Tag: cattle ranching
-
Moving Cows to Callon Spring 2012
Thursday we moved our cows to the other unit that we lease from the Forest Service. It turned out to be the perfect day to do it. It was overcast and the temperatures were in the low 70’s, unlike the steady sunny 90 degree days we’ve had most of the summer. We had a great…
-
Our Herd’s Appointment with the Doc
On some levels, I liken raising our cattle to raising my children. When my kids were born I made sure they had their vaccinations because I did not want to put them at risk for known life-threatening diseases. As caretakers, the same is true in caring for our cows and calves. Every fall, we precondition…
-
Summer Commute
There’s a reason why we drive beat up little four-wheel drive pickups. Our summertime commute is not full-size pickup, sedan, or new vehicle friendly. Getting to stock tanks on summer range or to salt locations requires using Forest Service roads. The ones we frequent are a little more than a two-lane cow trail. Driving on…
-
Branding Day Protocol
If you’ve ever been to a western South Dakota branding that served Rocky Mountain oysters cooked on a branding stove, you may not think such an event requires etiquette but there are certain expectations that go with branding. According to an undocumented branding policy, if you want to help gather cattle, don’t be late. Special…
-
Branding Day 2010
If you want to find out who your real neighbors and friends are, just put on a branding when the weather is at its worst and see who shows up. Our neighbors were put to the test when we branded this past weekend despite 25 mph wind with gusts up to 40 mph and an…
-
The OB Ward and Nursing Home Ranch
The problem with deferring replacement heifers too long is that you’re apt to end up with a lot of really old cows and a bunch of young, first time calvers to take care of simultaneously come calving time. Hanging on to cows too long and not incorporating younger cows into the herd gradually, creates more…
-
Who’s Running the Show?
Calving season is a challenging time of year for my husband and me to keep up with our kids’ involvement in school, church, and club activities. Obviously, the ones who are running the show around here are the cows we spend most of our time chasing after during calving. Until spring arrives at our place,…