The other day we headed out in the pasture to gather up the cattle to brand. The sky was looking pretty grey and there was a good chance we would get wet.
Me before I got wet and lost my glasses.
Then yesterday we separated the cows and calves so we could mark the calves. As I mentioned before, we don't actually brand. We ear mark, vaccinate, castrate and fly tag.
We had some good help show up even though it was raining.
Sometimes we have some great photographers come out and get some really great shots of branding. Unfortunately I didn't get too many great shots. I also have the responsibility of giving each calf a shot. It makes being photographer difficult.
We had some older and more experienced help.
We also had the next generation help.
And some in between.
Women ropers as well as men. And good ground help.
Brothers.
Clay on his good horse Vanilla.
Cowgirl Ashley.
Cowgirl Baylee, one of our top hands.
Everyone worked hard, never complained about the conditions and all and all I think had a great day. And no one got dirty..
There is a lot going on at once as the ropers bring the calves to the Nord fork, the ground crew gives shots, cuts ears, castrates if needed and tags. Everyone has a job and has to stay on their toes.
A Nord fork is a head holding device attached to a spike in the ground and a piece of inner tube. It holds the head of the calf in place while the roper holds the heals.
A Nord fork is a head holding device attached to a spike in the ground and a piece of inner tube. It holds the head of the calf in place while the roper holds the heals.
Sometimes the Nord fork is missed and the calf has to be wrestled down and held.
How the Nord fork is supposed to work.
We like to start 'em young.
I'm not usually in the pictures because I am taking them, but someone got my camera and took a few pictures. Yep that's me.
I would say that boss man Dave said we did a good job. Hopefully we will have as good of crew for the next three brandings we have ahead of us.
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