Alternatively skilled diesel mechanic husband Brian, in a normal Covid free world, would involved day to day too. But he works in the Western Australian mining industry and apart from one week-long visit in the last 18 months, state border shut downs have made travel home too uncertain to contemplate.
But Karen also has two of their four adult children involved in running the stud - they have their own small studs too - which together comprise 10 bulls, 58 cows, 23 heifers and 33 calves. As of early July 10 cows still remained to calve. However, despite calves often weighting 60kg or more, no calves have been pulled this year and none have died at birth.
Karen and family maintain comprehensive records. They weigh calves, punch one ear to accept a plastic tag and save the tiny piece of punched ear for DNA analysis within 12 to 24 hours of birth.
Some French breeds are renowned for being temperamental and difficult to handle. But Karen told us she could do practically what she wanted with newborn calves in the paddock, without upsetting mothers in any way.
The Morhams have had collected and registered, semen for domestic and international use, from 16 of their bulls. Prices range from $25 to $100 a straw. They have exported semen to the US, Canada and New Zealand.
In normal years, an extensive showing program involves Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney royal shows as well as Benalla, Euroa and other local events.
David Palmer