Rancher Attire
We all have either seen the Hollywood version of a cowboy (or cowgirl) or can imagine in our heads what a cowboy looks like, right? According to these images, a cowboy has to have a cowboy hat, blue jeans, cowboy boots, spurs that jingle jangle, a pearl snap button-up long-sleeve shirt and maybe even a wild rag scarf to blow in the desert wind. Can you hear the yodeling buckaroo music in the background? Although I have learned there is a time and a place for all of the original cowpoke attire, you may be surprised to know that sometimes ranchers wear non-ranch-ish clothing on the job. And the feed truck radio station may get swapped from the local country station to other varieties of music! (gasp)
On our place, February through March is what we call calving season. All the momma cows are due to have their babies, which can mean a big increase in the time spent with the cows. Often ranchers will check on the herd at all hours of the day and night in effort to make sure all is going smooth for the mommas and babies. Cattle are fairly non-judgmental when it comes to fashion. They don’t mind if your wranglers are not starched. During the day usually normal dress code applies, but when it comes to midnight and 3 a.m.—or anytime in between—many versions of suitable clothing can be acceptable for herd checks. If it’s chilly out, bibs (heavy overalls) are pulled on over pajamas (no one ever will know). If it happens to be a real nice temperature out, that might cause one to overheat with insulated bibs, so in this case pajamas can be easily tucked into mud boots and you’re out the door to take care of the new babies! If you haven’t ever seen a rancher in pink p.j.s , here is one.
*Author’s note: For the purposes of this demonstration, it had to be daylight. And for the record, I may wear pajamas to check the cows, but never to go get groceries. :0)
~ Diana
Diana and her husband grew up farming and ranching. Now they own a crop and rangeland spraying business, and their own herd of cattle. Diana is a busy ranch wife and mom to a two-year-old little girl. When not helping with their spraying or cattle, she travels throughout north Idaho discussing feed programs with ranchers as a full-time feed consultant.