American Cowman Community Blog

7 Comments to “What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?”

1. Susan Says:
   

   February 28th, 2007 at 8:39 pm

   My first heifers were springing when I turned 16. An older gentleman who was interested in all of us 4-H’ers told us to keep us a book about our cows. He said to record more than just which calf and the date, but to actually put our observations in the book. He created a much better cowman of me when he instructed me to write down those comments. Forty years later, I have culled using that book each year. It’s amazing how little we remember about a cow, but the book never lied and led me to make wise decisions and develop cattle based on facts. I recorded time of calving, appearance while springing, attitude of cow, any difficulty at birth, etc. I tried many systems, but the easiest for me is just to do it day by day. I can usually remember where the info I need is located in the book. Even if you are scoffing right now, try it for a year. You’ll be sold.

2. Ron Says:
   

   March 1st, 2007 at 11:44 am

   I have a couple of small places totaling about 350 acres. I am always working on fences. An old farm neighbor stopped by one day and offered advice. He told me the best fences were good feed. BOY is he right. The reason I fix fences is not to keep my cattle in, its to keep the neighbors out. I have went to pastures where the bulls got together and broke out 30ft of fence. The cows are always on my side.

3. Steve Lucas Says:
   

   March 1st, 2007 at 1:38 pm

   Uncommon Wisdom

   I‘ve known a lot of good folks, most of them then, some now,
   Who had uncommon wisdom when it come to raisin‘ cows
   Like Steamy who said “never raise your voice,” his cows were calm to suit.
   Seldom saw one act crazy or come charge charging down the chute.

   And Burt, who‘s on the Mongolon, or was at least the last I heard,
   Never says anything trivial, you can bet that every word
   That he speaks is important. His experience shows through.
   There isn‘t room to share all he could tell me and you.

   But I recall a conference we attended years ago,
   Those slick glib talkin‘ salesmen were really on the go.
   They were sellin‘ recycled snake oil. Burt had seen it all before.
   He said “there are no miracles in snake oil, just show ‘em to the door.”

   And Ol‘ Slim, who‘s punched cows for half his life will tell you all these days,
   “The only way to learn ‘bout cows is to sit and watch ‘em graze.
   Fergit ‘bout schools and seminars, them “experts” don‘t know squat.
   They ain‘t owned a cow in twenty years, and what they learned they got

   From readin‘ books, seminars, and research done with industry grants.
   A cowman needs to learn by settin‘ on the seat of his pants.
   Every outfit‘s different, what works for me mightn‘t work for you.
   Set with the cows, use common sense, and think your problems through.”

   Then there‘s Anne who‘ll tell you, that we feed our cows and calves the sun.
   That cows were made for eatin‘ grass, and we make ‘em come undone
   When we feed ‘em stuff that God did not intend for them to ingest,
   And our jobs as animal husbandfolks is to provide them the best

   Green and growing forage that they can harvest on their own.
   The profit is in farming grass that is all home grown.
   There‘s Ron who farms without a tractor, and Billy‘s retired now
   And there‘s at least a dozen more who‘ve affected when and how

   I, and lots of other folks, are raising our stock today.
   Sometimes different from the usual, and sometimes the same old way.
   It sure has been an honor to cross trails with theses people, it‘s true.
   And I sure hope you can gain some uncommon wisdom as I share what I learned with you.

   Steve Lucas

   (Steve’s Note: Distribute freely, just give me credit

4. Paul Benson Says:
   

   March 6th, 2007 at 12:17 am

   When working newborn calves, always remember to keep a sturdy gate or fence between the anxious mom and you and her calf. It doesn’t pay to work the calf in the same stall as the mom. She might be tame, but she still weighs 1000 lbs.

5. Pat Kirk Says:
   

   March 20th, 2007 at 1:30 am

   If you happen to be by yourself when pulling a calf, tie the calf off if enough is out and open the shoot door and the calf will pop out. Mom will not go far and it works if you have no help!

6. carlos frick Says:
   

   April 25th, 2007 at 10:15 am

   1. never borrow money for buying cattle
   2. learn how to estimate the best carrying capacity
   3. cowboys - as us-, just need twice a day beef, good and fresh horses, and open and new horizons. And thats all.
   4. the only safe way to get rich in this business is extensive.

7. Ron Says:
   

   May 22nd, 2007 at 9:55 am

   RUN FOR THE POND!

   Last Saturday, my 12 year old son (Nathan) and I were cutting hay and noticed that the neighbors bull had been fighting with our bull and torn down the fence and was in our pasture. The neighbors bull was pretty beat up and was down in the corner by the pond, away from the herd so I thought that I would take down the remaining 2 wires and shew him back across the fence. Nathan and I spread out and headed toward the bull. Nathan was back a few yards because it seems every time a cow chases, its him that gets chased. When I got about 15 yards from the bull, I took off my hat, waived it and gave a big yaw, yaw. Boy it really scared the bull! He lowered his head and in a full charge headed straight for me. My brave son yelled run dad run. I passed him, 200lbs, overalls, and boots with hat in hand at a sprinters pace. I figured the bull was just about to catch up and looked over my shoulder just in time to see my son start to run and luckly so did the bull and he turned and went for the much younger and faster Nathan. This was my turn to give advice. I hollered run for the pond and he did. This was like something out of a cartoon. The bull got pretty close and I was really scared until Nathan looked back and saw how close the bull was and the afterburners were on. I think he may have a college scholarship in track. He ran to the pond and the bull turned and I was now over the section gate. We used tractors with bale spears to encourage the bull home.

   It was a little scary but my wife and neighbor were watching and got quite a show from the hill top and WHAT A STORY Nathan had telling how Dad blazed the pasture.

   Its great to own a Ranch and there is no better place to raise our kids.

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