These are some pictures from a snowstorm a few years ago and thank goodness this last weekend the storm didn't turn into that for us. However, the temperatures have been very chilly with below zero for most of the weekend. This next weekend sounds like it may not be much better. The good thing is that Trent and I will be flying out to attend the Fort Worth Stock Show for a few days. We have never been to Fort Worth so are looking forward to a little mini vacation.
One thing about ranching is that the livestock don't take holidays and around our place holidays tends to be the time to get the most accomplished since everyone is home and able to help. The afternoon of new years eve, Trent and I brought home the cull cows (ones we are going to sell) to sort out the drys (not bred cows). The afternoon was a bit chilly but we had no problems getting those cows to come home since it is only about a 1/4 mile. After the cows were sorted to their respective areas, we were able to ring in the new year with some wonderful friends.
Getting up on New Years Day was a little tough but we had work to do. The main cowherd were three miles away at their fall/winter pasture. The cows are put in this pasture that includes about 70 acres of corn cropland after the calves are weaned and they are PG'd (Pregnancy Tested). They are fed their until we are ready to bring them home and this year it ended up on New Years Day. My dad went ahead of them with the tractor and a bale, and Trent and I rode behind them to make sure no one was left behind. Once the cows were brought home, we wormed them to make sure that they stay healthy and can put more energy into their growing calf instead of some parasite that they may have inside or outside of them. Worming the cows took most of the day and when it started to get dark it got cold and the snow started to fall. Trent and I trailed the cows to some fields close by for the rest of the winter until calving starts. |
AuthorMy name is Dawn, I am a second generation rancher on my families operation in Beulah, ND. I ranch full time with my husband, Trent and two boys. I also work full time at the local Soil Conservation District as the District Manager. Archives
May 2013
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