Went and helped my nieghbors wean and ship thier calves today. The Benmore Association is made up of two local ranchers and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All together they run 350 head. I rode from home about 4 miles and picked up 24 pair that were out west of town. Met the rest of the crew at the corral where we bunched, sorted off the calves and shipped. Spent most of the day a foot swinging gates and sorting. Here's the alley with a bunch ready to sort.
A few of the Church's calves prior to getting on the truck to their feedlot.
The calves were vaccinated 10 days ago when they came off the mountain. Mostly black angus with a few red angus and a lonely hereford. Around 600 lbs on the steers and a little less on the heifers. Nice bunch of calves.
The Church keeps all their calves to fatten for their slaughter plant. They then end up as part of their welfare program for needy folks. This kid misses mom already!
The corrals we worked in were kinda old so we didnt jam too many in at a time. As we sorted off the cows we turned them out. They stuck around saying goodbye!
Here's a shot of the nieghbors meadow ground near the corrals. They weaned two weeks ago and their cows have forgotten they ever had a baby!
Here's the ride! Put 93 on the first load and started them east 90 miles to their new home.
Had to get a shot of the real crew..... the ponies. Standing around on three legs and visiting.
After getting the 1st load off, we trailered the rest of the calves up to the Association corrals 7 miles south. Then we picked up all the cattle and sorted off the church's and split the others into their own bunches. The church has a lot of volunteer help and most of it is good help. Retired ranchers, guys with thier own cows and some folks that just bring a horse to put some use on them. This young man in a retired brand inspector from Utah county. He knows cattle and is a good man!
The various ranchers who use these corrals really built some nice corrals. All steel gates and pens with plenty of room. We were able to cut a horseback and save our legs.
Still sorting cows.
Here's the boss! Scott was one happy hombre after shutting the gate on the third and last load. He'll bring the cows home friday morning to preg check and then ship them to the desert for their winter residence.
Had the county brand inspector out all day. He's also a deputy sherrif and a good guy. Know his kids from high school. Nobody argues much with a brand inspector packing a pistol! :wink:
Got home tonight and turned my horse in with his buddies. Had to take their photo!
My other pony. She had the day off. Got a lot done with lots of help. Its good to help good people and wonderful neighbors. Our little town has a bunch of great people and only one family that nobody likes. But they still let me help! :wink:
