Out our way, spring is a joyous season. Checking fence with Charlie and watching young calves frolicking about always brought a smile to our faces. I think even the horses, "Doc" and "Jet" enjoyed it as well, for they seemed to feel the excitement of the young'n's and get a bit of bounce in their step as well. Ah, spring! Ah youth! Ah boundless life, energy and abundance.

But spring becomes summer - and with it calves become steers or heifers - still young, but no longer so carefree. They are largely on their own now and having to fend for themselves. Instead of mama's milk, they now have...