During a recent snowstorm in Saskatchewan, a cattle farming couple, Mark and Erin Van Haastert, were surprised to find that one of their cows had given birth to not one, but four calves. The discovery took place on the morning of April 19, about 24 miles south of Tisdale, Sask. Erin Van Haastert recounted how she found three calves birthed by the cow and quickly brought them into the barn to keep them warm. A while later, her husband Mark went back to get the mother cow, only to find out that she had actually given birth to a fourth calf. The quadruplets, named Orangala, Greenelope, Bluethany, and Nobody, were born two weeks premature, but with love and care, they are thriving and growing stronger each day.
Although quadruplet calves are not unheard of, they are still incredibly rare, especially in the prairies. Erin Van Haastert mentioned that while twins are fairly common in beef cows and triplets are uncommon, quadruplets are a significant rarity. She admitted that she had never seen a live set of quadruplets before, making this experience even more remarkable for their family. The Van Haasterts decided to share their unique moment on social media, which garnered a lot of attention from curious onlookers. Mark Van Haastert jokingly mentioned that they didn’t realize they had so many friends, as the news of the quadruplet calves spread quickly.
Despite the odds stacked against them, the quadruplet calves have defied expectations and continue to grow and thrive under the care of the Van Haastert family. Erin highlighted the rarity of a cow conceiving quadruplets, stating that the odds are 1 in 700,000. She also noted that the odds of the calves being born alive are even slimmer, at 1 in 11.2 million. The Van Haasterts feel blessed to witness this miracle on their farm and have embraced the challenge of caring for four newborn calves. The family has set milestones for the calves, celebrating each day of their growth and progress.
The Van Haastert family’s story of the quadruplet calves caught the attention of many, leading to increased interest and support from their community. Mark Van Haastert expressed surprise at the outpouring of support and attention they received after sharing their story on social media. He mentioned that the quadruplet calves have quickly become a milestone for their family and represent a unique and special moment in their farming journey. The family plans to continue caring for their cattle and cherishing the memory of one of their cows defying the odds by giving birth to four healthy calves during a snowstorm in Saskatchewan.
Overall, the Van Haastert family’s experience with the quadruplet calves serves as a heartwarming reminder of the miracles that can occur in nature. Despite the challenges and rarity of the situation, the calves are thriving and growing each day, bringing joy and wonder to those around them. The Van Haasterts’ dedication to their cattle and the care they provide for the quadruplet calves exemplifies the bond between farmers and their animals. The story of Orangala, Greenelope, Bluethany, and Nobody will undoubtedly be remembered as a unique and special moment in the Van Haastert family’s farming journey.
