Muck Boots 'n' Slickers - Life of a Livestock Hauler

Amen.
You have to have compassion and care.
I hauled a load of veal calves from Louisiana to Central Florida many years ago. A few were too weak to walk off when we arrived at our destination. One of the new hands started to drag them off. I told him to stop and I carried them off. He asked why I did that. I told him the calves don’t have a say in their future but I can control what happens to them while in my care. I don’t think he understood.

 

On the WI to FL Holsteins, we put a cut gate up on 1st post at nose. Made a nice little pen. One freshen on way down, open the doors, climb up the inside gate, pat momma cows on the hips and push, they docile. Gather up baby and toss over the center gate, if in the back. Work forward to get him again an toss in the nose pen. Work your way out, close doors, remove coveralls and boots, get in and go. Do not remember numbers but were loaded somewhat loose.

Big gals and strong. Would fit up head to rear, side by side and ride. Moving, like a solid load. Ease off for normal stop and nothing down. Not like poor MS stock going north for corn. Our level floor trailers were smooth floor, but bedded with a foot of pine shavings, 8" packed used. Easy to scoop for backhaul.
As an aside... During the years I hauled cows in to FL (56-58). I was under the impression that the only cows in FL were the ones we had hauled down for MacArthur Dairies. Only a few old scrawny mixed Brahma head I sometime saw going around east of Lake Okeechobee on south. There was a "sale barn" in
Lake Okeechobee, but just a roadside local appearing. I've looked into it now after reading you guys posts, and realize it has changed completely.

 

After all those year later, 50 to 58 trucking a lot of cattle. I still have a hard time making a "panic" stop in car or pickup.
For years 1962+, I would find myself; stiff arm across a standing on front seat daughter, while calculating how hard to brake or go around or shoulder.
You just cant stomp the treadle after transporting the moos.

 

Much respect to you, @pete781693 .

 

Were headed down through your stomping grounds....hell bent for West Point 37 head of dry cows.

 

we might get past them ol miss boys before they open

 

I see you were slippin through before all the chaos of the St Jude Marathon began.

 

I went to my first concert in the pyramid there. AC/DC on their Thunderstruck tour. Opened with Hells Bells and pulled off right into Thunderstruck. Which was my ### when I got home cuz I was told not to go but I had my ticket

 

Was the benefit worth the cost?
If I had done something like that I would not have been able to sit down during the first week of my grounding. Not saying I did not do other things that they did not find out about.

 

No Pain... No Gain......