Checking bulls for fertility before they are introduced to the cow herd.

There are a host of things that must be done on the ranch to ensure that the animals are properly taken care of and in condition to produce the next calf crop. 

One of those things is fertility testing the bulls before putting them out with either the cow herd or the heifers in the breeding program for the year. This has already proved to be a challenging year due to the drought we have been in. Our forage was very slow to get started growing this spring which means less total forage for the year. 

We are glad for the recent rain and things are looking somewhat better than earlier. We had 22 bulls in to see the vet. Five will have to be taken back in a couple of weeks for retesting. There is one we are especially concerned about. The rest will probable be ok but unfortunately bulls do sometimes experience fertility problems. It is very disappointing to lose one but that does happen as well. 

Life on the ranch can be brutal, from drought to flooding to health problems to market crashes. It can also be exceedingly pleasant. I love it even with all the challenges. 

God bless.