Culture

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February 1, 2012

Reflections of a Cow Man’s Daughter

Posted by RealRanchers under Animal Welfare, Culture, Environmental Stewardship, Real Ranching | Tags: , , , , , , , |
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Jennifer Faulkner, a University of Wyoming graduate student, received the Larsh Bristol photojournalism stipend in May 2011.  This funding supports her current project, which aims to represent the ranching community. Her goal is to capture images of every day ranch life, with an emphasis on the diversity and challenges of this lifestyle.

Larsh Bristol photojournalism stipend

Jennifer wrote in her proposal for the project, “Wyoming has a rich history of cowboy culture, and still uses this imagery as a source for attracting visitors. It is ironic, however, that the public perception of the cowboy is full of romance and sexuality, while ranching itself is often regarded as a profession left to the uneducated and untraveled conservative. Having been raised on a Wyoming cattle ranch, I am keenly aware of such discrepancies and misunderstandings regarding the ranching community. I regretfully observe this land-based lifestyle slipping down the same path of extinction as other past agrarian societies…The purpose of this project is to create a photographic collection representing the dynamic and multidimensional life of the rancher, from the perspective of a cow man’s daughter.”

Larsh Bristol photojournalism stipend

Jennifer is seeking additional Wyoming ranchers interested in allowing her to gather photographs of their operations. Please contact Jen at 307-761-2556 or faulknerj99@hotmail.com, if you are interested in having her take pictures at your operation.  She is happy to provide references of other ranchers who have graciously allowed her to visit and document their lives throughout the summer and fall.

Select photos from this project will be featured at a gallery display May 18th from 6-9 p.m. at Heart’s Alley, 404 S 2nd Street in Laramie, Wyo. The showing is open to the public.

 

January 26, 2012

Bessey’s Equality

Posted by RealRanchers under Culture | Tags: , , , |
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The saga of Bessey Stacy Badger, my great-grandmother’s mother, who homesteaded with her husband, Leland, is a story of equality. They homesteaded in eastern Wyoming in the late eighteen hundred’s. Wyoming was known as the “equality state,” a fortunate state for Bessey and Leland to choose to homestead.

RealRancher Ondi writes about Wyoming ranching history

Leland Badger's parents circa 1871

This is not a story about Leland.  Stories passed down abound of him being a ‘wonderlust’, as Robert Service would dub. I must portray lightly this character, Leland, to give you the entire fortune that equality in Wyoming brought for Bessey.

Read the full story on RealRancher Ondi Shepperson’s blog.

 

January 6, 2012

Snaring Coyotes

Posted by RealRanchers under Culture, Real Ranching | Tags: , , , , , |
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Coyotes are predators to other wildlife such as deer. They are also predators to our new born calves.

Last spring the coyotes were after our registered calves and just about killed one. Luckily my Grandma went up there and caught the coyotes, killing one, while the other ran off. If they kill our calves that can cost us $2,000 and up. That’s a pricey meal for those coyotes.

Livestock losses due to predators take a big bite out of a ranchers income. Photo from Kent Price.

They also kill baby deer and we’ve been trying to raise our deer population numbers. The coyotes are not helping. They are a bad predator to have.

So this fall and winter I decided to eliminate some coyotes by snaring them. Snares tie to a fence at the bottom at a hole where the coyotes crawl through. When the coyotes try to crawl through the hole they get caught. Then I kill the coyote, skin it and sell its pelt.

Trapping coyotes in Wyoming to reduce predator losses in cattle herd.

The snares trap coyotes crawling through the fence

Ranchers trap, kill and skin the coyote. The coyote hides are then sold.

I’m protecting our herd of cattle and the deer. I’m also making money selling their pelts.

Snaring is like a chore, you have to check the snares every other day. It’s an enjoyable learning experience.

From RealRancher Katie Keith – Casper, WY

 

December 27, 2011

The Fall Drive

Posted by RealRanchers under Culture, Public Lands, Real Ranching | Tags: , , , , , |
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By Colin Beal

Colin spent time in Wyoming this year working on ranches. He helped the Hellyer family for a short time before heading off to new adventures. This is his account of his experience gathering cattle.

At 6 a.m., the National Anthem played over the radio at the breakfast table.  Like the beginning of a sporting event, “home of the brave” signified the challenge ahead.  The words proved to be accurate, as my host and friends would brave the cold for three days to drive cattle roughly 35 miles.

The drive started at the Burnt Ranch on South Pass, located at the intersection of what was the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails.  The wide open plateau extends beyond the horizon on a good day, and well beyond visibility in blowing snow.

Blogging about gathering cattle in Wyoming

A coyote looks on as the cattle were gathered on Day 1

The herd was well-positioned to be gathered and fed at the west end of the Ranch around the cabin for the night.  The cattle are accustomed to spending their summers on a mixture of federal and private land. This management strategy with public and private land is critical to the operation.

Blogging about gathering cattle on South Pass in Wyoming

The Burnt Ranch cabin on South Pass

The Burnt Ranch is the base of summer operations for the Ranch.  As summer turns to fall, the cattle are moved to irrigated pastures along the Sweetwater River. When winter approaches, the cattle are fed hay and gathered to begin the drive down to Lander and a friendly climate.

Cattle roundup in Wyoming

It looks like this cow was ready to get off the mountain

Putting tire chains on the truck while herding cattle in Wyoming

An anxious herd watches Rob Hellyer and his son, Jim, put tire chains on the truck

Several inches of snow fell that night and the strong winds made for rough road conditions.  As a result, the ranchers’ reinforcements (all neighbors) had to improvise.  The five-man crew coming up the mountain from Lander on the second day was forced to park their trucks and horse trailers in Atlantic City and ride the remaining distance up the mountain to meet the herd.  This delayed their arrival, and, the four-man crew from the cabin set out alone to begin the drive.  Despite the lead tractor getting stuck in a drift and a faulty tire chain that immobilized a truck and trailer, the four-man crew from the cabin was able to get the cattle lined-out and moving across the snow-blown mountain.

Gathering cattle in the blowing snow in Wyoming

Rob Hellyer (on foot) and his wife, Martha (on horseback), moving cattle through the snow

Gathering cattle in Wyoming

A view from the back

Gathering cattle in the winter in Wyoming

Martha Hellyer and her son, George

With eight riders, progress was steady for the rest of day two.  The cattle reached the overnight holding pen, 15 miles from the cabin, and were fed just before dark.  After a long day, the crew was ready for a meal and a warm fire to escape the single digit temperatures and strong winds.

Feeding hay in winter in Wyoming

Jim Hellyer feeds hay in single digit temperatures

On the last day, the cattle were driven off the mountain along highway 28.  The riders’ job was to keep the herd moving steadily, keep cattle out of the road, and be careful of oncoming trucks and traffic.  Contrary to the dismal weather forecast, winds were mild on the third day and the crew was able to move the herd roughly 20 miles to winter pasture.

Trailing cattle along the road

The herd passing Red Canyon.

Last of the herd goes by.

Rob Hellyer and his daughter, Jessica, bring in the last of the herd.

 

November 28, 2011

The Contraption

Posted by RealRanchers under Culture, Real Ranching | Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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con·trap·tion [kuh n-trap-shuhn] a mechanical contrivance; gadget; device.

Have you ever built something that turned out not quite as intended?  Well, from time to time I have built some things which cost a lot of time, do actually work, but really need improvement.

For example, consider my recent stab at a “portable fence corner.”  Depending on feedback from this I may or may not enter FarmJournal’s best idea for a $100 contest.

To begin, a portable fence corner is necessary because…..well because I can’t make up my mind and may want to move it.  Or, if there is a will there is a way.  Or, maybe I didn’t want to dig a hole and decided that a more than one ton block of concrete should do the trick.

Let us break down the project.

RealRancher Jim Hellyer uses rancher ingenuity and humor to build a portable fence corner on his cattle ranch and hay operation near Lander, Wyoming.

This is phase one of what some in my family refer to as “another one of your contraptions.”  In this picture I have assembled most of the various parts.  Notice the cleanliness and attention to detail in the workplace.

RealRancher Jim Hellyer uses rancher ingenuity and humor to build a portable fence corner on his cattle ranch and hay operation near Lander, Wyoming.

This is phase two of my shovel ready project.  Notice that the foundation of the future corner was set without the aid of a shovel.  This greatly increases the speed and efficiency of the project.

The three inch circlular hole on the right of the block is designed to accept used oil field pipe.

RealRancher Jim Hellyer uses rancher ingenuity and humor to build a portable fence corner on his cattle ranch and hay operation near Lander, Wyoming.

Phase three brings physical placement.  This requires a vehicle to transport the corner and associated parts and a loader to place the block and raise the steel components.

RealRancher Jim Hellyer uses rancher ingenuity and humor to build a portable fence corner on his cattle ranch and hay operation near Lander, Wyoming.

