Closing the 2025 Calving Season

This week, our 2025 calving season quietly came to a close. Zara was the last due, and while her delivery didn’t end as we hoped, she’s recovering well and resting safely in the pasture.

This season brought both joy and sorrow. Most of our calves arrived strong and healthy, and their mothers handled each birth with the steadiness that makes Dexter cows so special. But we also faced two stillbirths — moments that remind us how fragile and sacred life can be.

Loss is part of farming, though it never gets easier. Each birth and each goodbye teach us to notice what’s in front of us — the gentle nudge of a calf, the patience of a cow, the grace that carries us through both laughter and tears.

Zara’s story is one of those moments — quiet, painful, but full of lessons in faith and care.
For those who want the more personal side of that day, I wrote about it on the sister site, Meadow Musings:

👉 When the Meadow Grew Still 

Common Question: What does calving season mean for a small Dexter herd?

Calving season is the period when each Dexter cow gives birth. At Mountain Heritage Farm, every birth is closely watched to keep both mother and calf safe. Some seasons bring great joy, others quiet lessons—but all are part of the rhythm of the meadow.

As we close this season, I’m grateful for every healthy calf, every safe delivery, and for the chance to do this work day after day. Farming isn’t always easy, but it is always meaningful.

— Michelle Parsley
Mountain Heritage Farm