Slykhuis: This is sad goodbye

We have wound down our year here at Slykhuis Farms and have put the winter feeding in full swing. I am still limit feeding the brood herd to an extent, but I am making sure they are not getting short on energy. December weather has been somewhat tranquil, and this is all leading up to the start of the calving season. There have been a few early calves show up on the last few days of December, but most of them will wait until the first week of January to get started.

As we look back on this past year and reflect on the highs and lows, we think about how upside down the spring was. It was followed by a growing summer and it made for a productive year. In this past decade, agriculture and farming has made some significant advances in how we raise crops and livestock. Beef quality has made some remarkable progress. Consumers have tasted the product and they like it. It’s not just the U.S. consumers either; it’s the whole world. I looked back at some carcass data and close outs of my own. I can also see a significant change in how the cattle perform. Maybe not so much in finishing weight, but quality grade has made some advancements. We hope that trend will continue along with the rest of the industry.

Last year’s calf crop is on its last leg of finishing. We are doing some ultrasound work this week to establish when the first dates of shipping will begin. The market is starting to strengthen, and we hope for a bountiful harvest.

It’s with heavy heart that I must say this is my last article. It has been a great pleasure inviting you as readers in our home and sharing the thoughts and management of our everyday living. Those of you readers that live on or operate a farm know firsthand that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The things we see on TV are not necessarily reality. The things we do behind the scenes can be most challenging and frustrating, but the lifestyle of farming and raising animals is by far the greatest gift the world can give us. Always be thankful and may God bless.