The Weaning Way: Weaning Lambs on the Ranch

The Weaning Way: Weaning Lambs on the Ranch

It’s the loudest time of year on the ranch—weaning day. Weaning separates the ewes (female sheep) from their lambs (baby sheep). While it may seem harsh, it’s essential for the well-being of both the ewes and the lambs. It’s a bittersweet time when the lambs are ready...
A Stockman’s Date Night: Pastures & Passion

A Stockman’s Date Night: Pastures & Passion

When I first met my future husband, three things sealed the deal on our relationship: our mutual love for eating peanut butter out of the jar, Star Wars and a passion for livestock. In fact, my grand marriage proposal was in the lambing barn on a cold January Saturday...
How Cattle Turn Pasture Into Protein

How Cattle Turn Pasture Into Protein

Most beef cattle spend their lives grazing on pasture grasses and forages. Regardless of breed, cattle are ruminants, which means they graze on vegetation and store their food in a specialized stomach for microbe fermentation before digestion. Fun fact: other animals...
Pasture Lambing

Pasture Lambing

By: Susan Littlefield Imagine two different lambing scenarios. In the first scenario, it’s dark outside, the wind is blowing, and snow is falling. You have to bundle up for the late-night or early-morning lamb check. You head out the door and remind yourself to...
It’s Calving Season

It’s Calving Season

It’s currently calving season on our farm, and many other farmers have either begun or are approaching the start of their own calving seasons! Although it involves hard work, this period is exceptionally rewarding for every cow-calf producer. This is the moment...