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.” DependingContinue reading “The Contraption”
Category Archives: Real Ranching
Keith’s Fall Drive
This is our yearly Cattle Drive, which is about 25 miles long. 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. Its become a fun family time! We trail in the spring and thenContinue reading “Keith’s Fall Drive”
Snow Day
Remember snow days when you were a kid? It was so much fun! No school; just drinking cocoa and wearing 14 layers of clothes to go run around in the yard. Well, the RealRanchers of the Green River Valley (and most others I’ve ever been around) do not believe in snow days. THIS is aContinue reading “Snow Day”
Dirty Job
You’ve all seen Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe on the Discovery Channel, right? Well Dr. George Harty can relate. Our thoughts go out to the person that does George’s laundry. From RealRanchers, the Hamilton Family – Lance Creek, WY
Fall Looks Good
Fall is looking good in Crook County, Wyoming.Rancher and Wyoming State Senator Ogden Driskill took this photo recently of his heifers (young female cattle that haven’t calved or have just had their first calf) on his ranch which is located near Devils Tower. Devils Tower was the first U.S. National Monument and has quite theContinue reading “Fall Looks Good”
A Different Kind of Tourist
The 2011 Wyoming Angus Tour, Sept. 17-18 in Southwestern Wyoming, was a success with breeders from every corner of the state making the trip to Lincoln and Sublette Counties. According to the American Angus Association, Angus cattle first came to America from Scotland in 1873. The breed is naturally hornless and most are black orContinue reading “A Different Kind of Tourist”
Hard to be Humane
Humane treatment of livestock is something ranchers are doing continuously through their livestock management practices. Typically these actions improve the health and well-being of the animals in their care, and are enjoyable tasks for everyone. But, what about those situations where being humane and doing what’s best for the animal isn’t a fun practice? ThisContinue reading “Hard to be Humane”
Fighting Fire
“When those famous Wyoming thunderstorms rumble across the Eastern Wyoming plains this summer, ranchers can be seen atop every high hill watching for the accompanying lightning, and potential range fires that result. An abundant grass year as created a waving sea of fuel that can light up in seconds, and result in detrimental losses forContinue reading “Fighting Fire”
2011 Upper Green Cattle Drive
Yes, I know I’ve been lax in my duties writing about the Upper Green River Cattle Drive this year, so here is a little summary and photos to make up for it. There was so much snow in the mountains this year and it took so long to melt off that the drive started aboutContinue reading “2011 Upper Green Cattle Drive”
A Mother’s Grief
Two tiny babes arrived last week. Their mother, like all mothers, immediately protective. Nervously nuzzling first one and then the other. Squatting to let them nurse. Instinctively knowing what to do. One baby is a little larger and very healthy. He is already trying to buck and play. The second is small and fragile. SheContinue reading “A Mother’s Grief”
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