Horses win the battle of wits over cows, and seem to
enjoy herding, as long as there are no massive bulls around.
Bonanza!  From the left, “Little Joe” Mary Ann,
“Ben” Mike, “Hoss” Sue and “Adam” Dan.

Being a city slicker is a little hot and dusty.
Mike showing off his roping skills, standing still
with a plastic bull.  Hey, it’s a start.
When you have amateur cowhands, you can’t expect
the perfect outcome.  Herding the cows into the
playground set wasn’t our best move.
We eventually got the four month old calves separated
from their mamas (no easy task) so we could vaccinate
and brand them all.  Oh, and castrate the bull calves.

First the vaccine.  Plunging a needle through calf skin
 requires more oomph that you’d think.   Great care is
 taken with these grass fed purebred Angus cattle. The
beef is certified organic, and some is sold to Whole Foods.
Tag #341 having a cranky day.
Since these cattle graze on the open range, branding
is essential for proof of ownership.  A cow tattoo.
Mike holding the castration knife.  Seems harsh,
but the ranch continually looks to improve the herd
and the quality of the beef.   Only the best strains
of bulls are allowed to mate.
This is an experts only job.  Harry, the head rancher,
is quick with the scissors and a thick coating of fly
spray.  The entire process was done in less than
30 seconds.
Anyone for Rocky mountain oysters?

Newly branded calf with the R and reverse R for
Red Reflet.
Laurence setting a lovely dinner table, where guests
from all over the world trade stories about their day.
Today we drank a toast to Tag #541, who ran fast,
but not fast enough.  Great ribs for dinner.