Wiley McVicker, 69, feeds an underweight newborn calf by bottle in the barn behind his house during a break at work. The calf was born the previous night and hasn’t started feeding on its own.
McVicker begins his day by feeding the animals on the farm he lives on with his wife of 46 years, Mary Ellen.
The McVickers have several dozen cattle which they raise as a hobby. Every evening, McVicker drives through a rented field where he keeps his cattle. He counts his cattle before feeding them a supplement to grass. His 54-acre plot of land does not have enough grass to support his cattle.
McVicker spends a moment with one of the donkeys on his farm.
It is a hot and physical day at work. Under a burning sun, McVicker and his assistant Amy are tasked with vaccinating and deworming 40 steers and bulls that were born in the spring.
While waiting for a calf to move into the chute, he rests in the shade next to a long-time friend and farm worker.
McVicker feeds his cattle at dusk.
Before supper, McVicker relaxes and watches the news with his wife Mary Ellen in their living room.
After a long day, McVicker relaxes in a hot tub he built on his balcony. He says the heat helps him relax before bed.