We are small-time farmers. We have heard it said ‘go big or go home.’ So what? We do not care what ‘they’ say. Our little farm is big enough for us. Sometimes it feels like a thousand acres.
It is big enough to handle three miniature beef steers, and four horses. Two of which are miniature the other two are full-size horses.
We always purchase three. One is kept for our freezer. The other two are sold to customers who are looking for well-raised, grass-fed, premium beef. Our customers tell us it is the best beef they have ever had. Five-star beef.
It is satisfying and comforting to know how well our little cows have lived before, as I say, “They have one bad day in their life.” It is hard when their time has come. We do that as gently as possible.
We have been thanked for raising these little steers in an environment that is healthy and caring to them.
What we do not do is name them those “funny”, thoughtless names such as, ‘Sirloin’, ‘T-bone’, or ‘Hamburger’. It is hard enough knowing their ultimate demise. We pick silly, fun names that help make this job of raising them a bit easier.
May I introduce you to some terrific steers we have had over the years?
We also have had Mario, Luigi and Bowzer.
I grew up on a big farm in Virginia. I have always enjoyed cattle.
Miniature Herefords are our choice of steer to grow out, but we have grown out miniature Angus as well. This year we have one White Face steer. He is a cross between a Hereford and Angus.
Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are with us now.
Thank you for ‘meeting’ some of the great steers we have raised here on our farm. We take effort and pride in them, and raise them to the best of our ability.
A horseshoe cow I had made for our porch.
A man told me once, “You call yourself a horsewoman, but you’re a cow-woman at heart.”
Sometimes I believe he may just be right.
one_local_gal 
I grew up summers on my grandparents small dairy farm so I understand this post. I have a small primitive wood version of a holstein cow that sits on a table, and it reminds me daily of where I’ve been. I absolutely love your horseshoe cow!
Thank you, Judy. You are thoughtful and kind. Dairy farm is hard 24/7 work. It’s always good to remember where we have been, isn’t it.
I am no way a vegetarian, but I could never eat any meat that I saw alive. May sound silly but that is me.
No, I understand your position and it does not sound silly at all. It is hard. Yet there is something redeeming and humbling in it as well. We have seen the CAFO’s and are happy we are able to raise the few we do with the life they have. The hard truth of we humans is that we have to kill in order to live, be it plant or animal. It is something to consider when we sit down and eat. Thank you for reading and for your gentle comment.
I love all of God’s good and wonderful creation and all animals including cattle so I probably should be a vegetarian (some in my family are and my dad wasn’t keen on animal protein) but my mom grew up on a farm, and I grew up learning to always humbly give thanks for our meals and daily food, understanding that animals in our diet were part of the cycle of life.
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul says eating meat involves FAITH (Romans 14:2-7) and not to judge others over their food choices. I know most farmers and ranchers greatly respect and love their animals and it takes extraordinary faith to raise livestock for food.
I also learned personally with surgeries on my knees in recent years how valuable animal protein is for our overall human muscle growth and strength. A woman I met had poor results from the same surgeries because she lacked muscle growth and mass to make the surgeries successful, which was likely diet-related. Also, I have learned that extra lean beef in particular provides a complexity of unique aminos to help our overall human health and immune system in ways vegetables don’t.
God continue to bless all your hard work, your steer (wonderful photos!) and every aspect of your farm life, and all you do. 🙏🏼
I grew up near many farms and have many friends who still farm. And I feel your words. I also feel for you… who takes on this responsibility to provide food for others.
I, too, love your horseshoe cow.
Thank you, Nancy, for your kind thoughts. It is hard and yet enjoyable at the same time. What a paradox, huh? ☺️
I enjoyed meeting all of the cows you have raised through the years, and the fun names you have given them – agreed that they shouldn’t be named meat types, lol! So wonderful that you give these animals such a good life, and if I were closer, I would buy your meat! We buy a steer every year from a local farmer. It is the best to have a stocked freezer full of meat!!!
That’s sure kind of you Marilyn, your thoughts and you’d buy from us. ☺️❤️ It really is amazing quality, isn’t it? That is because our steers (like your beef man’s steers) are not stressed.
A wonderful post Mitzy. I enjoyed meeting you herd(s).
Thank you very kindly, Ruth.🙂
I love these pictures of those happy cows! They sure have a good life!
I do agree they have a good life! I’m glad you like the photos. 🙂
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Thank you!Blue Rock HorsesFrederick County, Virginiabluerockhorses.com