Posted By: Jesse Williams

I am counting down the days until our cows are supposed to start calving- and I am pumped!! Is there any better time of the year when new calves are hitting the ground? I can't think of one. And because I like to be (or attempt to be) organized, I have been preparing for this season almost since last calving season ended. To make things a bit easier I developed a check list of items I like to have on hand in case we need to intervene. It isn't very often we need to, but I would rather be prepared and know what tools I have to work with rather than be scurrying around looking for something I haven't seen since last year. There are probably a lot more items I could add but I think this is a great list for beginners. Add as you go!

Download a customizable PDF version here
Download the Excel worksheet here

Did I forget something? Feel free to comment with your suggestions!

3 TBSP Bees Wax
3 TBSP Coconut Oil
1 TBSP Honey
1/2 tsp flavoring (I used vanilla extract)

5 small lip balm containers (I found mine at Michael's Craft Store)

In a microwave safe dish, melt the beeswax and coconut oil for 2 minutes. Be careful, it will be hot!

Mix in the TBSP of honey, stirring until combined. Then add in the flavoring/essential oil. Melt in the microwave for 15 seconds.

Pour the mixture into your containers and allow to cool. If it looks like your emulsion is settling out, mix it up again and put in the fridge for fast cooling. The recipe made 5 jars!

While it isn't a very exciting present- a bag of grain- it sure does feel good after a long day of chores in the cold. This super easy, quick, homemade gift will give your rancher a relaxing way to warm up or relax their aching muscles. Plus you can personalize with a fun material choice. Make one for each family member!

Cotton fabric (two fat quarters will work)
6 cups of wheat (or a preferably awnless cereal variety)
Sewing machine & thread

Pick your favorite cotton fabric, double it over and cut a 6.5" x 16" rectangle. You'll need to repeat this with another fabric choice, but you can pick any color you want as it will be inside and not visible. I picked a "lovely" pink floral pattern that has been sitting in my fabric drawer for years.

You'll now need to place the fabrics on top of each other in a specific order:
1. floral, face up
2. cowboy print, face up
3. cowboy print, face down
4. floral, face down

Pin in place for sewing.

Sew a seam along three edges (two long sides and one short side). I used a  1/4" seam. Turn the bag right side out.

Fill the bag with 6 cups of cereal grain, preferably wheat. Because we are not big grain farmers, the only thing we had in the bins was barley, which was quite dirty. I thought the awns might make the bag pokey but because of the two layers of fabric, you can't even feel them. I would still try to get an awnless variety if possible though.

You will now need to fold over the 1/4" seam on the short edge and sew the length shut. I did a double seam to make sure there would be no weak spots. Then, Voila! You have your very own microwavable heat bag. Pop it in the microwave for 2 minutes and place on all your aches and pains after a long day of chores, a late night pulling calves or cold day of moving cows.