The calf business has been booming here on the farm, and son Justin is not too happy about it. Justin usually feeds the calves at the afternoon chores. When there were five or six calves to feed, it was a fun job. Now that he has to feed 15 calves it's more like work. He grumbles and mumbles to himself, but he always gets the job done. My mom has started coming to the barn again in the afternoon, and she gives Justin a hand feeding the hungry hoard.

We have so many calves to raise because not only are we raising the heifer calves for herd replacements, but we are also raising 8 to 10 bulls to steer, for use in our organic beef business. It means more time taking care of the extra calves, but we want to be sure to be able to meet the demand of our beef customers in the near future. And when the cousins are here visiting the farm, it means everyone will get a chance to feed a calf. I even bought a new calf feeding pail for Justin today to try to keep his attitude positive when it comes to feeding all those calves.

--Jonathan, Howmars Farm
Franklin, Vermont

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