The Calf That Beat All Odds

This summer, our ranch grew by about 20 head of Highland cattle brought in from Whitefish, Montana. These animals had lived most of their lives in wide-open fields, with little human interaction. Just getting them onto a trailer took two tries. Because of that rough start, things like weaning and breeding happened a little more sporadically than usual.

Out of that came the story of a young heifer — barely 18 months old — who calved for the first time.

If you know cattle, you know first-time heifers can be unpredictable. Instinct tells them conflicting things:

• Some hide their calves.

• Some walk away.

• And a lucky few take to motherhood right away.

This heifer had never been separated from her own mother, and when her time came, she wanted nothing to do with her calf. She wasn’t aggressive, just confused. Instead of protecting her baby, she kept following her own mom.

After finding the calf weak and alone one too many times, we had to step in. We built a stall in the hay barn, gave him Vitamin B shots, electrolytes, and plenty of warm milk. For four days, the ranch team bottle-fed him, watched over him, and prayed he would make it.

And he did.

A weak calf grew strong enough to stand, to fight, and against all odds to be reunited with his mother. Even more rare, she accepted him back.

It’s not just a ranch story; it’s a reminder of resilience, second chances, and the unexpected ways life works out.

See more stories from the herd and what we’re learning along the way →