The rest of the cows are outside!

The cows loved frolicking through the spring grass in their new pen today.

Since we had a beautiful, sunny day today, we decided to move the rest of the cow herd out of the barn and into the pasture (having already moved the calves outside yesterday).  It's always so much fun to watch the herd leave the barn in the spring - they kick up their heels, roll in the grass and dirt, and run from end to end of their pen.  For being such big animals, they're surprisingly spry!

Running in the pasture

The entire herd was separated into three parts during the winter.  The calves were in the loafing shed, and the rest of the herd was split into the two loafing sides of the new barn: one side consisted of younger heifers and steers, and the other side held a bull and pregnant cows.  Since the herd has been separated for several months, they're in the process of re-ordering their hierarchy - i.e., butting heads and chasing each other.  Once they are reunited with the calves in a few weeks, they'll adjust their hierarchy again.

Enjoying the fresh grass on the west side of the new barn

Because the grass is still quite short, the herd will only stay in this pen until tomorrow.  We practice Managed Intensive Rotational Grazing with our cows: the herd stays in one portion of pasture at a time and is systematically moved to a new section of pasture almost every day.  This method allows grass to recover, increases soil fertility, and mirrors the natural herd migration that exists for large ruminants in the wild (think of bison).  We also use rotational grazing for the sheep and pigs, though they don't need to be moved as often as the cows do.

Freedom!

Soon the cows will be losing their shaggy winter coats.  They're so excited to be out in the green grass - it really feels like spring!