Branding 2007

Warning: Lots of pictures this post!

It all starts out down near the barn... every year we have our annual branding and this year was a bit different than last. We put away the calf table and, instead, used ropers, something we haven't done in a few years. The whole ordeal is a family affair, with a few neighbours thrown in.

The spectators!

Jevan hanging around the fence.
One day he'll be allowed on the other side, but for now I'm happy he's not.

Tom, one of the ropers, rounding up a calf.


Got one!

Grab that calf!
One of the boys jumps right in.

Almost got it down!
Betcha these young punks are sore tomorrow :)

Calf coming out of the chute.

BIL getting in on the action!


Hubby tending the irons.

SIL was injecting the vaccines.
She's a nurse so she knows what she's doing, just bigger patients, that's all.

Owwww, that smarts.
First one brand, then another, and finally a couple of vaccines and it's back to the herd.

The final result.

Sydney not impressed with the smell.

My niece, Jess, with her boyfriend Tom.

Jess, at maybe 100 pounds, is not afraid to get down and dirty with the calves!
She can hold a calf down as well as any cowboy can!

My FIL, even at his age, learns a lesson:
Don't get between the horse and the calf!
He was okay, a bit disorientated, but okay.

After all is done down at the corral, it's time to eat!
There's always more food than anyone can imagine.


If you haven't had quite enough here's a video with sound and all.
This extra heavy calf took a bit longer than usual to put down but they got it in the end. The older fellow is my father-in-law showing the young guys how it's done...spunky for his age!

A fun time was had by all and I hope to see y'all back next year!