Spring on the Farm in Treasure Valley
posted on
May 14, 2021
Have you ever wondered what do farmers do in the spring in Boise, Idaho? Spring is one of my favorite seasons on the ranch because new life is abundant. From the grass growing to the budding trees and even to babies born every day - it’s an exciting time of year!
During May, our true "busy season" begins.
May is busiest for us for the following 3 reasons:
- Moving Cattle
- Branding
- Irrigating
If we break May into 3 parts, the first part of May we are doing many cattle moving, the second part is branding, and the third part is irritating.
1. Moving Cattle
Cattle grazing pictures
Have you ever wondered about moving cattle from one place to another? Starting March 1st, we are allowed to turn our cattle on federal graze land. Ranchers acquire special permits to turn their cattle on federal land as a way to ensure their operation is economically viable.
The first field that our cattle graze on is 50,000 acres!!! Because we are not the only ones who run cattle in that field (4 other neighbors run in that field as well!), we spend the first week of May separating all the cattle to go three different directions.
It is quite a community effort to traverse such a massive amount of land, sorting over 1,000 head of cattle with calves into their respective fields. We do this the first week of May to
allow that field to get ample rest and regrow the forage for next year when we will graze it again.
Although it is a lot of work, we are always happy to see the fruits of our labor as we get back in the saddle and gather up all the newly born calves for the year.
2. Branding
Branding cattle Images
After all our cattle have headed to their new field, we begin the process of branding cattle.
What is cattle branding? Cattle branding is the identification of who owns what cattle. Having each cow correctly branded with your cattle branding logo is very important, especially because we run our over 1,000 head of cattle with 4 different neighbors.
In addition, each cow’s branding serves as our legal form of identification in the state of Oregon and Idaho. Every time we sell cattle, whether it be a cattle brand inspection in Idaho or a cattle brand inspection in Oregon, we must get a brand inspection to show proof of ownership.
Community branding is so special because it is one of the last great traditions left when it comes to the heritage of the cowboy lifestyle. Community branding is a way to show support and the deep tradition of helping one another out.
3. Irrigating
What is irrigation? Irrigation definition is this: being an attentive grass farmer. Grass and raising forage is the lifeblood of our operation. Our number one job is to raise high-quality feed - without doing so; we wouldn't be able to have livestock.
Starting in April, we have accumulated enough flood irrigation water to start irrigating our fields. Without proper irrigation, our ranch would not be as abundant and productive as it is.
When it comes to irrigation, we are pretty old-fashioned. No big pivots or wheel lines, just good old ditches and dams moved every day to disburse water appropriately.
By July, we have grass waist high ready to cut for hay (check out a cool video of us haying here). We get through the winter months when the grass is not growing by putting up the hay and the grass we stockpile.
Even though May is busy moving cattle, branding, and irrigating, nothing more satisfying than knowing new life is springing up all over the ranch in the Greater Boise Metro Area. It truly is one of the best seasons of the year.
