Week two of the main calving season at Ogilvie Stock Ranch is in full swing. From bringing a newborn in on the Polaris side-by-side to watching our boys roll out fresh straw and work with the show cattle, it’s been a mix of joyful firsts, quiet sunrise checks, and the small routines — keep reading for photos, twin antics, and behind-the-scenes calf care.
Day 1 and 2
The main calving has begun! We have had 5 calves over the past two days. The sun has been shining so they have only be taken into the barn if they are born at night or early in the morning. This photo is from yesterday when we were bringing in a new calf. He had dried off outside during the afternoon so he stayed on the straw with his mom last night.
One of the boys previous show cows calved early in the morning and had a beautiful steer calf. He will definitely be on the list to watch this fall for the boys 2027 steer project!
We put fresh straw out for the cows in the barnyard on March 1st. The boys had fun helping to roll the last of the bale out and then playing in the straw!
Here is an inside look at bringing a newborn calf in with our @polarisorv side-by-side and calf trailer. The cow can easily see and smell the calf so she usually follows along easily. This cow never missed a step following her calf in. Who wouldn’t want a ride like this to a clean, dry barn? Who agrees?
Day 3-6
It’s been a quiet few days and a slow start to the calving season for the main cowherd with only 3 calves. We have had a bit of rain which is good for the water supply but not as much fun for calving. These heifers looked very relaxed at the early morning check during a beautiful sunrise! A slow start means that it should be very busy quickly!
What a sweetheart – This little heifer calf is a sweetie! Her mom is carefully watching over her while we do the evening chores. Can’t wait to watch her grow. Knowing her mother, she will probably become a cow in our herd in the future. Who else loves her little eye goggle?
Twin update: these two are quite the crew — when their mother wouldn’t stand, they figured out a way to nurse! Have you ever seen a pet improvise like that? Tell me your favourite moment below!
Sunrise with the herd this morning—pure spring magic. I did an early check on the cowherd and watched them ease out of the trees into the open; with no wind and the temperature just right, the ranch felt perfectly peaceful. I love spring mornings on the ranch—the light, the hush, and that sense of new beginnings that makes all the work feel worth it. Who else loves spring?
Day 7
In the morning we processed a calf that was born the day before and the boys worked their show animals. We then walked through all the calves to make sure they are staying healthy. After quick trip to town, we then had one calf later in the afternoon.
Happy calves enjoying their cozy shelter today! We top their bed with fresh straw regularly so it stays clean and dry — a simple routine that helps prevent sickness. Their moms stand just outside, quietly watching.
As the week wraps up we’re grateful for a slow-but-steady stretch—peaceful mornings, and plenty of cozy calves enjoying fresh straw with their moms. We’ll keep processing, checking, and sharing the little wins (and surprises) as the season picks up; that twin duo and the sweet little heifer are already stealing hearts. If you enjoy these calving updates, please share them so others can follow along, and tell us in the comments what behind-the-scenes calf care you’d like to see next.
