A Day in the Life of…an Idaho Cattlewoman
Our ranch encompasses a cow-calf, yearling operation and custom feedlot in southwest Idaho. My husband and I both were raised on livestock ranches in Weiser, so our industry roots run deep. Our children have been very active and involved in the ranch and feedlot, with both girls developing registered Angus and Hereford
herds. Our son, Sam, prefers to “run grass calves,” but still competes with his steer at the Washington County Fair. Shane will be a senior at Kansas State University, majoring in animal science. Dana will be a senior at Weiser High and is currently narrowing her college choice, and will major in animal science, as well. Sam, a fifth-grader, focuses on building forts, football, hunting and following in his Dad’s footsteps.
When asked to write a narrative of a “normal” day here, I randomly picked a Tuesday in May. It occurred to me as I wrote out the day, each day finds its own rhythm, but all the days flow because of the purpose and passion our family lives.
5:45 a.m. – Up with a pot of coffee, Magnificat and quiet time. Much needed before the day begins.
6:30 a.m. – Kids up and going. Sent them out to feed show heifers and 4-H steers. Breakfast, lunches, homework signed…only two more weeks of “school schedule”! Put a roast in the crock pot for supper.
7:45 a.m. – Up to feedlot to weigh and ship two loads of heifers and steers. Rode pens while crew finished up shipping and paperwork. Brought down two steers to scales for the local butcher to harvest.
11:00 a.m. – Back to my office to make payroll tax deposit, check balances and get a receivables deposit ready for the bank. Made calls for the upcoming Weiser River Cattle Association Turn-out Golf Tournament. Emailed Jodie Mink sponsor logos.
11:45 a.m. – Picked up the feedlot crew for lunch at the Farmer’s Co-op Café. Dropped by the bank with a deposit. Picked up a part at Hollingsworth’s for the swather.
1:15 p.m. – Checked cows and salt in three pastures.
2:00 p.m. – Helped load bulls to be Trich tested at the vet clinic.
3:00 p.m. – Headed to town to pick up Sam & Willie for guitar lessons. Stopped for Twisty Cones at Jeb’s for snacks. “Lucky Number Tuesday” at Bi-Mart—always need toilet paper on Tuesdays! Won a package of beef jerky, which Sam had half-finished before we turned down our lane.
4:45 p.m. – Home for chores and start supper. Homework finished. Did I mention only two more weeks of school?!? Answered phone and email messages. Dana will finish preparing supper while I head to play for Confirmation Mass practice in Fruitland at 6.
9:15 p.m. – Home from practice. Read with Sam as we are in the middle of Lincoln’s Last Days. Prayers.
10:00 p.m. – Read the Idaho Statesman, talked about today’s highs and lows with Bruce, and made a plan for tomorrow. Finished the night with Magnificat and thanks!
Every cattlewoman’s day is different, but we all have one thing in common—to care for our animals and raise delicious and healthy BEEF!
~ Julie