On a ranch, spring always arrives at least a month before the rest of the world. While those in town are still wrapped in a blanket and curled up in front of their heaters with a good book, ranchers are slogging through the snow in tattered, cow shit covered Wranglers and muck boots, looking for new calves. If they are blessed with a healthy herd and the right genetics in their bull, those calves will be born as God intended. Mama will feel those first contractions, lift her tail and start pushing. Within a half an hour to an hour, the front hooves will appear, with the nose resting on top. Mama will lay down, start more fierce pushing, and the baby will slide out unabated, into a new world of tongue baths and warm milk.