TOOLS OF THE TRADE: THEN & NOW
Things used to be much simpler. My grandpa worked cows with a few basic tools. With his horse, hat, saddle, rope, chaps, pocket knife, wild rag and a hand-full of strike anywhere Diamond stick matches he was set for the day. ARTICLE BY TAMRA KELLY
H
Detail of cowboy's saddle. Roundup near Marfa, Texas ©Russell Lee Circa May 1939
e most likely had stuck an extra horseshoe and handful of nails along with set of fencing pliers in the pocket of his chaps. Tacking on a shoe to limp back to the ranch was often necessary in the rough, rocky country of Central Arizona. Leaving before daybreak – he got back home when he got back home. No time. No deadlines. No hurry. Work the cows, ride his country, and come back home when he was ready. Spring works were less complicated. Drag calves to the fire, brand, give them an ear-mark, give a shot of black leg and turn them back out. In the fall, gather, wean the calves, fill out your self-inspect papers, load them on the trucks and ship
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to the sale barn. Simple – few laws, little regulation, no cell phones, no computers. Times have changed. Although the basic tools of the trade remain the same, producing and managing a cattle herd has become much more complicated. With extremely narrow profit margins a constant concern, paying close attention to everything aspect of the business is required. Breeding programs, genetics, birthing weights, average weight gains, feed supplements, fuel prices, maintenance costs, minerals and vaccinations require careful and consistent planning in an effort to maximize profit. Continued on page 46...
ANCHOR F CLUB CALF SALE
November 24•2019 Preview at 1:00, live auction at 2:00
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Sonoita, AZ
Here I Am
I-80
No calves will be sold before the sale. All calves will be offered for sale with no games or gimmicks. We will provide an honest description of the calf and provide absentee bidders for you if you cannot be there. All calves are 100% guaranteed to be what we say they are. They have all been wormed, vaccinated, boosted and BVD PI tested. They will work for late summer through fall fairs. There will be calves available for all budgets. Please come by to see the calves or call with any questions.
R. Dean Fish, Anchor F Cattle Co. • (520) 988-8009 P.O. Box 716, Nogales, AZ 85628 • www.facebook.com/anchorfcattleandgoats/
PG. 40 :: FALL 2019
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All calves will be offered for sale with no games or gimmicks.
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