Like Mother, Like Son?

Number 21 was born to a black white-faced Angus cow (bred yak) on
 September 21, 2001, one of our late calves that year.

Hooves down, she is our most uniquely colored critter, ever.

When she was younger, she was always the eager beaver, so to speak.

She was first in line when the hay bales were rolled out in winter,

first in line when we moved the herd, etc.

However, she has mellowed over the last couple of years and now lets others take the lead.

She has been a great mother and has always thrown a fairly plain looking calf. That is, until last year.

When she calved on July 4, 2010, we couldn't believe it.

He's nearly the spittin' image of her.

Although we don't normally name our yaks and yak-crosses, perhaps we should have called him "Blackjack"?

Go Track A Yak

A few years ago, a friend of ours gave us a copy of the very uniquely illustrated children’s book by Tony Johnston “Go Track A Yak!”.

I couldn't help but make some light-hearted comparisons of what was written in this book to what yaks are actually like and how to handle them. It contains some truths, but also some misconceptions about the yak.

First truth:

Second truth:

Actually, I didn't find anymore truths.

First misconception:

Roping is not the best way to subdue a yak.

Second misconception:

The only yak that would stand this calmly while being tied up,
is one that has been hand-raised!

Third misconception:

Yaks don’t moo.

Nor do they go “yuk, yuk, yuk”.

They grunt. See my previous post about "The Grunting Ox".

Fourth misconception:

Hugging a yak is never a good idea!

2011 Springridge Ranch Calendar

If you would like a pdf version of our 2011 one page calendar, please send us an email and we will gladly send you one! Email: eat_more_yak@yahoo.ca

Happy New Yak!