Water Lesson Day 2

Drove to Cecil's mill around 7 am. On my way there I passed the proof that our plan is working. The plan is to get the cattle to graze south of the mill and leave the north alone. We moved the salt away from the drinker where it had been for years to a new place south of the mill. Remember yesterday I put out this yellow bucket? They have found it. Some may go out for coffee and other prefer salt.


Gained 2 inches over night. Decided that was good. With no cattle on it and all. Then drove out to the Big Mill. With hunting season open I wanted to check the gates and the grass with all the moisture we have gotten. Saw about 12 head of Antelopes. In the distance so no pictures. Then came upon the proof that Cody really did get a chain saw for his wedding.
These trees were known to add Arizona Pin striping to the sides of your trucks.

Gates and grass look all in order. Still early morning so maybe I aught to muck out the drinker at this mill. It was more dry than wet so the work went fairly fast. When I first started my dogs jumped in with me and rolled around on it. I didn't think much of it until I hit a wet spot. It did stink. No wonder they want it on them. Dogs love to stink.

Before



During



After


Job done so I drove past Cecil's mill and noticed I had already lost my gain and it is still not near afternoon when they all would of drank. I decided to go ahead and run the generator. I have to leave and my dad will return so no need to put extra work on him.

Went today to check the water level at the mill. Down 8 inches but there is a breeze enough to pump water. Decided to leave it and check it later in the day. That way I can get a feel for how much the wind can put out and how much the cattle take in. I always have the generator to pump water.

Didn't see any salt. So when I went back out to check the level of the water it was down 2 more inches. That is okay cuz the cattle have all drank for the day. I brought out a block of salt. Did find the old salt and it was down about 2/3rds. Put it in a yellow bucket to keep it out of the dirt. Not an exciting day. Just a learning day.

What Dreams Are Made Of

First introductions. I am a fifth generation rancher. For the last 3 generations we have all had to have full time jobs besides ranching. Each previous generation divided up the cattle and land, to the point that there is not enough to raise multiple families. One maybe, but we ranch as siblings and cousins, and that is just to many mouths to feed.
I have ranched as long as I can remember. Always on weekends, in the heat, rain, snow, and wind. If you drive 3 hours to get a job done, you do it no matter what. I am grateful we where taught to work. This generation is about to take the reins. My dad, the last of the previous generation is 84 and getting tired.

I am a wife of over 27 years. A mother of five. A Grandmother. I learned to sew when I was young. Took up quilting and tatting just as I started to be a mother.

And my new love is training my English Shepherds to work cattle. A little secret here is that it is a three way street. I have to be trained to work my dogs. I know how to deal with livestock, but it takes retraining my mind to let my dogs step in and do it. My dogs have to have the desire to work and listen, the last believe it or not, the cattle have to learn that the dogs are not predators but an extension of me. It is a fast moving circus as we are just in our first year of this. But soon it will be a beautiful dance, coordinated and structured. With a little bit of vinegar thrown in just to mix it up. With my temperament, the dogs over eagerness and the cattle who always had just a tad too much fight in them. The dances will be hidden in the middle of plenty of chaos. With time and prayer, patience and endurance, I believe it will be a beauty to behold.

Come along and see how this goes, if ya want.