Yep, I said spring. But spring around here brings quite a variety of weather.
We moved our cows onto spring range..
Some days we had some extra help.
Moving little calves is never easy. It takes a lot of time and a lot pf patience.
Spring time means getting all of our calves processed. This means, ear marked (a distinct cut to the ears that is unique to only our ranch. It is a way to identify our calves). They are also given an orange fly tag, which helps with fly control. They are vaccinated , just like you would vaccinate any pet , and castrated if a bull calf.
The cowboys ran the first bunch of claves on the calf table. This is not their favorite way of doing it, but we have so many calves and so few weekends between now and June, they had to get a jump on the job.
This is the preferred way of processing calves. The calves are roped by a cowboy on a horse, then held down with ropes by their feet, and the usual processing is done. The calves are not harmed, it only takes a minute or two to preform the tasks needed. Several people help do each task so it is very quick. Then the calf is let up and runs off. Of course the calf may be a little shaken, but it is not traumatized. They are quickly let back in with their moms to recover.
We held our first "branding" this weekend. We only had a small bunch of calves, but it was a good opportunity for the cowboys to get ready for the rest of the season.
It's a family event. This little guy could be the future cow boss.
There is nothing better than watching the next generation help and learn.
I took so many branding pictures. You can see more on my high desert ranch wife FB page.
Before we can process any more calves, we have to bring them all in off of the range. It is long and slow and hard work. Hopefully I will post some pictures if I can get to my phone while I'm trying to help.
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