Summer's in full swing, and we've been blessed with plenty of rain! The millet I planted last month is looking great, and will be a huge help to the calves we just weaned last week.
Riverbend Beef
One of the most common questions I get asked at farmers markets is whether or not I raise the beef that I sell. While I do raise beef cattle and sell all that beef to my customers, I’m limited with the number of animals I can raise each year. Florida grasses typically only allow for a stocking rate of 5 acres per cow/calf pair, and I’m at maximum capacity.
Dry-Aged Beef 101
Down by the River
Sometimes you have to do a little off-roading on the ranch. These pictures were taken recently when I was trying to find a break in the fence where some calves escaped. It is a part of the Riverbend Ranch property that’s marshy, and can be harder to access. I can really only get there by horse or on foot, depending on how wet it is. Despite having to be on constant watch for a camouflaged gator or water moccasin, it’s still one of my favorite places to be, down by the river.
Working Calves
A routine practice this time of year is to work the calves that were born the previous calving season. In my case, that calving season was from November 1st-December 31st, so those calves range from 1-3 months of age now. Many Florida ranchers have similar calving seasons, meaning February and March is usually full of day’s that I get to work calves with other folks, which I love! (If you don’t already, be sure to find me on social media @RiverbendCattleCo so you can follow along for all the fun!)