I have been reviewing 2017 and adding pictures to our website this morning.  I came across this picture taken at the Ohio Beef Expo in March and love what it has to say.  The miniature herefords have been a blessing in terms of handling ease.  They have the docile hereford temperament and these young heifers are gentle and cooperative for the kids.

This is cousin Mattie Flohr at her first cattle show.  Mattie has put lots of time into working her steer and heifer.  I always tell the kids, no matter what goes on in the ring, keep the calf's head up.  It looks like they are having a talk about what is expected!

Here at RFD, we've been busy this summer with all the usual farm, cattle raising, and garden work.

We've been spending a lot of time over the last year getting around, meeting many of you and developing relationships within the mini-hereford community.  It has been so fun to meet like-minded people, long-time veterans of the work, newcomers to mini-herefords and many more of you.  

Each of you have a story to share, an anecdote to recollect.  We really enjoy seeing you at the various events throughout the year and learning from you.  We want to make sure we see you at events, so mark you calendars; we'll be at the following events over the next several months:

July 4 - 12, 2014: Bartholomew County (Indiana) 4-H Fair (website)
Nov. 8 - 21, 2014: North American International Livestock Show (website)
Feb. 8 - 15, 2015: Iowa Beef Expo and Auction (website)

And, you can always plan a trip to our farm in South Central Indiana!  We love visitors!

We're here in Denver, Colorado for the National Western Stock Show.  It's been an exciting Show and a great trip for our crew.  There was a lot of work to do over the last 6 months, leading up to this Show.

And, it paid off. In a big way!

Our herd sire, TAC Striker, won 2014 Grand Champion Bull in the Mini-Hereford Show at the National Western Stock Show!  And, as if that was exciting enough, RFD Raina placed Reserve Champion in her Division, Junior Summer Heifer. Check out the results here.

We are so thankful for all the support and help from our friends at Cream & Crimson Cattle Co in Bloomington.  Such great friends and partners in this adventure.

We'll be sure to share more about our experience.  Right now, there's some celebrating to do!

Just after the New Year's holiday, the Midwest braced for the first major weather event in 2014: the Polar Vortex.  People across the Eastern half of the country prepared for bitter cold temperatures, far below zero in many cases.  

Here at RFD Farms, we knew there would be at least 2 full days of sub-zero temperatures. Knowing that cold temperatures were coming, we spent time beforehand preparing.  We made sure there were fresh hay bales, fresh straw, and access to the barns for shelter. Most importantly, we made sure that we were prepared for frozen water. All of the animals on the farm were going to need plenty of fresh water to help regulate their bodies and endure the cold temperatures.

The entire herd did great through-out the cold weather.  Today, just 5 days after the low of -15, it's a balmy 45 degrees out and we spent the day cleaning up and enjoying time outside.

It was just another opportunity for the entire family to work together.