Wednesday: Mother Nature made her own schedule

Mother Nature decided to run her own course on Wednesday. It was a busy day for the animals at the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center. The births started early in the morning at 1 a.m. with a sow who had 14 piglets. During the evening we have someone on staff to watch over the animals and assist the births if necessary.

Piglets shortly after they were born.

The next sow decided to start farrowing (giving birth) at about 7 a.m. This sow delivered 19 piglets.

Piglets drinking from their mother.

While the pig was giving birth, the cow also went into labor at about 8 a.m. With all the morning action, the Miracle of Birth Center staff tried to get the gates to the Center open as soon as they were able. By 10 a.m., the third sow decided it would also give birth to 11 piglets.

More piglets.

At 2 p.m., the calf name was revealed. Through text messages, the most popular name was Daisy. She and her mother were transported home to Gar-Lin Dairy Farms later that evening.

By 3 p.m., the next cow looked like she was next. But it turned out to be a false alarm. She decided not to have her baby yet.

A crowd watches as the veterinarians on staff checked the cow. 

However, the fourth and final sow didn't want to feel left out. At about 4:30 p.m., the last sow gave birth to 13 piglets.

More piglets after they were born earlier that day.

Although we would have liked to space out the births and had them all during the hours we were open, Mother Nature had a different idea.

Throughout the day, visitors were able to visit with Princess Kay of the Milky, Mary Zauhrones, and Goodhue and Olmsted County dairy princesses.

Princess Kay poses for a picture with Miracle of Birth Center visitor, Leah Sheehan.

Princess Kay reads a book to visitors to the Miracle of Birth Center during story time.

Grand opening!

Wow, these last couple of days have been crazy at the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center at the Olmsted County fair. Our grand opening occurred yesterday at 12:30 p.m., but one sow could not wait until then. On Monday around 11 a.m. we had our first sow give birth to nine beautiful piglets. If you were not able to be there to see the sow give birth we have footage from the event.

Tuesday was our grand opening; however, before we could get to that event, one of our cows gave birth to a bull calf we named Milky Way. Both mother and calf are doing great. You can come  see Milky Way today and watch him being fed at 5 p.m.

At 12:30 p.m. we had the ribbon cutting ceremony. It was a great event and it was so amazing to see all the people who were there to support the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center. Ardell Brede, the Mayor of Rochester, was there and he even participated in a cow milking contest!

After the grand opening, we had another cow ready to give birth. At 1:30 p.m. Miracle Maddie was born. We named her Miracle Maddie because she was born backwards and upside down. Thankfully, we have a very talented veterinarian on staff to assist the cow while giving birth. There was much concern over the calf, but I am happy to report that both Miracle Maddie and her mother are doing well and are back home at Gar-Lin Farm.

This morning at 2 a.m. we had another liter of piglets born. This time there were 15 piglets! They are so adorable. I encourage all of you to come out and visit the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center today and view the piglets. Princess Kay of the Milky Way will also be here for story time and to take pictures with visitors.