The Working Ranch Blogosphere

One of the challenges we as producers have, is to get an accurate message to consumers about what, why, and how we raise our livestock. I write so I can put a face behind that steak on their plate. I want the consumer to understand the blood, sweat, and tears that I've poured into my cattle. I know that I can only convey so much through a blog. That's why when the ranch has an opportunity to host a group on tour, we jump at every chance we can get. This last Thursday we had that chance.
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School may be finished, but the learning process is just starting. My first week in the feedlot has been quite eventful and busy, and Texas is welcoming me with hospitality. I can't wait to hear what you want to learn from my first-hand experience in the cattle feedlot.
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Last week I challenged my AgProud followers to talk about agriculture with at least three other people they met in their communities. I thought I would share my experiences in hopes that it will inspire you to take this challenge in future weeks. Even if you live somewhere like “Goat Gap” there is someone that would learn from your conversation with them.
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I’m a bit of a softy. I admit it; I lack the killer instinct...
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From the beginning of time, ever since the fall, there has been a fragile balance between life and death. The balance is some of God's created life must end in order for some life to continue on. That's just the way it is. As a stockman, I live day to day among that balance. Each year in the cycle, there comes a time when I have to say goodbye to those critters that I've poured a part of my life into. I've lost sleep, endured the cold and heat, bled, and anguished within my soul over them. Then they're gone, and I know it must be. Now it will be their turn to take care of me and return the blessing to my family. I bow my head and take time to thank them and the Creator for their sacrifice.
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My second week at home has been a little more eventful, but I have somehow managed to sneak a little more time for rest in there. I have been helping quite a bit at my family’s cattle auction (Dad can always use a little free labor) and this is no easy task let me assure you.
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The boys have been getting restless. The fights have been on the increase these last few days. I had the neighbor knocking on my door the other morning to let me know one was out on the road. Before you call Child Protective Services on me, I'm talking about my other boys, Da Bulls. Yeah, they know what time of year it is and they're getting anxious. I thought I was gonna have to put a new side on one of the bull sheds a day ago. All I heard was a crash and saw a black bull running for his life. Don't mess with them reds!
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My husband, Jeremy, and I work together on the ranch everyday. There is nary a better communication workshop for a married couple than doctoring sick cattle...
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I apologize for my lack of writing this past week. We were finishing up breeding our last group of heifers and I was working through a pesky head cold, so needless to say, I was perty much spent by the end of the day. I didn't do much more than eat supper and go to bed. Today, though, marked the beginning of the end. Now the only thing left to do was move a few groups of cattle around, and come Wednesday the bulls go out. So, today we did some moving.
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No, I am not talking about the spur clanking, gun belt toting figures like the characters of John Wayne or Clint Eastwood (Still some of my favorite movies). Rather I am talking about that cowboy who wears their orange proudly, knows the official state song of Oklahoma always ends with “State”, and knows exactly how to say “Go Pokes!”
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