Photo was taken yesterday at Tooreenbawn, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

It is always nice to see the cows and calves out after the winter. Once St.Patrick’s Day has come there is a sense of optimism and expectation that the worst of the winter is finally over.

Thought on Tuesday – March – 19/03/2013

‘Storms make trees take deeper roots.’ ~Dolly Parton

Once St Patrick’s Day is over we know that the worst of winter is behind us. Already farmers are putting out cattle in the fields. In some parts of the world they do not have the farming sheds that are found in many modern farms. Studies have been done to find out what cattle survive best when left outdoors. When the harsh weather hits with plunging temperatures and biting cold winds, cattle will always head for shelter. Most cattle turn their backs to the icy winds and slowly drift downwind. When they can go no further and if the conditions prevail they will die. But there is a breed of cattle called Herefords who do the complete opposite and studies worldwide have shown how resilient they are. They head directly into the wind and stand shoulder to shoulder facing a storm. They keep their heads down until the storm passes. In nearly all cases they survive. The lesson from the Hereford breed of cattle is to face life’s storms head on.