I woke up this morning, the moon hanging low in the westen sky and the stars still out. I fired up the gas stove and brewed a cup of coffee. I cleaned and sterilised the syringes and needles in the left over boiling water and read the directions on each bottle. I organised and numbered the ear tags, grabbed my hat and stepped out into the fresh Spring morning. At the holding pen I started a fire and placed the branding irons in the flames, then jumped the fence and started rounding up the cattle. I greeted my guys at the creek and we took care not to leave any of the brand new calves behind. Dad got some gates ahead of the herd and we pushed them into the pen without any issues. We then proceeded to brand, tag, record and inoculate the cattle while my friend and occasional musical collaborator Johan du Toit of Picture Café in Potchefstroom took pictures to document the whole process.
Working cattle is one of my favourite responsibilities on the farm. The dust, sweat, blood and smoke. The clanging of horns against the steel head clamp and the brute force of muscle and guts against creaking wood posts. My dad and the workers softly whistling and nudging the cattle into the handling facility and the lowing of the mothers, temporarily separated from their calves. It is the one place where I am completely at ease and content. It is a privilege to share this tradition with my family and friends and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be the caretaker of Tygerfontein and its many moving parts for a while.
I’m now standing on the front porch staring at the herd grazing in the pasture close the house with with sunset turning the valley into a magnificent Monet. It’s been a good day
I’ll be playing a solo acoustic show at de Milko coffee shop in Potchefstroom on the 4th of October during the Aardkop Festival. I’ll be singing my songs and telling stories while folks enjoy a selection of excellent food paired with wines by Ken Forrester Vineyards. Tickets are moving fast so don’t miss out.
JB
