Like always, we learn by doing. Last year when we weaned the Normandy calves from their mothers we separated everybody with permanent fences. And then listened to a godawful lot of noise. Evidently there’s a less stressful way to wean. Alejandro mentioned it this year when it became time to wean the Hereford’s calves and I promptly bought the required items.

Tablillas. Bright yellow pieces of plastic you hook in the nose of calves so that they can’t reach a teat. As one can imagine, it’s a bit challenging to put on. But once there? No problem. The tablilla doesn’t actually pinch the calf, so after a bit of initial irritation all is fine.

No noise. No fuss. Nothing. A much better mousetrap!