Early-Summer Herd Check: Calves, Clover, and Cleanup Bulls

We’re deep into the grazing season, and the herd is in that sweet spot—bellies full of clover, calves growing like weeds, and the bull quietly getting his job done. Early-summer doesn’t always give us a break, but it does give us a chance to take stock of how the season’s shaping up.

🐮 Calves on the Grow

The spring 2025 calf crop gave us just what we hoped for—one bull and three heifers, which is excellent for our current goal of growing the herd. The calves are holding their own—thick, balanced, and already sorting themselves into personalities. Most days you can catch them bucking through the low ground or stretched out in the shade.

One calf in particular has us paying close attention: NOOB Naughty by Nature 311N. Born March 23 via Tom’s first-ever AI attempt, this red, homozygous polled 62% Lim-Flex bull calf is standing out in all the right ways. He’s the kind that catches your eye every time you walk through the herd—deep-ribbed, clean-fronted, and confident without being pushy.

His sire, HUNT GAME 169G, brings structural correctness and maternal strength, and his dam, J BAR J 2196K, is one of our best young cows. His EPDs line up with what we’re seeing on the ground:

• CED 14 and BW -0.8 — calving ease and moderation
• WW 77 — solid weaning growth
• Milk 28 — maternal strength we’ll be watching
• DOC 17 — and it shows: this calf is cool and collected

At just 44 days old, Naughty by Nature weighed in at 180 pounds—gaining 96 pounds since birth and averaging an ADG of 2.18 lbs/day. That kind of early performance, paired with his balanced structure and calm demeanor, makes him an exciting young prospect.

At just over three months old today, he’s got herd sire potential written all over him.

🐂 Bulls on Duty

Our cleanup bull is out now, covering cows that didn’t stick to their AI dates. We’ve had good weather and strong heats so far, and he is putting in the work. Most are out on the rested ground we saved after the spring rotation—green and shaded just enough.

We haven’t done preg checks yet, but we’re optimistic based on what we’ve seen in the pasture.

🌱 Pasture Conditions

The fields bounced back nicely after hay season. The first cutting gave us a strong start for the winter feed pile, and now we’re rotating the herd through regrowth, clover, and the more open hillsides. We’re still moving mineral regularly and trying to stay ahead of the thistle.

It’s not perfect, but it’s holding.

🧂 Summer Management Notes

We’ve topped off mineral tubs and kept fly control in the routine. So far, the cows look slick and the calves are staying healthy. With the heat settling in, we’re checking water sources more frequently and managing access to shade in the mid-afternoon.

🔭 Looking Ahead

In another month, we’ll start to see the heifers sort themselves out. We’ve got a few early standouts from MINO Knock ‘Em Dead. But for now, we’re just grateful to see content cows and calves grazing deep in the grass. It’s a good season to stop and appreciate the work behind us—and what’s growing ahead.

📸 Around the Ranch

👂 Your Turn

How’s your herd looking this summer? Got a standout calf or a bull that’s earning his keep? Drop us a note—we’d love to hear how things are going on your place.