Devastating Drought

Does this look like January to you? Believe it or not, it is. 2026 has begun much the same way 2025 came and went—dry and challenging.
​It’s been tough.

We haven’t been able to turn our cattle out on the desert range this winter like we usually do. Instead, we’ve only managed to send out two or three very small herds, and only for a short time. As a result, we haven’t done much riding this season. While that might sound like a welcome break to some, we truly miss it—especially the chance to keep our horses well-ridden and working the way they should.

We’ve moved herds here and there, shifting them between different fields and trailing them across barren stretches of land. It’s a difficult sight to take in, and harder still to accept.

Not riding consistently makes it challenging to properly train young horses. Clay works to get his young horse out as often as he can, and I join him whenever I’m able.

Since I lost my horse, Clay has graciously let me ride a couple of his. I’m incredibly grateful for his generosity—they are truly exceptional horses, and I don’t take the opportunity for granted.

This is me on his horse Montana.  We had just weaned her foal and she is still sporting the baby belly.  She was so happy to get out and work a little.

We shipped calves yesterday, and if you look closely, you’ll notice a faint skiff of white dusting the ground. Yes, we finally got a tiny touch of snow. The wind howled for three days and nights, so most of it blew away —but we’re still thrilled with the little bit that stayed. It may not amount to much in the grand scheme of things, but we’re grateful for every flake.

It was windy and very cold.  Our crew smiled their way through it.  What a great crew we have.

No matter the weather we can depend on this crew.  

The calves were fat and sassy.  They've done very well in the feedlot this winter.

They counted and weighed them and loaded them onto trucks.
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It's always bitter sweet to send them off.  But, it's the business.  

Clay has even let me ride this beautiful horse. This is Sky and she is amazing. 

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Of course, the cowboys have stayed plenty busy, even though there’s been less time in the saddle. There’s no shortage of work on a ranch that doesn’t involve riding a horse—and they’ve tackled it all. I just haven’t made it out to take many photos.
Hopefully this spring I’ll get out more, take more pictures, and get back up to speed with my blogging.

We sold our replacement heifers this year, and for the first time since we’ve been married, my rancher man and I find ourselves with a window of time we’ve never had this time of year before. I’d say a special adventure is definitely in order.