What a brisk cold blustery Sunday this has been for us.  After waking up this morning and looking out the window to a fresh 6 inches of snow and extreme wind I began fixing my morning pot of coffee the power flickered and went out for about 6 hours.  That immediately changed the daily plans, back into emergency mode we go getting the kerosene heater fired up to keep the main rooms warm in the house, and keeping comfort here.  As could be expected the farm crew was on top of everything and makes my life a lot easier now, so a sigh of relief from them.  I was wanting to add another donor cow today from Iowa, but didn't have Internet service to do the appropriate bidding on her.  As i sat here reading literature knowing the sale was going to start at 2:00PM EST I gradually grew angry that I wasn't going to participate...so at approximately 1:30 PM the power came back on and all was good the computer was booting up and the plan was back on...until it flickered and out it goes for the third time today.  Now severe disappointment has set in and the anger was just pushed to the way side, as it was Gods will.  I went back to reading to calm the nerves and come to the realization it was just going to have to be this way.  Well at 1:58 PM all was lost and I knew the sale would start promptly in a couple minutes I closed the book to just ponder what this cow was going to bring.  All of the sudden the lights were back on and the heater blowing in the house but it was 2:02 PM dang it, the sale is surely already in full swing.  Like a madman I was grabbing the sale book and trying to hurry the laptop along in getting booted up.  As the internet icon went from black to blue I quickly logged into my account and low and behold they were still giving introductions for the sale.  Within a few moments Colonel Jon Schaben open the sale up with the lot one cow we were trying to get the bids kept coming and I kept hitting the bid button on the computer till she reached $25,000.00 at this point I figured it was in my best interest to stop and suffer the loss of a wonderful cow.  She went on to bring $37,000.00 as we looked on.  We will look to contact the new owners at a possibility of the opportunity of purchasing a flush option on her but will place that on the future to do list and carry on.  We have a great set of cows and prospects we have been building and are always looking to make our best even better if we can.  As I leave you today on the day of the lord please say an extra prayer for all the Power Company crews that go out regardless the circumstances/weather to keep us all comfortable...Thank You guys for all that you do!!! May God Bless each and every one of you!

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We're Back

Well it has been a long time since I last updated the blog but I am back.  We are nearing the end of 2012 and the year that has threw just about every issue we could face at us.  We have managed to stay afloat and keep the progress going with Mountain Top Angus and expand the operation to neighboring Randolph County and add an additional 3500 acres.  This winter has been mild up until the last couple weeks and has dished us colder temps and a snow cover.  The cattle are all doing great and are under new management this winter.  I have taken the step and handed the daily labor duties over to the crew and am now in the Owner/Business Management role.  I really miss going to feed cattle everyday, but I have come to the realization I have to step up and make this role more important if we are going to grow and continue expanding.  I couldn't have a better more reliable dedicated crew to take charge of the cattle than I do.  I want to thank Ervin, Wendell, and Larry for the invaluable dedication they have shown to the Mountain Top Angus program thus far, and above all our blessing to the good Lord above for allowing me this opportunity to live a dream that I have struggled so hard and dedicated my life to live.  I cannot forget all the customers out there that believe and have continued confidence in my program year in and year out without you I wouldn't have this dream.  Last but not least is my family and friends who have walked the road of success along with the many failures along the way...without them picking me up dusting me off and pushing for the next venture I may not be where I am at today...To all of you Thank You from the bottom of my heart!!!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Well things have been on super speed pace here the last couple days. A routine heart stress test for my grandmother had to be scraped and a scheduled heart cathetertization scheduled for early this morning. Well turns out that the catheterization turned into surgery to place a stent in her heart where there was a 95% blockage. She has come out of surgery and I just spoke to her by phone and she is already joking, so things look good. As for the cattle it has been hard on them with night temps dipping to the single digits and possibably zero tonight. Commercial cow #75 had a healthy heifer calf last night in this crazy weather but all is well. Bull G509U continues to improve and we determined that T091 had an abscess on his chest and it has been drained and antibiotics will cure any problems with it. Try and stay warm for those of you min the colder regions and the ones in the warmer ones the rest of us envy your comfort. Have a good evening!

Monday February 8, 2010

Well ol'man winter has once again arrived high temps today around 20 and snow all day.  Heavy snow falling as I type.  Out early to feed and check the cattle today on a regular pace.  Nice to see G509U up and moving, about the injury; turns out to be severe bruising in his left shoulder and is starting to subside and he is rapidly putting more and more weight on it everyday.  Cows are getting heavy as we expect several cows to calve the first week in March and have all them by April 15.  Have to head out soon in the wintry mess to a mineral meeting with the local Southern States COOP where I serve as a Board of Director...but hey FREE MEAL...more snow expected overnight thru Wednesday oh how we are ready to see green grass and sunshine here in WV

February 6, 2011

Well a quick day today feeding, home already and it is only 11AM, arrived at the lower farm this morning to feed and was greeted by a little surprise.  First calf heifer 4709 had he first calf a healthy little heifer.  As I went to tag her I noticed something I have never seen before, on her left cheek is a small white spot in the shape of a heart, how fitting is that on a Sunday morning here around valentines day.  Maybe it is a message.  Well taking the rest of the day to relax and watch the Superbowl later this evening.  Hope you all have a nice day as well.

February 5, 2011

Well woke up to a foggy damp morning at 32 degrees here.  No ice as forecasted thankfully.  Got some much needed help today from Lisa and Howard and completed the 1500 foot stretch of fence to divide the south pastures.  Cattle were not motivated this morning and moving a little sluggish in the nasty damp weather, however they ate and laid down and watched us all afternoon.  An update on G509U...he was up and about this morning still with a severe limp but moved more than yesterday.  So a very productive day here, with some snow showers in store for tonight.

February 4, 2011

Well not a lot to add today other than, me and my Uncle (Howard) got all the post in the ground for the new 1500 foot section of fence, all that is left is the wire...so a much need accomplished task there.  As for the bull G509U still severely injured today, didn't move much more than about 100 feet all day, so I now have 3 injured bulls and the "bull pen" is getting smaller.  First calf heifer 209 had her first little fella this morning a bull calf who will now be known as #311.  Calling for a ice tonight and rain all day tomorrow, so another slow day ahead I assume.  Hard day to feed as well cattle don't eat as they should in cold rainy/icy conditions.  Well after a productive day here it is time to relax a bit before turning the page.  Have a great evening!