My friends ask me all the time – “what did you do today?” Truly no two days are ever the same. We have just finished our Spring Cow Work so this morning, we were once again checking every cow, calf, and bull to be sure everyone was doing well. This past winter was harsh – cold and wet – the worst conditions for cattle – so we have fed more and the feeding has lasted longer than normal. We have certainly been blessed with great rain this Spring but we need temperatures above 50 for the grass to really push through. Our morning has started with making our rounds and feeding a high protein cube.
The bulls go out February 22nd so our 90 day breeding season is under way. Yes – you read that right – the boys are only “in town” for 90 days and then they go back to the bull spa – a large lush green pasture on the ranch with a beautiful lake and big shady oak trees. So while “the girls” entertain their guests – protein snacks must be plentiful. Protein is essential for “the girls” to re-breed. The feeding process takes time because it is also a health check – and pasture check to be sure everyone is where they are supposed to be. On our rounds – we found one bull that had decided to re-locate!! Each bull has a specific pasture – a specific number of cows – a specific genetic plan. HE cannot decide he likes another herd of cows better than the one we have selected for him. Well – he can – and he did!! So we had to pen him – trailer him back to the pasture he was supposed to be in. Bulls are ornery cusses – obstinate – and 2000 pounds of “I can do pretty much whatever I decide I am going to do”!! I am convinced that he knows – I need him more than he needs me. But we worked it out – (I can be a little ornery too) – and he calmly went back to the pasture he was supposed to be in.
A few months ago, we purchased a small piece of acreage at the back of the ranch so we could have access to our back pasture. When hard rains come – both the Ioni Creek and Squirrel Creek are out – it forms a lake in the middle of this pasture and our only access is off a county road and thru the property we just managed to purchase. Next stop of the day was final farewells to the timber guys who had moved in and worked for the last several weeks to clear the timber for us. Now we have another whole new project to plant grass and fence.
The farrier was here today. Horses needed their feet trimmed and new shoes.
Today is absolutely beautiful!! It is still a little cool but the sun is shining brightly. You always see the ads that California cows are happy cows – well they can’t beat us today. I have it on the best authority – the happiest cows today are right here – in Texas!! This girl told me!!
Always love hearing about “a day at the ranch”…..and still waiting for your first book!!!
This sounds absolutely amazing. I have a 19 year old daughter who, I’m pretty sure, would say you are living her dream life. Unfortunately she was put into a family who knows nothing of horses, ranching, and the likes. We did have a couple of goats once and a few chickens now. She would emphatically deny that this counts for anything.
Always good to know what’s going on at the Ranch. Miss you.
Molly
Great article… I love it…Keep up the great work!!!