A gamble pays off….

The smile stayed on Dr. Monica O’Brien’s face all afternoon, despite the heat.  We were checking pregnancies, and again and again she reported:  “Three months!”  That was particularly gratifying since we had gambled this year, selling our herd bull Watson and banking on his son, 2-year old U2 or Double Trouble.

Because of the uncertainty of putting a young bull with 24 grown cows, we kept him in an extra month.  But it wasn’t necessary.  He settled 75% of his charges in the first 22 days.  All but two in the next month for a total of 94%.

All in all, a performance that earned Double Trouble bragging rights with his buddies when he returned to the bull pen.  Of course, what counts is the calves.  We won’t know about that until October.  But so far Trouble seems to be a chip off the old block.

Of course, we’re proud of all our young bulls with genetics by Rotokawa 688, 93 and 974.  Then there are our new British imports by the great bull Jaunty.  Thistle Hill has placed bulls in herds all across the eastern half of the United States.  We hope you’ll think of us when you’re ready to start or upgrade your operation.