Technology and the farm

It amazing me that at 5.5 months Lyndin seems to know what is going on on TV or likes to look at my phone and knows that if she taps the screen things move. It is crazy how big of an influence technology has on us. When I met Will 5 years ago he had a "dumb" phone and didn't know a thing about computers and all of his notes and tax things were just on pieces of paper. Of course I rely on computers and my smart phone daily so he quickly moved into the times. Once we got him a smart phone and a laptop it didn't take long to quickly realize how convenient it was. Using quickbooks for accounting and spreadsheets for cattle inventory has made things so much easier. We are both on the same page and can keep everything up to date instead of always looking for that piece of paper that one note was on. Of course he still finds it convenient to use paper and pen on some occasions but makes sure to enter it into the iPad or laptop before he looses it. It is crazy to think that technology is running the world. Some may think that is a bad thing but I am not so sure. I was able to complete most of my college education online allowing me to work full time while attending school. We are able to stay in contact with Will's family who live in Africa like they are across the street and we can advertise our cattle all around the United States.

I agree that there is a time and place for technology though. It seems like having a verbal conversation anymore is something of the past thanks to text messaging and emails. Kids and their electronics has made communicating with them impossible, outdoor activities a thing of the past and having an imagination doesn't exist anymore. Will and I hope that we can limit Lyndin's technology use but still give her the best possible advantage to excel at using it. I disagree with electronics being a babysitter and a replacement for conversation and we as parents need to realize that social interaction is just as important as the game they want to play.

I challenge you to look at your technology use. When you are having a conversation are you looking at your phone? At the dinner table is your phone on the table with you. I think we can all take a step away from technology and our electronics and enjoy have quality time with what is right in front of us....people!

#Calfwatch2016

#Calfwatch2016 is in full swing with 2 calves being born last night around 11:00pm. I was in bed sleeping when all of a sudden I heard Will yelling at me for help. Luckily Lyndin is a good sleeping and didn't hear a thing. So out we go with one calf on the ground and another one with feet out. We are calving out 20 heifers right now so keeping a watchful eye is essential. We purchased a purebred Angus bull (Viper, as we nicknamed him) last April to use on the heifers in hopes of small birth weight calves and he held up his end of the bargain. It is crazy to see little 60 pound calves walking around when I am so use to the 80 - 90 lb Simmental calves. This morning they both got their ear tags as well as their mothers getting their V56 Tags as they are officially apart of the V56 herd now. The next few weeks will be busy welcoming new life around the farm. Last year we kidded out 8 goats and calved at the same time. This year the goats made their arrival around Christmas, so they are already running around like crazy. I love this time of year as all the hard work is finally showing the rewards. I can't wait for Lyndin to see the baby calves as she loves watching the cows for the window. I am sure they will put on a show for her. So 2 down and a lot to go. Wish us luck!

Trivia Question...

How many steers were born at V56 farms last year?

My Weekend Well Spent

You know you are a farmers wife when you get off work early from your full time job and instead of going to get Lyndin, I spent a couple hours working with V56 Loaded to the Max, or Max as we call him.

Max is a purebred Simmental ET (embryo transfer) bull that we are taking to sell at the 2016 Iowa Beef Expo on Monday, February 15. We are so honored that we have high quality genetics suitable for selling there. Max is great to work with a loves getting brushed and walks great on the halter. He and I make a good pair so hopefully someone will see his potential and add him to their herd. I also managed to find a babysitter for Lyndin on Sunday so I could give him a good bath and blow his hair. The things I do for our cattle.

I am looking forward to beef expo, but nervous at the same time. Lyndin will be spending Friday night - Monday night with my parents. I am so thankful that I get to go with Will and have some time to ourselves as we never get that anymore. We know that Lyndin is in great hands so that makes things easier on us. I guess I should be use to my vacations being cattle shows by now!

I had to work Saturday morning in town so Will and Lyndin spent the morning bumming. I heard they ate green beans and apples along with watching cartoons. What a great time for them to bond.

If you know of anyone looking for a fabulous bull please let them know about V56 Loaded to the Max. We take pride in our cattle and honestly a good payday would be much appreciated as I am sure you know that feeder market is down!

Check out Lot 73 at the ‪#‎IOWABEEFEXPO‬.

V56 Loaded to the Max (ASA#3031634)

DOB: 3/5/15

SIRE: REMINGTON LOCK N LOAD54U (ASA #2503661)

DAM: Daphne to the Max (ASA# 2379655)

ET Calf

Red

http://issuu.com/rmkde…/…/2016_ibe_catalog_final_corrected/1

Video available on our website. www.v56cows.com

Welcome to The Maurer Family Farm

A big HELLO as I start my new adventure of putting our crazy life into words. I often find myself wondering where the time has gone and thought this would be a good place to keep track of the remarkable events in our life. The farm life is well....great! It definitely throws us curve balls ALL THE TIME but I wouldn't want to raise Lyndin anywhere else. Let me start off with some introductions before we get to far. 

My name is Heather and I was born and raised on an acreage outside of New Hampton, Iowa (population 2800). Of course growing up I wanted nothing more than to get out of my little hometown and be something big, but as time went on I found myself wanting to stay put. After high school I moved to town and commuted for my College Education. After meeting Will, through a blind date, I was elated to find out that he was a 'farm boy' and lived on the family farm. Fast forward 5 years later and we are married and have a beautiful daughter, Lyndin. I work full time in town at a job I love, but am also very active in the daily farming operation.

My husband, Will, was born and raised on the family farm. We live on 140 acres which is great in the Winter to run cows on. He has been around cattle his entire life so starting his own herd was always a dream. After leaving the farm to pursue college and "The Real World", he came back to where his heart was.

We currently have 79 head of breeding stock, mostly Simmentals and Shorthorns, along with 5 purebred Simmental herd bulls. I also have started to AI cattle along with hiring out embryo work. It is never a dull moment at the farm because as soon as things seem to be running smooth, you can guarantee something will break. In the summer the cattle graze on pasture in Fayette County (30 minute drive). As of December 1, 2015 we are fortunate enough to own all our own pasture land with the purchase of an additional 130 acres. Besides cattle, I have incorporated my love of goats into a small fainting goat herd which adds a lot of laughs. Life on the Maurer Family Farm is often hectic but I wouldn't have it any other way!