The calves received their clostridial vaccine booster over the last ten days and all stock were worm dosed. This is the second year of worming the cows in mid-summer.

The yard days allow a chance to judge calf behaviour and docility. This is especially important with regards replacement heifers.

A desire to have an easier herd to deal with has led to me getting stricter with what I'll tolerate in terms of docility. Fortunately for them, no heifer calf stood out as being over excited. I'll watch for this at any time they need to be worked as this makes the work safer in the long run.

The ideal cow temperament for me is one that doesn't run away from you in the field yet doesn't need to be pushed through a gate either. The group as a whole stay more relaxed if one or two don't suddenly bolt off at the smallest movement.

Bull and heifer calves were split on the main block to prevent any strong heifer calves being mated. There is a nice even group of bull calves coming together. These will be weighed in two months’ time and from then on weighed once a month until the finishing period.

As luck would have it, four especially awkward cows were in the heifer group. Too high a percentage for my liking but I'll just have to grin and bear it for a few months. They're not aggressive by any means but seem to enjoy being awkward.

They are the type of cows that if they're at the head of the group will either stop and block up a gateway or lead the group left or right at it. While it can prove frustrating the days you're working with them it can be funny to see the different personalities shine through.

They seem to relish their ability to slow things down. It's a simple case of knowing them and realising that you'll rarely fill the crush if they go in first.

If possible I'll avoid sending this group across the road as most days I'm on my own moving them and I could do without too many stubborn leader cows holding it up.