We branded our first bunch of calves on Tuesday, using our "calf trap" inventions. We processed 178 calves in four hours and forty-five minutes. Twenty-five calves are done in each batch, and then turned out with their mothers. Then we count another 25 through the gate and do them. There were four of us on the crew for the first 25. A good friend showed up who is a good roper, so there were five of us doing the next hundred. For the last 53 head, our oldest son and one of his friends showed up to help us. Guess we averaged "5.4" people branding the 178 calves in the 285 minutes. I know this doesn't sound too impressive, but if you moved the decimal point over one notch and had 54 people branding 1780 calves in four hours and forty-five minutes, that would sound more impressive. :wink:
Gathering the herd to brand calves
Calves in the corral
The preliminary crew
My gloves are hiding a hole in my shirt
Getting ready to rope
Calf trap ready and waiting
A friend came to help rope
Branded calves going out the gate
Going around the corner
Ropers in action
Ground crew in action
Gathering the herd to brand calves
Calves in the corral
The preliminary crew
My gloves are hiding a hole in my shirt
Getting ready to rope
Calf trap ready and waiting
A friend came to help rope
Branded calves going out the gate
Going around the corner
Ropers in action
Ground crew in action