By Tyler Trieglaff

Notes from the Chief

Notes from the Farm…They say that a bull is half your cow herd. That is true providing he can service the females that are with him in the pasture. Over the course of the summer there are several concerns that can affect the fertility and conception rate of the herd.  

The hot summer days seem to have an effect on the breeding cycle as does proper nutrition which we try to keep up with a good mineral program. Pink eye or hoof rot can also slow down bulls and cows. As we were moving the cows last week from Rethwisch Lane, I noticed that one older cow was in prime heat and Mr. Angus bull was attempting to service her.  

This was quite a shock to us as she should have been pregnant about two months now.  As he was trying to do his deed something did not seem right. Best I can describe it to be politically correct for the paper is that he had a BROKEN WEANUS!

Yes, that is a thing. Penile Hematoma, (it hurts just saying it), is one of the more common reproductive injuries in bulls. It does not happen very often, but as a farmer you hear about it once in a while. The main concern with a broken weanus is, “How many cows did he service before the injury and how many are open or not pregnant?”  

The injury is treatable but most of the time his service work is done. Mr. Angus went to the pasture with all the cows and bulls but we took him out as he is the oldest, biggest and most dominant bull of the four.  

If there is a cow or heifer in heat, he may push the other bulls away while trying to breed himself. We separated all the bulls from the herd and Mr. Angus went the way of the Perham Stockyards last week along with two older thin cows that were not keeping up with their body conditioning. Mr. Angus has been on the farm for four breeding seasons and has served us well. His next appearance will be on a hamburger bun at the local restaurant.

Have a nice week!

Sunday, Sept. 28

3:11 p.m. Officer found a homeless couple with their vehicle under the picnic shelter at Hank Ludtke Park and they looked like they were setting up camp. Officer told them to clean up their mess and move on.

5:27 p.m. Officer talked with three teenage boys who were carrying cardboard in a park concerned that they may litter or burn the cardboard. Officer called their mother to discuss their actions and poor attitude.

Monday, Sept. 29

8:11 a. m. Traffic stop and warning for speed.

4:25 p.m. Report of a fire near the RR bridge and Co Hwy 10.

5:56 p.m. Report that a female was having a stressful day and her boyfriend was concerned. Officer found the female and she did not want to talk and was headed home.

Tuesday, Sept. 30

7:58 a. m. Assist with a medical.

12:37 p.m. Report of a person being bit by a dog while reading utility meters.

7:29 p.m. Traffic stop for no taillights. Light switch setting was the issue.

9:10 p.m. Assist with a medical.

Wednesday, Oct. 1

8:40 a. m. Assist with a motor vehicle crash on US Hwy 10 just into Otter Tail County.

1:18 p.m. Report of a seventh grade male making inappropriate comments to younger kids at a park in town. Officer talked with the boy’s dad and he was going to talk with the boy.

1:41 p.m. Assist with a medical.

7:17 p.m. Property noted for possible condemnation.

Thursday, Oct. 2 

9:54 a. m. Assist with an assault that happened on State Hwy 34.