• On the Ranch
  • In the Kitchen

Beef Matters

Beef Matters

Monthly Archives: September 2011

Pre-conditioning

19 Monday Sep 2011

Posted by beefmatters in On the Ranch

≈ Leave a comment

Our days are getting busier. There are many things we need to accomplish in the next few weeks. Pre-conditioning calves is currently at the top of the list.

We worked this bunch of cows and calves at our neighbor’s corral. We are blessed with wonderful neighbors, have I mentioned that? Our neighbors realized that this group of pairs was closer to their corral than ours and they offered to let us use their facilities. Just like that.

When we pre-condition, we gather the cows and calves and bring them to the corral. After sorting the calves into one pen and the cows into another, we run the calves through the working chute and give each calf a couple of vaccinations. Then we turn them back in with their mothers and trail them to a new field.

We sometimes refer to pre-conditioning as “practice weaning” because the calves get an idea of what will happen on the day they are weaned. The main reason we choose to pre-condition our calves is that the vaccines are more effective if the calf is in a low-stress situation. Turning the calves back in with the mama cows is the best way to reduce stress in the calf.

The resident two-year old and I tagged along with the cowboys for a few hours. Our last job, before he and I went home for nap time, was to haul cowboys to the various pick-ups and stock trailers that were left at the starting point of the ride.

Of course, it is much more fun to ride those last few miles with Dad than with Mom. (Why is it that my kids are convinced everything is more fun with Dad than with Mom?)

Leaving the Mountain

14 Wednesday Sep 2011

Posted by beefmatters in On the Ranch

≈ Leave a comment

Did you notice the cool breeze yesterday morning? Not cold, just cool. Cool enough to grab a sweatshirt as we headed out the door to do chores. I mentioned to the kids how excited I was that fall had arrived.

My eight year old son patiently explained to me that it is still summer, because fall does not technically begin for another couple of weeks. He’s right, of course, but it’s still my favorite time of the year.

Regardless of what the calendar says, these cows know it is fall. They have been slowly working their way off the mountain for the past few days. Over the weekend, we brought them down the last few miles to the fall range.

The red cows happily lined out and trotted down the trail. This was a pleasant surprise! Typically, it takes a little work to convince them it’s time to move to new country.

Do you know what I have discovered since sending our three oldest children back to school last week? One child is amazingly portable!  So much less stuff! One water bottle, one snack, one extra jacket. I can grab my two year old son and within moments we are in the midst of ranch work.

Speaking of ranch work, the cowboys are pre-conditioning calves today and this little boy and I are going to help!

Under Construction

14 Wednesday Sep 2011

Posted by beefmatters in On the Ranch

≈ Leave a comment

Hi Everyone!

Working on changing things up here at Beef Matters. Sorry for the confusion and construction. New content up later today…after taking the hooligans to school and working a few calves.

Thanks for your patience.

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Beef Matters RSS feed

  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 177 other followers

Follow me on Instagram

No Instagram images were found.

Archives

  • January 2015
  • November 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011

Contact

  • About
  • Contact

Blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • Beef Matters
    • Join 177 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Beef Matters
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...