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BRANDING AND RAIN

5/10/2015

9 Comments

 
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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.
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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.
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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.  
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We had some older and more experienced help.
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We also had the next generation help.  
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And some in between. 
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Women ropers as well as men.  And good ground help.
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Brothers. 

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Clay on his good horse Vanilla.
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Cowgirl Ashley.
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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.. 
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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.
Sometimes the Nord fork is missed and the calf has to be wrestled down and held.
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How the Nord fork is supposed to work.
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We like to start 'em young.
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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.
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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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9 Comments
Mark
5/10/2015 11:29:25 am

very good pics. It was a fun day.

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Tana
5/10/2015 12:09:02 pm

It is always great having your help. Thanks

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mom
5/13/2015 06:48:45 am

Good help, good looking help too! You all could have been in a Tide commercial and made some big bucks! darn!

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Rick & Milly
5/14/2015 11:26:09 am

The pics are very good, I would love to know what kind of camera you use..We love seeing the pictures of the valley, what a beautiful place, We have such wonderful memories of Snake Valley. We will be there in September to intern Milly's brother at Garrison cemetery.

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Tana
5/17/2015 06:22:20 am

I mostly use my phone because I am working also and can't carry a camera. Sometimes i use a little Nikon point and shoot. I would like to get an up grade at some point and get better quality photos. But my Samsung Galaxy phone does an amazing job and fits in my pocket..
I am so glad you read the blog and enjoy the pictures. Look us up when you are out for a visit.

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Bess Cheney-Smith
5/22/2015 07:28:18 am

I love the pictures, horses and cowgirls in beautiful Snake Valley. Thanks for sharing!

(Former Wheeler Peak Campgound Host)

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Tana
5/22/2015 10:32:20 am

I love to hear that people read my blog.

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Cam Morris link
12/25/2020 03:53:39 pm

Thanks for this blogg post

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Maryland Independent Girl link
12/16/2022 02:24:53 pm

Nicee post

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    Hi, My name is Tana.  I live in the high desert of Nevada, It is heaven on earth. 
     I am a rancher's wife and I want to share my story.

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