re: We sent a cow to the processor

Why did you betray Murray the Cow? He loved you.

Do you raise cattle?? - Send the steers to market for meat. Save the cows to raise more cattle and provide milk.

If you are running a large herd you have to cull a few cows now and then, but it is usually the old ones.

To have a "name" for the cow indicates you are running a spread of less than 10 animals. Do you breed the cows?? - with bulls from your own spread or purchase service from outside?

I dunno - just reading the mere words you posted make it sound like you ate one of your pets.

if you are planning on selecting some to be raised for meat - I'd suggest not forming a real relationship with them other than good health care, certainly no abuse.

But it seems to me, forming a bond with an animal you know is going to be slaughtered for it meat seems pointless. And unnecessary.

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Murray the Cow

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.22 caliber in the ear

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Precisely what I use/do

My rancher buddy in East TX raises Waygu. He calls me to pick out a cow once a year to buy. I am able to have the cow cut up just how I like it, mostly steaks. I don’t give a dang about the cow, other than they taste good. Averages $5.85 a lb

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That's why you don't name steers, only bulls or heifers

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When I was a kid we named all our cows, steers, and pigs. And they all tasted so good. We named our roosters too and they tasted good as well.

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I have more steaks than you humble brag.

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But mine aren’t all freezer burnt.

I deer hunt and I honestly do have some sadness but major appreciation for every deer I kill. Hell I’m not gonna lie, even the squirrels I shoot

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Life feeds on life. That weird melancholy feeling when I've taken an animal also connects me to the land and my own survival. All humans should experience this, its totally normal and a good sign of your respect and empathy.

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This is why I only hunt and fish for what I eat. I don’t waste anything and I’m not greedy. If I have too much I give to people who will eat it. Same with growing my vegetables. I can, pickle, ferment anything to use as much as I can then give to people who will use.

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I deer hunt and I honestly do have some sadness but major appreciation for every deer I kill

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Same here. I’ve taught my son that we don’t kill any animal for no reason, especially game animals. I used to shoot every deer I saw. Now we watch way more more deer than we shoot. We only shoot what we need to eat or give to friends that want venison.