Saturday 4th July - All 25 seen

At 09:15 this morning, Sussex steers 197, 210, and 1640, Sussex cows 211, 212, and 1396, along with youngster 219, were relaxing in the sunshine in the pasture north of James Bond Pond, near ///replace.headers.plays. The sun had emerged from behind the clouds, and a refreshing breeze was blowing, making for much more comfortable conditions. There were a few flies around, mainly bothering their eyes, but far fewer than there have been of late. All seven were friendly and came over to say hello, quite content to stand beside me and chew their cud. I did notice that steer 1640 had a bald patch on his left rear flank, but it didn't appear to be causing him any problems. All seven were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 10:20, youngsters 230 and 270 were lying down, relaxing and chewing their cud in the pasture northeast of Horse Pond, near ///laws.boomed.whiplash. They both looked very comfortable and were happy for me to sit down beside them while they rested. The boys were content, relaxed, and in good condition.

By 10:40, a group comprising fifteen members of the Caesar’s original herd was gathered around the trees to the west of the Sandy Bowl, near ///blast.wicked.moss. Several were lying in the shade beneath the trees, while others rested in the open just beyond the tree line. Older steers 20 and 21 were resting on the far side of the path to the west. Youngster 222 was quick to get up and come over to greet me, rewarding me with gentle head rubs. The others were all happy to be approached as I checked them over, with several getting to their feet to say hello. They were all happy, relaxed, and looking well.

As I was approaching the larger group, I noticed a single Sussex steer making his way through the woodland to the west. After saying my goodbyes to the larger group, I wandered over to Horse Pond and, at 11:35, found Sussex steer 1626 lying under the trees to the west of the pond. I suspect he had wandered up to the pond for a drink before settling down to rest. Although he was alone, he was happy to be approached and seemed completely content, peacefully relaxing and chewing his cud. I sat with him for about fifteen minutes before leaving him to continue resting peacefully.

The cows were all good today.