It’s Fall and it has finally rained a few times. That means our cattle can come home from the high country. My Dad has already shipped a load down, so today we went out to check fences, put out a mineral salt block and move the cattle into their field for the winter.
This happy dog is going to start coming with me into the office once in a while. She has to have a job or she gets sad.
Ranchie had a health scare earlier this week. She is an old dog, around 9. She is a wonderful cow dog and loves her job, so she gets used a lot. However we realize it’s time for her to start to retire, little jobs like this is going to be her new normal. She was so happy to be back with my Dad, after her scare earlier in the week, she got sent home here in the Valley for some TLC. She loves us, but she knows who her master is.
This is what the Ranch looks like during this time of year. Last year’s old grass with new green sprouts starting to grow.
No horses this time! The ranger make this job a lot faster and easier for us.
This “bridge” has always made me nervous. I used to swear it was going to break when we would drive the hay truck over it.
Cottonwood Creek.
The cows.
We “pushed” the cows against the fence until they saw their gate into the next field called The Cottonwood Range. They know the drill.
Ranchie was ready in case any one got out of line.
My Dad putting out the mineral salt block.
Cattlepeople give salt to our cattle in block or loose form. We like the block because it is easy, and it meets out needs. Cattle should have this available to them at all times. Some salt blocks have phosphorus, magnesium or other supplements added to them to prevent conditions like grass tetany, poor growth rates or to prevent certain deficiencies.
We try to prevent diseases and conditions in our cattle, this makes both our and their lives much better. Making sure our cattle’s basic needs are met and exceeded is just one of many tools in our “tool box” that ensures we do this. Any questions?
Gorgeous ranch pictures!
Thanks!
Reblogged this on Real Life Farm Wife and commented:
Though Megan’s blog is full of wonderful information, this time I’m going to share it just for the GORGEOUS pictures of her family’s ranch.
(And now I really want to move from our currently gray and soggy Ohio.)
Thanks for sharing!
Great pics Meg!
Thanks Matt! You should come out sometime!
Beautiful pup. Cow dogs are such loyal dogs. Will you start to look for a new one so you have a replacement ready?
crystalcattle.com
We have two of her daughters ready to go. She is just such a wonderful dog and so bonded so my Dad, it’s so hard when they get old!
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