On our way back from Rio Sereno we stopped by Cedo’s farm. One of the calves had a tummy upset and diarrhea, and Cedo had bought some medicine for him in Rio Sereno. She wanted to deliver the medicine and check on him.
I enjoyed seeing the calves. They were in their building to keep them out of the hot afternoon sun, and they also spend nights in there with a light on. There are vampire bats here who will bite calves and make them sick, and the lights keep them away. I watched as the caretaker gave the sick calf his medicine, and listened as Cedo talked with him about teaching the calves to eat. Like any newborn they are fed mother’s milk (with a bottle though), and must learn to eat and drink without the bottle. They are separated from their mothers in a few days or the mothers don’t want to accept the milking machine and of course, being dairy cows, they need to be milked. Every time I visit I learn a little more about taking care of cows.
Someone else is going to have a calf one of these days
The cows were hanging around in the milking area with the radio on. Cedo told me that the radio is for the cows. They are calmer and give more milk if they have music in the afternoon before they are milked! I wonder if they would rather have Mozart than pop rock, or if they don’t care either way.
Since we were there, of course we had to visit the pigs.
This farm visit was Tuesday. On Wednesday Cedo went back to the farm to meet the veterinarian who was doing an inspection of all the animals. She sells Grade A milk to Nevada, one of the bigger dairies in the area and there are strict requirements, one of which is this yearly vet report on the health of the animals. She came back frustrated because she also needs to go back to the farm every day this week to document exactly what each cow is consuming, how much and what kind of food, and how much water. She also needs to take the water to be tested for bacteria or other contamination which will cost $50. She thinks this is a bit over the top for a small, cleanly run farm. But, I guess you can’t fault the dairy for having strict standards for the milk they sell under their label.
Farming is WORK. I have a whole lot more appreciation every time we buy milk from the store because I know more about all the effort that goes in to producing it.
Some beautiful flowers blooming near the milking building.
The Panama Adventure 
One Must Love Farming because there is much More Work than Most do for Pay. I Never realized until I started how much 24/7 work must be done. Winter is Slower, But there still are Mouths to feed, water to keep thawed and some protection from the elements
LikeLike
Yes indeed! There is always something that needs to be done. We don’t have winter here but if the dry season goes too long, then there is a scramble for food for the animals unless you make your own hay.
LikeLike
My business partner, Tim Rhodes, used to have a farm/ranch in Idaho. Some days/weeks it was more than 24/7. However, once in a great while, Tim still misses it. He has a big backyard at his rental in Las Tablas and has started a small farm there.
LikeLike
I sometimes wonder why she does it, but she says she loves it too and it’s much better than sitting on the sofa for her mental and physical health. And, the family were some of the first settlers in the area so this land means a lot to her.
LikeLike
Yes, I believe farming is HARD work. That little calf is adorable with those big eyes…melts my heart. That is interesting about the music. I believe musical vibrations strike a note in all of us and it looks like animals, as well.
LikeLike
Yes the calf is adorable! I thought the music was for the caretaker, never thought the animals would appreciate it as well.
LikeLike
I drink Nevada milk and I am very happy that they only use the best producers and that Cedo is one of them. Thank her for me. 🙂
LikeLike
I certainly will, and she will be happy to hear that. Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
Nice shots.
LikeLike
Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: The Finca – Another Farm Report | The Panama Adventure