08/07/2025
Trust, Patience, and One Very Special Calf 💛🐮
When Ella first came to Ranch 32, I knew I had my work cut out for me. She wasn’t used to being the kind of Highland we raise around here — calm, connected, and most of all, trusting. My biggest goal with these beautiful animals is simple: I want Highlands I can trust around my kids — and just as importantly, Highlands that trust me back.
Because I’ve learned something over the years — when a mama cow trusts me, her calf will too. And when a mama trusts me, she lets me help when she needs it.
Ella took time. But behind her cautious eyes, I saw a softness. I knew it was there — she just needed time and patience.
Last week, Ella had her very first calf here at Ranch 32. I named the little heifer Patience at first — because that’s what it took from all of us. Patience from Ella learning to be a mama. Patience from me as I tried to help. Patience from Shae…well, for putting up with me through it all 🤪
But in the end, it wasn’t just patience that won. It was trust.
Ella trusted me. I trusted her. And she passed that trust down to her calf.
In just a few days, I was able to help Ella and Langley (yes, we renamed her — meet Ranch 32 Langley, born 7/31/2025 💗). Ella let me milk her without going in the chute. She stood calmly while I shaved Langley’s little bottom to keep her cool during “Flygeddon.” She even stood back and watched as I bottle-fed her milk to Langley — all without a fuss.
Yesterday, I was worried — worried Ella might be too tired, that Langley wasn’t eating enough, that the heat was just too much. But Ella knew better. She was keeping her baby safe in the stall under the fan, resting until the sun went down.
This morning? Langley was up and zooming with the cutest case of “the zoomies” while it was still cool out. And when Ella tucked her calf back into the stall to rest, I didn’t worry this time. Because Ella reminded me to trust her.
She’s the best mama cow. And I’m just so proud of her.
Welcome to the world, Langley. You are already so very loved. 💛🐮