At 09:00 this morning, 23 members of the herd were happily grazing among the heather in the pasture northeast of James Bond Pond. They had only recently come together, with two of the Sussex cattle still grazing a little further east. Steer 210 was the last to arrive, joining the group about twenty minutes later and announcing his arrival with a deep, loud moo.
Gradually, the cattle crossed the path and moved into the shade of the trees to the east of the pond, seeking relief from the many flies. Most were very friendly, coming over for strokes and rubs, happy to have the flies brushed from their faces. Even older steer 35 came over to say hello—initially content to just stand close before leaning in for a long neck scratch.
One by one, the cattle began to settle beneath the trees, relaxing and chewing their cud. They were calm and comfortable, happy to be approached, with a few getting up to enjoy back rubs as I walked among them. Sussex cow 211 and youngster 222 were particularly affectionate, enjoying long head and neck rubs and responding with head nudges and licks. After a while, older steer 30 and yearlings 270 and 271 wandered off to rest in the bracken to the west of the woodland and were soon joined by cows 72 and 940.
It was lovely to spend some quiet, relaxing time with the herd today, especially with them all together again and clearly enjoying each other's company. It was especially nice to see steers 33 and 219 reunited with the rest of the original herd and everyone back on Caesar's. All the cattle looked happy, relaxed, and in excellent condition.
I said my goodbyes at 10:45, leaving them all peacefully resting in the shade.
The cows were all good today.
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