As ranchers, we have been extremely grateful for straw this winter, but not as happy about it as the cattle. They have always gotten so excited when the yellow pillow stuff hits the ground. We try to put it out sneakily while they are eating, but sometimes it is an afternoon chore and boy do they get to bucking, kicking, and playing king of the pile. Full grown cows get down on their front knees just to rub their faces and necks in it.

The weanling pen has been particularly raucous this winter about straw. They take to running in giant circles and diving into the pile before breaking out into head butting sessions.

The calves are big enough where they are getting into the playing, too. Last week, we set one of the big bales on the ground while dispersing it into another pen. Several of the young bulls decided it was a good idea to try to jump over it. Of course, they became high-centered, but they seemed to revel in getting fully submerged in it before blasting victoriously out the other side. The heifers stood by the outskirts of the growing pile cheering or laughing, I could not tell which.

The action is fast and furious when it is all fresh but it does not take but a few minutes before all the animals are lying down to enjoy some much needed time off their feet in some clean and dry bedding.