It must be spring...if we're branding calves! Which is a tradition this time of year (May) round these parts!
The annual cattle branding event is a sign of the transition from one chapter to another each year in the ranching world. Living in an area where cattle are required to carry a brand is a unique experience. Each brand carries such significance in its appearance and location, and every operation determines how that branding takes place.
At our ranch, branding takes place usually the first weekend in May. It is a good half day event with different hands needed and wanted. First we move all the cow/calf pairs into the large corral, work quickly to sort the cows out of the corral, and then assemble our horsemen and ground crew, then get to work! Our objective is simple. We try to rope and drag the calves to the ground crew who catch the calves with forks, a little wrestling may be required at times, quickly brand them, evaluate and vaccinate, and get them back on their feet and to their mothers in a short amount of time. This ensures that we limit the amount of stress placed upon the calves, and that helps them stay healthy.
The annual cattle branding event is a sign of the transition from one chapter to another each year in the ranching world. Living in an area where cattle are required to carry a brand is a unique experience. Each brand carries such significance in its appearance and location, and every operation determines how that branding takes place.
At our ranch, branding takes place usually the first weekend in May. It is a good half day event with different hands needed and wanted. First we move all the cow/calf pairs into the large corral, work quickly to sort the cows out of the corral, and then assemble our horsemen and ground crew, then get to work! Our objective is simple. We try to rope and drag the calves to the ground crew who catch the calves with forks, a little wrestling may be required at times, quickly brand them, evaluate and vaccinate, and get them back on their feet and to their mothers in a short amount of time. This ensures that we limit the amount of stress placed upon the calves, and that helps them stay healthy.
Along with the work, we laugh and joke, and make light of the work at hand! Friends and family gather for this tradition, and at the end of the work is usually a feast to celebrate the labors. Our cattle are the lifeblood of our operation.
A homemade turkey cooker! Made by none other than...My sweetheart!
The turkey was so good...tender and moist, crunchy on the outside! We cooked a 24 lb. turkey in about 2 1/2 hours!
I feel so blessed to live this lifestyle.
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