Colorful calves of fall

<p>A young fall calf near Holstein, Mo., arises after a nap. Missouri is home to both spring and fall calving herds. They add color to pastures in the fall.</p>

<p>This black calf was never far from its mama in a pasture outside of Licking, Mo.</p>

<p>With its ears perked up, this young, black-and-white calf knows someone is pointing a camera at him. Just look at those ears!</p>

<p>In the hills of southern Warren County, Mo., this red-and-white calf enjoys a little summer sun in the fall. September was hot in Missouri, allowing pastures to pop.</p>

<p>The Texas County, Mo., sun hits this fall calf just right to bring out all the brown in its coat.</p>

<p>Fall calves, such as this one, can arrive on the farm starting in early September in south-central Missouri.</p>

<p>Four fall calves gather at the base of the hill to rest in the sun. Their moms watch from the hilltop as one rises and bawls.</p>

<p>Many fall calves in Texas County, Mo., have access to trees in pastures for shade and security.</p>

<p>The right light, the right color and the right calf all come together outside the small town of Holstein, Mo.</p>

<p>While many calves take refuge in the trees when visitors enter the pasture, these two are eager to mingle, which is a testament to the rancher. These cows and calves are docile because rancher Josh Rodgers spends time tending to their needs.</p>

<p>These calves and their moms know the sound and look of Josh Rodgers' truck. His family has maintained a closed herd for 50 years. They rally around waiting for feed.</p>

<p>A black calf just outside of Licking, Mo., finds a resting spot among the warm-season pasture grass. These grasses are heading dormant and turning brown.</p>

<p>Either there was something in this calf’s nose near Holstein, Mo., or it was giving this photographer the sign that the photo session has ended.</p>

<p>A piece of grass sticks to the nose of this young calf. But it is the tufts of brown in the ears that draw you in to its face.</p>

<p>There’s always that one calf that decides whether they like you or not from a distance. In Texas County, Mo., this one remained in a stare-down. It never ventured close. But the calves against the hills of this county are stunning.</p>

<p>It was hard to get a photo of this calf south of Warrenton, Mo., without its tail moving. Love the white-tipped tail against the red.</p>

<p>Hats off to the mama cows of young calves. These little ones, such as the one seen here, require milk straight from her udder if they are to grow healthy.</p>

<p>Fall calves can range in age. This older calf is already thriving at its mom’s side in Texas County, Mo.</p>

<p>The best part of fall calves, or any calves, is their individual markings. It offers variety to passersby and cattlemen. The crossbreds have that little extra flare.</p>

<p>The slick coat, the sunshine and almost a smirk make this calf’s headshot one of a kind. Texas County, Mo., has some great calves this time of year. Take a drive and check them out.</p>