Receiving Calves…from the Alvord to Cascade

I so meant to blog this much earlier.  We received the calves about a month ago, and we've been pretty busy since then.  Receiving was done over about a week long period, and was fun, and some long days. 

Pictures will tell a thousand words, so I really don't need to say much.  We received about 5 trucks per day for about a week. 

The calves have had a long ride by the time they get here, and then coming thru the chutes, to the squeeze chute is just one more trauma for them.  We try to make it as easy as possible for them, and the narrowing chutes assist this to a point. 

Trucks begin to arrive

Someone horseback settles the cattle in the pens.  Sometimes Wayne, sometimes me,...

Me

Sometimes Allisyn

I took this picture with my phone.... and it is NOT a good photo, but shows her doing an adult's job.

Settling in the pens

Then, whoever is horseback, brings them from the pens, in groups of about 10-12 or so.

Then, they are brought into a circular chute.  (Thanks to Temple Grandin)

The circular chute narrows down gradually, and then the calves wind up single file

Every now and then, don't we all feel like a bit turned  up side down?

Sarah Davis is several generations down from the Founders of the Davis Ranches.  Her Grandpa Tom, is the son of Tom and Julia Davis.  She lives closer to McCall ...and comes to help on these long days, when lots of people are needed.

Phil Davis is Sarah's Dad.  He lives here on the Bar O Ranch.  I have to say, that I've not yet met a Davis, who isn't one of the nicest people ever.  And I hear nothing but good about them.  They are a hard working family and make the work fun. 

One of the final steps is being weighed here in the final spot.  Phil also does vaccinations and a spray for the calves health.

After being vaccinated and weighed, they are sent to the pasture where the calves will all weight about the same. 

Jessie