Branding photos from Saturday

[the_jersey_lilly_2000]

I wish we had "brandin's" down here, some people do brand, but it's not like ya'lls up there were neighbors come from miles around to help each other out. It's just another part of workin cows, ya do it with whoever is your normal help.

 

[theHiredMansWife]

actually lilly, it's becoming more and more common everywhere we've been to just do it with the regular help, too. We've worked on ranches that neighbor and ranches that don't.
But my husband is bound and determined we're going to keep doing it this way as long as possible.
People used to get together to help each other out all the time. Barn raisings, harvest, spring gathers, etc. The chances to neighbor are getting fewer and farther between so he thinks we need to hang on tight to the few chances we have.
I tend to think he's right, I guess.

 

[the_jersey_lilly_2000]

I agree. I'd love to invite folks to our brandins, but I think the main reason is that we don't have much help is because not many neighbors are ranchers anymore. There's some, but the biggest majority are just people that have bought 5 or 10 acres and just "live in the country"
The one's that are ranchers, perdy much work stuff themselves, with the hired folks they always use....

 

[needtolearn]

Perhaps part of the reason that neighboring is dying slowly out is because no one knows who their neighbors are anymore. The family who owned the ranch for the last 4 generations sells out and it gets bought by someone who you don't know or necessarily trust, and who hasn't got a crazy clue how things are done, and in some cases refuses to learn.

Sometimes I wonder when one of these old ranches sells, if they got two offers. The one for the outragious sum from the out of state buyer, and the fair but lower offer of a real couple who want the ranch way of life. Has anyone ever taken the lower offer?

I wish some land owners weren't so overwhelmed by the cash and would just do what's best for the land, and keep it out of the tax advantaged hands.

 

[theHiredMansWife]

Perhaps part of the reason that neighboring is dying slowly out is because no one knows who their neighbors are anymore.

Maybe.
But at the same time, we've only lived in this part of the world for three springs now. We've never had trouble tracking down help.
And there were ranches we'd move on to where the long-time guys were going to a branding with strict orders to "bring the new guy" because that's how you get to know people.

Myself, when I hear of someone new in the neighborhood, I usually drop by with a welcome-to-the-community pan of brownies or something. It doesn't take me much effort, but it can be awfully overwhelming (and lonely) to move into a new area. Simple gestures make big impressions.

 

[the_jersey_lilly_2000]

Nother reason down here might be the fact that not many folks brand anymore. We didnt for a long time, and started doin it a couple years ago.

Also those family farms or ranches that sell dont always sell to one person. down here they are split up and you get 5 new neighbors from houston that paid ungodly amounts for their "ranchette"

 

[theHiredMansWife]

What're the brand laws in TX, anyway?
I know people have to register their brand county by county (rather than most states up here where it's for the entire state). And if you live west of the brand inpsection line in SD and NE, you're required to brand in order to sell, transport across state lines, etc.
I don't know about KS, OK and TX, though.

 

[k_ranch]

Nice pictures HMW especially like the one where son is helping dad brand and kids in calf pen thats how they learn things.

Never been to a branding where those forks were used looks like they get the job done. I go to probably dozen and half brandings where everybody drags and wrestles the calves, works good but takes more help and refreshments :drink:

I have used a rope and intertube staked out on late calves with a rider draging calf up and putting the stake rope on calfs front feet and holding hind feet with horse. Works good when short handed.

 

[ranchwife]

Perhaps part of the reason that neighboring is dying slowly out is because no one knows who their neighbors are anymore.

Maybe.
But at the same time, we've only lived in this part of the world for three springs now. We've never had trouble tracking down help.
And there were ranches we'd move on to where the long-time guys were going to a branding with strict orders to "bring the new guy" because that's how you get to know people.

Myself, when I hear of someone new in the neighborhood, I usually drop by with a welcome-to-the-community pan of brownies or something. It doesn't take me much effort, but it can be awfully overwhelming (and lonely) to move into a new area. Simple gestures make big impressions.

I like your way of thinking, HMW when it comes to welcoming the new folk!! Around here, alot of folks have grown weary of "newbies", usually city folk from back east or from california, and are a little gunshy of anyone with outta state plates on their rig!! Good for you for being the first to offer a welcome smile!!

