Winter at Cortez Creamery is always an adventure. The cold weather means our cows need more feed, milk production slows down, and the calves keep us on our toes. Their milk intake changes with the weather—on chilly days, they drink more to stay warm; on warmer days, they’re content snuggled up in the hay. It’s one of the joys and challenges of letting our milk cows raise their calves naturally, something we’re passionate about because we believe it is good for the cows and the calves.
November was a rollercoaster of new life and big moments. Pixie, who had been off the milk line to prepare for her calf, delivered beautifully, and her little one is now almost ready to wean. Shortly after, Holly and Freylynn welcomed gorgeous bull calves, just a week apart. It was an exciting time for all of us.
Then, Thanksgiving weekend brought a test of our resilience. Clair went into labor, but I quickly realized something wasn’t right. Her calf was stuck—a breech birth, which is always an emergency. I stepped in, pulled the big bull calf, and helped him start breathing. After milking Clair to provide the colostrum he needed, I bottle-fed him and let mom and baby bond.
An hour later, I went back to check on them and couldn’t believe my eyes. There were two black calves! Clair had also delivered a baby girl. I bottle-fed her colostrum, and Clair, being the amazing mom she is, bonded with both calves. Moments like these, while chaotic, are incredible reminders of the beauty and strength of nature.
With all of our cows back on the milk line, we’re working hard to keep up with the increased demand. Many of you have asked to increase your shares or joined our program as new customers—thank you! Balancing orders, cow production schedules, and the calves’ milk needs is no small task, but we’re getting there. I’m confident that within the next two weeks, we’ll have everything running smoothly again, and deliveries will be back on track.
Winter isn’t easy, but it’s also full of joy and lessons. Watching the calves grow, knowing our customers are enjoying the fruits of this labor, and finding solutions to challenges reminds me why this work matters.
To each and every one of you: thank you. Your patience, understanding, and support mean the world to us. By being part of our creamery family, you help us honor the natural cycle of things and make this journey worthwhile. We’re so grateful to share this life with you.
As we look ahead to the promise of spring, I hope you’ll stay with us for the next chapter. From all of us at Cortez Creamery, we wish you warmth, joy, and a wonderful winter season.
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