The colors. Beautiful, sunny days. Cold nights. Frost on the pumpkin. Colorado in fall cannot be any better.
The JN Ranch, our neighbor, it is their fall cattle round-up time. It is moving their herd back from the summer grazing ranges in the mountains, on BLM land, back to the mid-range and winter range on the ranch property. Preparing for the round-up begins in earnest, in early September. The largest piece of the preparatory work is establishing an accurate count and location of their stock. Drone technology and tracking technology have made the round-up a much easier task than before. The round-up, though, is weather-driven. Private weather forecasting has greatly aided of knowing when to move the herd with minimal impact from the weather.
into the fog: the Norris family leaving for the round-up (JN Ranch, Oct 08 2018)
photo credit: Julie Norris – camera: Galaxy Note 8
Their gear ready, the Norris family began their round-up last Monday. The low clouds and misty conditions didn’t make for ideal weather. Yet, the cool temperatures and general dampness weren’t too uncomfortable. Neither the long hours on the saddle become uncomfortable. It is their way of life, a life they love and respect.
With 517 head to bring home, the herd was divided in half. It made the cattle easier to manage on the trail, and added flexibility to the schedule and the 10-14 days earmarked to complete the round-up.
on point: Amanda riding ahead of the herd on a BLM service trail in the mountains above JN Ranch (Oct 10 2018)
photo credit: Amanda Norris – camera: Galaxy Note 8
A dense fog and intermittent rain/snow mix for two days slowed the pace of the first half of the round-up. Yet, they arrived with 225 head of the herd at the mid-range, on Friday, as planned. Comprised mostly of black angus cattle, they were no worse for wear. The same could be said about the Norris family members, but Amanda said she needed a long, hot shower before heading back for the second half of the round-up.
black angus cattle: arriving home on the mid-range (JN Ranch, Oct 12 2018)
photo credit: Amanda Norris – camera: Galaxy Note 8
The second half of the round-up is expected to arrive on the mid-range this coming weekend. Except for cold mornings, and one day of snow flurries, the pace of the round-up has remained on schedule. Once the remaining head arrive, mostly white-faced heifers, another count will be conducted.
Next week, it’ll be a check for strays, and count again. Once the final count is completed, the fall round-up will be over.
Photo credit –
Many thanks to Julie and Amanda Norris for their photos. It is very much appreciated.
