Brand has helped him pick out bulls and replacement heifers. Mike has learned the importance of a good bull to the herd, to use young bulls lightly, and how to spot a good animal. He learned early about the ups and downs of raising animals, losing many of his first 10 cows through disease and his own inexperience. Boyhood memories of daydreaming about cattle pastures visible from his school windows at Rosthern are what kept him going through those early days. I wanted to do this.
Nothing really comes easy.
There's lots of hard work involved and long hours. He enjoys being outside and being his own boss. Mike even likes the unknowns and discovering how the calves will turn out. It's enjoyable to me because I like doing it. Eventually, we'd like to be self-sustaining in the cattle.