 

[theHiredMansWife]

Never been to a branding where those forks were used looks like they get the job done. I go to probably dozen and half brandings where everybody drags and wrestles the calves, works good but takes more help and refreshments

Refreshments--- I showed up after the guys had already gotten everything gathered since I was watching kids this year. I put a tub of Rice Krispy bars in the back of the pickup, a cooler with a couple big bowls of taco salad, and another cooler with pop and beer in it.
One of the guys said, "you brought beer over already?!"

'A twelve pack. Just enough for everyone to have one when we break for lunch.
The rest is at the house'.

"Wise woman. You've done this before." :wink:

Good for you for being the first to offer a welcome smile!!

Eight years ago we moved onto a ranch. Within two days, all three of the other wives had dropped by with goodies (including a pan of lasagna!), the pastors from both churches in town had stopped in to invite us to Sunday services, and a couple neighbors had stopped in to see who was moving in to John's old job (and invite us to the bar for supper).

That has stuck in my head.
Never before or since have we felt so welcomed. And it's not that most communities are stuck up or anything, it's just that people simply don't think about it. But I want someone else to know that welcomed feeling. Even if it is just me and a pan of brownies.

 

[the_jersey_lilly_2000]

If you brand here,you register it with the county where the cattle are. It's not manditory tho. It's not manditory to have brands on cattle goin to the sales either.

 

[Jinglebob]

And if you live west of the brand inpsection line in SD and NE, you're required to brand in order to sell, transport across state lines, etc.
.

No, you don't have to brand in order to sell, in west river. You just need to get them inspected and they can be inspected as "no brands".

I was a local inspector for about 11 years here.

 

[theHiredMansWife]

True.
But you are required to brand in order to sell or transport across state lines. Or across the brand line within the state, for that matter.

 

[Turkey Track Bar]

True.
But you are required to brand in order to sell or transport across state lines. Or across the brand line within the state, for that matter.

THMW:

You are required to have a brand inspection, not a brand...

Jinglebob was correct. At our production sale we sell unbranded bulls, but live well within the brand inspection area of South Dakota. They all get brand inspected and cleared, but are unbranded so the new owner can put their brand on the bulls.

As well, this is the law in all of North Dakota...cattle and equids are required to be inspected but not required to be branded. (The ND Law can be found at this link: http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t36c09.pdf)

Cheers---

TTB :wink:

 

[theHiredMansWife]

But in order to be inspected as an unbranded animal, you have to produce proof of ownership, right?
I remember when we moved back to Nebraska, a friend of ours was the local brand inspector and was teasing us that he shouldn't let us take two of our horses (who still aren't branded) because we didn't have a bill of sale on either of them.
...And he'd be happy to take them off our hands. :lol:

I guess it's not so much that the brand is the law, but rather the brand is the easiest way to follow the law.

 

[Jinglebob]

But in order to be inspected as an unbranded animal, you have to produce proof of ownership, right?
I remember when we moved back to Nebraska, a friend of ours was the local brand inspector and was teasing us that he shouldn't let us take two of our horses (who still aren't branded) because we didn't have a bill of sale on either of them.
...And he'd be happy to take them off our hands. :lol:

I guess it's not so much that the brand is the law, but rather the brand is the easiest way to follow the law.

Who ever is in possesion, is the owner of an unbranded critter. Possesion is 9/10 of the law.

I don't know why anyone wouldn't brand, if you had people around you who wanted to steal.

If someone questioned the ownership on a calf, you could take it to the cow who was missing a claf and if she accepted the calf, then there would be proof that the wrong feller had the wrong calf.

I ran into this when running share cows and the owner wanted to put his brand on the calves. I was afraid if he wanted, he could claim all the calves, instead of just his share. The bank told me that if it went to court, the court would favor who ever was in possesion of the cows, as long as you had a contract stating who got what. then the brand wouldn't matter as much.

Go ahead and argue brand inspection with me, in SD. I was an inspector for 11 years. How many years were you a SD brand inspector? :wink:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Hanta Yo]

Perhaps part of the reason that neighboring is dying slowly out is because no one knows who their neighbors are anymore. The family who owned the ranch for the last 4 generations sells out and it gets bought by someone who you don't know or necessarily trust, and who hasn't got a crazy clue how things are done, and in some cases refuses to learn.

