November 28, 2012
I don’t know about where you live.
But here in Wyoming we’re well-known for our calm weather.
The wind never blows here.
Maybe where you live. Chicago. Amarillo. Boston. Not here. Not in Wyoming.
These are just cleansing breezes.
Photo taken at the Keith Ranch in Casper, Wyo.
From RealPartner Liz Lauck – Wyoming Stock Growers Association
(This post made possible in part by Pioneer Woman’s free Photoshop actions)
December 27, 2011
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.
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.
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.
It looks like this cow was ready to get off the mountain
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.
Rob Hellyer (on foot) and his wife, Martha (on horseback), moving cattle through the snow
A view from the back
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.
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.
The herd passing Red Canyon.
Rob Hellyer and his daughter, Jessica, bring in the last of the herd.
February 23, 2011
Although the cows have been at their winter home for some time now, I want to discuss why my cows change residence during the winter months. My cows have been temporarily relocated since early December 2010.
Photo by Stephanie Russell - http://www.cowgirlgraphics.net
Wintertime conditions around Lusk, Niobrara County, Wyoming can be quite adverse at times. We have the ability to receive a lot of snow, and the wind can really crank up periodically. Throw in some below favorable temperatures, and the conditions become pretty tough on the cows. Even if you have some winter grass left, the cows are going to need a substantial amount of supplemental feed (i.e. hay, concentrated cake) to keep them in proper body condition (i.e. packing some flesh). Supplemental feeds can be quite expensive. Plus, the actual feeding of these feedstuffs have associated costs (i.e. fuel, parts, wear-and-tear). With these conditions and expenses in mind, we in Niobrara County have options.
Feeding supplemental feed to cattle during winter months. Photo by Stephanie Russell - http://www.cowgirlgraphics.net
One option I believe in is relocating the cows to a milder climate. Located 60 miles south of us is a “Banana Belt” known as the Platte Valley. The North Platte River passes through this vicinity, and runs past the town of Torrington, Goshen County, Wyoming. This area is a large farming area with lots of hay, corn, beans, and sugar beet fields which have been harvested and are available for winter grazing. The area also sports milder temperatures, and generally less snow accumulation. These attributes allow cows to graze most of the winter without supplemental feeds. Occasionally, feeding may be necessary if the weather conditions dictate, but for the most part this is minimal. These lands are leased from valley property owners, and they are responsible for the care of the cows. The lessor makes sure the cattle have adequate water and available feed.
Photo by Stephanie Russell - http://www.cowgirlgraphics.net
Obviously, there are costs associated with taking the cows to a winter oasis. The cows have to be trucked to winter pasture and back home to Lusk, leased pasture is generally charged at a dollar figure/per head/per month, and the possibility of supplemental feeding. However, these costs are less than if you had to buy hay and feed it all winter. I do not put up any hay on my ranch, and have to buy all supplemental feeds. Economically, the best situation for me is to relocate the cows for a few months. Even if you put up your own hay, it could be economically feasible to take your cows to a winter home. Just some food for thought.
Calves being trucked from one ranch to another. Photo by Heather Hamilton - doublehphoto.blogspot.com
My cows start calving the 1st of May, so I try to have them to Lusk by the middle of April in preparation for their springtime ritual. I have been doing this routine for more than 10 years now, and feel this home relocation works well. The cows are always in good body condition and seem glad to be back to their spring, summer and fall home. And I’m happy to have them home! I just really enjoy having my cows, and being involved in production agriculture. Ranching is truly a great occupation!
Photo by Stephanie Russell - http://www.cowgirlgraphics.net
From RealRancher Dustin Cushman – Lusk, Wyo.
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