooperates.

Day 24

Quiet day—kind of… until the calves had other plans. We hauled in and processed the 2 a.m. calf, then walked through all the calves while snow gently fell; afternoon was spent on books and yard work, and the boys spent evening chores playing in the barnyard and working the show animals. We brought in a cow that looked uncomfortable (she hasn’t calved yet) and turned out the cow we fostered on the twin—she absolutely adores her new baby and the twin is doing well. The late evening surprised us with a backwards calf, a good reminder calving season keeps us on our toes.

Day 25

Woke up to two brand-new calves this morning — the best kind of surprise! After chores we walked through pasture to make sure everyone was healthy; the boys read off calf numbers while I checked them off my list. That little ritual keeps us accountable—on a big pasture it’s easy to miss a calf, but our daily checklist and teamwork help us catch anything early and keep everyone thriving.

Day 26

Another windy and chilly day! We sure get a lot of spring wind up here! In the afternoon, the boys and I did our weekly beef deliveries in Kamloops. One bred heifer, – first time mom, calved later in the afternoon and my parents took it in the barn to keep it out of the wind. 

Day 27

We woke up to another heifer, first time mom, with a newborn calf. She had done a great job and had it all licked off. Our last ewe lambed shortly after and had triplets and a cow had a very white steer calf. By the time she had lambed, the wind had picked up again so we quickly moved the lambs into the barn under the heat lamp to move up. Later in the afternoon, another cow calved and had a cute tan (Charolais x) calf. 

All of it — the late nights, the satisfying checklists, the laughter with friends, and the quiet moments when a lamb curls up under a heat lamp — makes me grateful for this life and the people in it. Calving and lambing season keeps us on our toes, but it also shows how much teamwork, quick thinking, and a little kindness matter. Have you ever fostered a calf or helped match one to a new mom? I’d love to hear your story below.