Calf Watch: Prince of the Ranch
Days before the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton gave birth to Prince George, it seemed like the whole world was on “baby watch.” Reporters waited impatiently for any glimpse of the royal child and the new mother, and eagerly sought interviews with giddy citizens, anticipating his arrival.
While the birth of our calves on the ranch may not receive the same kind of international attention and hype, it is still a time to share the news…the new calves are here!
Using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, ranchers across the country can announce the happenings of calving season by using the hashtag: #calfwatch14. Yes…this is a thing. And yes…many people use it.
This particular hashtag, combined with other hashtags like #ranchlife or #agchat, can help propel the beef story into people network’s across the world.
For example: you can share a photo of the cow who is about to calve and say: “This #Hereford cow should have her calf anytime now! We’re on standby. #calfwatch14 #ranchlife”
Then, after the little kiddo is out and wobbling around, take another photo of the calf and the mother cow and post: “Calf is out and healthy. Mom is taking good care of her new baby. #calfwatch14 #ranchlife”
The more we can share what happens on a ranch, reinforcing the message that we care for the animals, the more we can help teach those not involved in agriculture about this life. Plus, let’s just be honest…new calves are cute and people love to look at cute things. By sharing the calving stage, then continuing to share content throughout the year…weaning, trailing, shipping…we can tell the whole beef story. It’s a good story to tell…so good that Prince William decided to go back to school to study agricultural management. Now, there’s a royal idea!
Follow the #calfwatch14 thread by visiting the Twitter feed.
Have #calfwatch14 photos to share? Send them to us! [email protected], mention us on Twitter (@MTstockgrowers) and post them on our Facebook page!
