Working Ranch Blog

Cooler weather is calling my name. Summer started out nice and cooler here with the June skies staying in the 80s but July and August sure did bring on the heat with some record-breaking temps all over the country. But I have to say this year was a first for me. Last week I saw 50 degrees on my birthday and you never heard me complain about that, especially seeing as I come from Arkansas. Spending last summer in Wyoming got me in the habit of carrying a jacket and sweatshirt in the pick-up at all times, and it sure comes in handy here in Dalhart.

 I have been in the feedyard for three months now. Hard to imagine, but I am staying busier than ever. I am staying busy with receiving and processing. I now come home and try figuring out all of this stuff in my sleep. Then I wake up and wonder how fast I can grab something to write on so I don’t forget it in the morning. I guess when you are invested in your work, it naturally follows you home. Who knew that processing and penning cattle could have so much thought and paperwork to it? And do not even mention monthly inventory. I strongly dislike computers at the end of every month. Seems like nothing ever works out quite right.

There’s nothing quite like a sunrise or sunset here in the Handle. The horizon stretches forever. My favorite part of the day is to watch the sky turn from stars to the break of dawn. Watching the colors slowly stretch over the eastern sky is like nothing else.

I might get to see more sunsets if I managed to stay awake that long. But this one near the ranch country of Channing was quite the sight. Kinda takes your breath away to see it in person.

There are many perks to being a cattleman. I’m early to rise everyday and get to see the world wake up. It is a shame so many people miss that. As summer turns into fall, hay harvest draws to an end, crop harvest gets underway, and I imagine wheat farmers are getting ready as well. There will be many calf crops weaned soon and we cattleman will be busy and on the run once again.

What are some of your favorite things as summer turns to fall? I have a new pup to work with so I am sure to have some stories about that. Share the news around your place with me. Send me an email (rjlgoodman@hotmail.com) or find me on Facebook and Twitter.