And now we arrive at the final phase, also known as implementation.  Of course a fence must be attached to truly complete the project, but the corner is placed and should not budge.  This particular corner block sits at a 45 degree angle to the future fence.

It will work.  It may not have been as quick as setting several posts, but it was rewarding to build. Ranching is a rewarding life, not because of the project of the day, but because individuals get to run their own life.  It is self employment to the max.

Perhaps someday I will share some photos of other projects.  Things such as home-built gated pipe trailer for your four-wheeler (weight approximately 600 pounds upon completion), or my favorite: super bungee corral gate latch.

From RealRancher Jim Hellyer – Lander, Wyo.

 

November 10, 2011

Fall Drive

Posted by RealRanchers under Culture, Environmental Stewardship, Real Ranching
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This is our yearly Cattle Drive, which is about 25 miles long.

Cattle must be moved from place to place in Wyoming to provide enough feed for the livestock without harming the range by overgrazing.

We trail about 200-350 cows every year back and forth between home and the place we lease. We start early in the morning and get done late in the afternoon.

Moving cattle from one place to another is often done horseback or with vehicles and ATVs. It is often more efficient and economical to move cattle in one big group than it would be to hire trucks to haul the large herds of cattle from place to place.

Its become a fun family time! We trail in the spring and then again in the fall and have been taking the trip for 6 or 7 years. I think it feels shorter every time we go!

From RealRancher Katie Keith – Casper, WY

 

October 18, 2011

Tell her what she’s won!

Posted by RealRanchers under Culture, Real Partners | Tags: , , |
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We recently hosted a promotion on our Facebook page. The 1000th person to “like” us won a prize package of Wyoming Made goodies! Our winner was Margreet from Ohio.

Our 1000th fan on Facebook won a large prize package of Wyoming Made goodies!

This is what Margreet told us about herself, “We have a small farm…set of 13 year old boy/girl twins, a 3 year old little girl, a golden retriever, a hamster, a cockatiel, a guinea pig and a bunny! I grew up in Holland (my dad had one of those large windmills) and was around animals all my life, so I guess there is always an interest.”

So obviously Margreet isn’t really involved in production agriculture, but we are so excited that folks outside the industry are connecting with www.realranchers.com to find out what REALLY happens in the meadows, mountains and Main Streets of Wyoming! We started this blog nearly a year and a half ago to help spread truthful stories and correct misinformation about agriculture and rural living.

Thank you to these Wyoming Made companies for your generous donation to our giveaway!

Baer's Pantry chokecherry jam

Baer's Pantry chokecherry jam

Baer’s Pantry, located in Carpenter, Wyo., offers all-natural homemade jams and Wild Chokecherry Syrup. Smucker’s ain’t got nothin’ on Baer’s!

Baker Farms whole wheat flour and Prairie Pie

Baker Farms whole wheat flour and Prairie Pie

Baker Farms On-Farm Bakery, located in Chugwater, Wyo., makes breads, cookies and organic whole-grain, whole-wheat flour. Contact Dennis & Terry Baker at dwbaker@vcn.com. Their Prairie Pies are unique and scrumptious!

Chugwater Chili spice mix, dip mix, jelly, steak rub and cookbook

Chugwater Chili spice blend, dip-dressing mix, red pepper jelly, steak rub and cookbook

Chugwater Chili Corp., is also located in Chugwater and is near and dear to my heart as my grandparents were one of the founding families. Their prize-winning chili spice blend has expanded to include dip-dressing mix, steak rub and more!

Encana Oil & Gas tape measure

Encana Oil & Gas tape measure

Encana Oil & Gas is an industry leader and very involved in Wyoming. They are a main sponsor of RealRanchers.com and contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to bettering Wyoming every year.

Gaukel Grown & Ground whole-wheat bread, pancake and muffin mixes

Gaukel Grown & Ground whole-wheat bread, pancake and muffin mixes

Gaukel Grown & Ground is family-farming at its finest! Kevin, Julie and their children raise wheat at Keeline, Wyo. and create all-natural whole wheat mixes to sell.

Kaycee Cutter and tea towels from Miss in the Kitchen

Kaycee Cutter and cotton flour sack towels from Miss in the Kitchen

The Kaycee Cutter was invented by Tony Armstrong who ranches with his wife Milisa and their 3 boys in Kaycee, Wyo. It is made right in Wyoming and packaged and shipped from the ranch. Milisa also has a food blog, www.missinthekitchen.com, where she also sells these 100% unbleached cotton flour sack towels with printed designs.