Sometimes I wonder when one of these old ranches sells, if they got two offers. The one for the outragious sum from the out of state buyer, and the fair but lower offer of a real couple who want the ranch way of life. Has anyone ever taken the lower offer?

I wish some land owners weren't so overwhelmed by the cash and would just do what's best for the land, and keep it out of the tax advantaged hands.

needtolearn,

We've been experiencing the same thing. Been here 13 years, attended too many funerals of the old ranchers, these ranches are gobbled up by "hunters". We have to go into Roundup to get help anymore. Roundup is 40 mi away, not including how far away from Roundup our help is...

It's so sad.. We used to be a close knit community. Now, there is NO community!

 

[theHiredMansWife]

Go ahead and argue brand inspection with me, in SD. I was an inspector for 11 years.

How do you figure I was arguing with you? :???:
I guess it's not so much that the brand is the law, but rather the brand is the easiest way to follow the law.


And according to SD brand law if the inspector asks you to prove ownership (in the absence of a brand), you have to come up with either a bill of sale, or a signed affidavit, right?

ETA: I just looked it up--
40-21-10 ..."If any livestock are unbranded, the inspector may require the shipper or seller to establish his ownership by presenting to the inspector an affidavit of ownership. Only an original bill of sale or affidavit of ownership is valid for proof of ownership. Any bill of sale or affidavit shall be notarized or signed by two witnesses."
(which is why our neighbor was teasing us about making us leave those two behind. :wink: )

 

[Hanta Yo]

But in order to be inspected as an unbranded animal, you have to produce proof of ownership, right?
I remember when we moved back to Nebraska, a friend of ours was the local brand inspector and was teasing us that he shouldn't let us take two of our horses (who still aren't branded) because we didn't have a bill of sale on either of them.
...And he'd be happy to take them off our hands. :lol:

I guess it's not so much that the brand is the law, but rather the brand is the easiest way to follow the law.

There is only one state in the US which REQUIRES a brand and that state is Texas. I found that interesting, those of us here in the West do it thinking it's the law when it's not. It's just a good way to have proof of ownership.


Horses seem to be a little different deal. We have 'way too many "horse traders" around here who are definitely on the shady side. Many horses being stolen and sold by these "horse traders". It's helpful to get an annual or lifetime on your horse when little, that way you have some proof of ownership. Or put your brand on it. Or if registered, the papers help if in your name. Unbranded cattle can be anybody's. They are simply brand inspected as a "no brand". 'Cept if someone is missing a bovine, they call it into the brand office with a description and where it came up missing. Notice goes out to all brand insp. in the state. If there are no markings, no ear notch, no tag, no brand, no bangs tag, no tattoo, you are screwed. (Just like the last BSE case). A brand is like an animal's return address to home. It's always best to brand or put some type of permanent mark on your animals to prove ownership. It's simply sound management.

 

[Jinglebob]

Go ahead and argue brand inspection with me, in SD. I was an inspector for 11 years.

How do you figure I was arguing with you? :???:
I guess it's not so much that the brand is the law, but rather the brand is the easiest way to follow the law.


And according to SD brand law if the inspector asks you to prove ownership (in the absence of a brand), you have to come up with either a bill of sale, or a signed affidavit, right?

ETA: I just looked it up--
40-21-10 ..."If any livestock are unbranded, the inspector may require the shipper or seller to establish his ownership by presenting to the inspector an affidavit of ownership. Only an original bill of sale or affidavit of ownership is valid for proof of ownership. Any bill of sale or affidavit shall be notarized or signed by two witnesses."
(which is why our neighbor was teasing us about making us leave those two behind. :wink: )

Boy, it must be the spring air or something! Everybody is getting testy! :wink:

OK, so if you raise a calf and don't brand it, and he is weaned and you go to sell him, how are they going to decide who he belongs too?

If a slick doesn't belong to the person in possesion, why bother to brand?

It's sure a lot easier to sell someone elses cattle for yourself, if they don't have a brand on them.

My grandfather found two slick yearlings and was told by his brother in law to regester a brand and put it on the cattle and he'd be started in the cow business. He did and he was.

O my gash! Grampa was, kind of a cow theif? :shock: :lol: :lol: :lol: