Cows!

[cowman]

Oh and by the way Linda: I'm still a lttle sceptical about the chokecherries...and the rasberrys(1000 canes).. but she thinks we can rock and roll on syrup! I've got to admit the stuff she makes is dynamite! But will it sell?
Well, we'll see? Don't have to worry about it for a couple of years?
She does supply all the lettuce, onions, (very soon tomatoes) etc. for the concession stand from the garden so
that is an added bonus!(I'm thinking why not supply the beef patties?)
I'm actually feeling really excited about this whole deal! It's nice to know that maybe there is some sort of future in agriculture...even if it is very radical to the day when we just raised beef and grain!

[cakadu]

This is so good in so many ways. First and foremost, everyone and I mean everyone, makes a mistake or two along the way. Most of us are determined to learn from our mistakes and better ourselves, which includes taking a hand up from others from time to time.

It is a step in the right direction and certainly is something different from what has been done and thought of in the past, but I think that many are now beginning to recognize that we need to do things differently today and into the future.

Listen to what your customers are telling you and do what you need to in order to provide what they are asking for.

It's great that this young lady is willing to work and I'm sure it gives her a sense of accomplishment to see sales going so well and to have you pleased also.

If we can get you to believe, cowman, just think of the possibilities that are in front of us. Best of luck in your venture!

[whiteface]

My concern is with the "regular meals" the coyotes have been receiving they are flourishing more than ever and aquiring an even stronger desire for beef. There's an additional den on my place this year with 5 pups instead of 3 or 4 and I'm concerned that when we stop feeding them if they will starve or worse become a problem. I wonder if any one else has really considered the impact of BSE right down to the eco-system. Central Alberta processers wants 5 cents a pound to pick anything up, right on the spot before she's loaded, of course cows will start "disappearing" on larger pieces of land! I'm also concerned that some people might not consider the impact of cattle disposal on water (ground or otherwise) in their quest to simply not have to feed some of these older cows. Just maybe somthing to think about.

[cswilson]

Maybe on the parliament grounds would be a good spot-lots of parasites and scavengers there to pick the bones clean.It would be a good day in hellI'd pay somebody 50 bucks topick up a cow. Coyotes gotta eat too.

[kato]

Mange is back in our local coyote population. It's going to be a nasty winter.

[bombay_43]

Whiteface, you have a very valid point! My biggest concern has been the spread of diseases!

Cattle die from such a variety of ailments these days. Just look at the vaccines out there. BVD, IBR, Parinfluensa, Hommophalis, (sorry for any misspellings) etc.

A sure way of stopping the spread of these diseases if your animal had it, was to have it picked up by the processor. This way, none of us knows what diseases are being carried further through coyotes, birds, foxes, etc.

I think our current way of disposing of our dead animals, is just another disaster waiting to happen!!

And yes, I am just as guilty as the rest of you! I can't afford to pay to dispose of something that is already costing more than it is worth!

I don't know what the answer is, but there are major issues involved with this type of disposal! Our problems may have only started with BSE, but I think we are heading for disasters if other diseases suddenly start running rampant!

[pandiana]

I have to agree with bombay and whiteface regarding the long term ramifications of leaving deadstock for the coyotes,etc. As a sheep producers as well as cattle, the last thing I want to do is provide a restaurant service for the local coyote population. It has been my experience that once coyotes get a taste of dead sheep the quickly proceed to live ones.

At this point in time, I believe composting of all deadstock is the best solution for my farm. It has worked well so far for what we have tried, ewe, baby calves and one 1000 lb heifer. We have spread the mixture of manure and straw on the fields with no sign of residue i.e. bones, hair etc.. In addition, I believe the heat generated with proper composting would help to kill many pathogens as well. I am told it will work for mature cattle as well with a little more care. I suspect that this is something that will be very well researched before the BSE crisis has ended.

[cswilson]

Ohh if the coyotes get too addicted to our Angus beef we just drag a couple dead exotics out there-just puts them right off their feed LOL. Actual;ly in the bush most times all you find is the bones anyways-mother nature has it all cleaned up

[ALICIA]

Wilson: I LOL and I have to agree the clean up by wolfs and mother nature will not spread disease. The wolf etc. should be the healthest they have ever been, but if the meat supply don't last they may take to helping them selves. The human pack seems to have.

[cowman]

Another good alternative(especially in the summer when the coyotes won't eat them) is to burn them? A big pile of deadfall, set the cow on top with front end loader, little bit of deisel fuel and let her rip!