Lucy's Sheep Camp Hand-Dyed Wool Products

Lucy's Sheep Camp Hand-Dyed Wool Yarn

Lucy’s Sheep Camp is located in Thermopolis, Wyo. and run by rancher Billie Jo Norsworthy. She sells high-quality, hand-dyed wool products from her own sheep. Her yarn colors are inspired by nature and will spark anyone’s creativity.

Coasters from Riversong Leather - Artist Leah Burgess

Coasters from Riversong Leather Studio - Artist Leah Burgess

Leah Burgess is the artist behind Riversong Leather Studio in Laramie, Wyo. She creates original designs and custom pieces which emphasize the natural strength and simple beauty of leather.

Wyoming Pure Natural Beef

Beef Jerky from Wyoming Pure Natural Beef

Wyoming Pure Natural Beef is owned and operated by the Goertz family in Slater, Wyo. They produce a high-quality product you can serve knowing that it was handled with care on the high plains of Wyoming.

The Wyoming Stock Growers supplied an "Eat Beef: The West wasn't won on salad" bumper sticker, Code of the West magnet, Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office ranch history book, and information about WSGA Supporting Membership

The Wyoming Stock Growers Association

The Wyoming Stock Growers supplied an “Eat Beef: The West Wasn’t Won on Salad” bumper sticker, a “Code of the West” magnet, a Wyoming ranch history book from the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office and information about the WSGA Supporting Membership.

Wyoing Lifestyler Magazine

Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine

Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine is a wonderful quarterly magazine filled with Wyoming’s Treaures! You can pick them up for free at various places across the state or subscribe for a minimal fee.

We also sent some of these goodies to Pam in Colorado as a runner-up prize.

Thank you to all our loyal subscribers to the blog, followers on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube! Keep checking back and tell your friends, family, coworkers and strangers on the street about us.

From Liz Lauck, Wyoming Stock Growers Association

 

September 11, 2011

Remembering 9/11

Posted by RealRanchers under Culture | Tags: , , |
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It has been a decade since that terrible day on September 11, 2001. And although New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. are 2,000 miles from Wyoming, we felt the shock wave from sea to shining sea.

As the towers fell, we stood. No longer segmented by region, background or industry. We weren’t ranchers or city-dwellers. We were, and are, Americans.

Thank you to our friends for submitting their photos in remembrance of the fallen here at home and on the far away battlefields. God Bless America!

American Flag in Joplin, Missouri after the 2011 Tornado

Photo by Tara Bolgiano (www.BlushingCrow.com) while in Joplin, MO

Little Boy with American Flag

Photo by Stephanie Amici-Keegan. She writes, "My son Colton carried this flag around for 2 years while his Daddy was in Iraq. He is about 2 1/2 here, his Dad had left on his 2nd birthday.

Cowboy with American Flag

Photo by Paul Colley (Lone Prairie Photograhy)

Flag on ranch fence in Colorado

Photo by 191 Livestock Company (www.191cow.com)

American Flag waving

Photo by Marty Wilson

Rodeo Queen carries flag on horse

Photo by Paul Colley (Lone Prairie Photograhy)

The Jerry Palen Calf sculpture in front of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association office in Cheyenne.

Photo by Wyoming Stock Growers Association (www.wysga.org or wwww.realranchers.com)

American flag on buckboard wagon

Photo by Performance Genetic Network of Strasburg, Colo. (find them on Faceboook!)

Young cowboy riding miniature bull at the Wyoming State Fair during Star Spangled Banner

Photo by Liz Lauck of Wheatland, Wyo.

Horse and rider carrying American Flag

Photo by Christy Martinez (http://ponyridingby.blogspot.com/)

 

March 10, 2010

It runs in the family…

Posted by RealRanchers under Culture, Real Ranching
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If you’ve spent much time around rural friends and relations, you’ve probably heard the overly romanticized term “family-run.”

Personally, the realist in me prefers it this way, “Family,  RUN!”

Between the family that lives there and the family that visits, on our farm there’s plenty of family to go around.  Mom had an interesting observation.  She says when family members express their selfless desire to ”help out,” they really mean outside tasks only please.

The sink remains full of dishes, the mudroom boasts enough topsoil to raise a bumper crop, and the bumper crop of kin gives more thought to what they might find on their next trip to the dinner table than to how it got there.

They did manage to “help” this new mother though…

Poor lady, (the cow that is.)

Well, and Mom too.

 

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