HAY AND CATTLE PRODUCTION
Altogether, between our hayfield and those of nearby family members, we made 275 round bales in July 2024, which was above-average yield. Some bales will go to a neighbor who provides the haying equipment (cab tractors, cutter, rake and baler) and fuel. Denise's brother and Steve provide most of the required time and labor, and our split of the hay should be more than enough to sustain our blended cattle herd through the coming winter, especially after we sell calves in the fall.
In November, we separate calves and take them to the Fort Smith stockyards for auction. We usually start feeding cows (and the bull) around that same time. Depending on the severity of winter, they'll consume about 75 bales over the next three months. In the spring, we vaccinate and de-worm the herd. Miscellaneous doctoring may be required at any time of the year.
We were lucky to get a second cutting of hay in the fall of 2024, and as spring neared in 2025, it appears we'll have plenty of surplus bales to carry over to our next feeding season.
This type of vocation was never part of our careers, although we've both always been interested in agriculture. Farmers and ranchers are prominent in our family histories, so it's definitely in our DNA. Hunting also was a factor. Meeting many rural landowners across a number of states, and often being around livestock and crops as we pursued game, were positive influences. So, despite approaching our Golden Years, we decided to give ranching a try—for both fun and profit. We quickly learned that sometimes it's neither of those things. But on the whole, we very much enjoy the honest work and productivity, hands-on connection to the land, and steady rhythms of the passing seasons.
Granted, using the word "ranch" to describe a small-acreage greenhorn operation may be a tad optimistic. No way could our little grange stand on its own, at least not at current outputs, without the land, resources and counsel of family, neighbors and friends.
Big thanks to all who continue to show us the ropes!
In November, we separate calves and take them to the Fort Smith stockyards for auction. We usually start feeding cows (and the bull) around that same time. Depending on the severity of winter, they'll consume about 75 bales over the next three months. In the spring, we vaccinate and de-worm the herd. Miscellaneous doctoring may be required at any time of the year.
We were lucky to get a second cutting of hay in the fall of 2024, and as spring neared in 2025, it appears we'll have plenty of surplus bales to carry over to our next feeding season.
This type of vocation was never part of our careers, although we've both always been interested in agriculture. Farmers and ranchers are prominent in our family histories, so it's definitely in our DNA. Hunting also was a factor. Meeting many rural landowners across a number of states, and often being around livestock and crops as we pursued game, were positive influences. So, despite approaching our Golden Years, we decided to give ranching a try—for both fun and profit. We quickly learned that sometimes it's neither of those things. But on the whole, we very much enjoy the honest work and productivity, hands-on connection to the land, and steady rhythms of the passing seasons.
Granted, using the word "ranch" to describe a small-acreage greenhorn operation may be a tad optimistic. No way could our little grange stand on its own, at least not at current outputs, without the land, resources and counsel of family, neighbors and friends.
Big thanks to all who continue to show us the ropes!
