Water Repair

If it's not one thing, it's another. From the deck of the house, we spotted water running down the corrals. Knowing it wasn't a major problem, we waited until after breakfast before going and investigating. 

We knew it had something to do with the summer water tank we set up on the north line.

Sure enough, it got tipped off the level platform and started running out the side before the float could shut it off. Though it had been running all night, there was no big problem to fix. Just some adjustments to be made. 

First step was to kill the water source.

Then drain the tank.

Dad, being an old flood irrigator, had no problem siphoning the water out. 

Fill the hose with water inside the tank, cover the end with your hand, then pull it out below the water level and let it run. 

We started two lines.

And it drained down in no time. 

The main problem was the cows got in behind the tank and shoved it off the platform.

Once leveled back up, we wired an old panel to it, stabilizing it and keep the cows from getting back there again. 

Should work. For now, at least. 

Then, kicked the hydrant back on, and filled it up.

Back in action. 

Nothing like a little Saturday morning surprise. You can only go so long without visually laying an eye on all things ranch. Watering systems can be pretty fool proof, but eventually they are going to need some attention. Thankfully, this was an easy fix. Doesn't matter the time of year, water can't be down for long. Best be attentive to the needs of each system. Also, it's best to not rely on only one source. Multiple outlets makes a guy sleep better at night. If one is down without you knowing about it for a day or so, you have another one to back you up. We are sitting pretty good, but our watering system will need some attention before winter knocks on our door. That's the one thing about cattle ranches, they are full of project security.

Shady Shelter

The one thing about ranching in Worland, is that there is no shade. Generally, guys go to the mountains in the summer, because there is grass, water, and cooler temperatures. With irrigated pasture, we are able to stay down low, but we still have the heat to deal with. So we supplement with a little shady shelter. 

With the herd growing, we had to kick them out of the shed on the north 40. It took a bit, but eventually we were able to get them a little replacement shade. 

When the temperatures got into the triple digits this summer, the cows were looking for every inch of shade they could find. Not only was this little sliver insufficient, it was also hard on the barn, having cattle huddled up around it like that. 

So I picked up a large shade net/tarp. They use these things in the feedlots of the midwest. Not sure how any of it was going to go, I tried to make a little hoophouse for the girls.

Built out of sucker rod, it folded like a limp noodle when we went to raise it up, just like Dad said it would. Note to self, listen to Dad.

But we didn't stop there. Dragging down some old pipe from projects gone by, we constructed a new set of plans. 

Welding 2 7/8" receivers onto the fence rail, we were then able to shoot 2 3/8" stingers out into the corral without needing additional support. 

Though we did put a gusset down to help stabilize the flex. 

While my buddy Tom was around, we welded on some sucker rod to the end so we had something to tie the tarp to. 

Simon and him rolled out the 50' x 30' 90% shade tarp. 

Then we worked at getting it spread out over the braces. 

Once stretched out, we tied it on with some twine. 

Then brought the fly dust bags over for a one stop, shady shop. 

It took the cows a bit to get comfortable with the new shade, but eventually they took advantage of it.

I'm not the best at it, but I try to exercise a little cow compassion. I wouldn't want to be standing out in the sun during 100°+ days while wearing a black coat. Consequently, the need to put up a shady shelter arose in my heart. Of course, once the smoke this summer rolled in, it cut the sun enough that the cows weren't looking for shade as much. Regardless, they have somewhere to go if they want it. Fun stuff. The cows are looking good, in general. We'll probably look at weening the calves in October or so. It's fun to take on the different ranching needs as the seasons in Wyoming unfold. Today it is shade from the sun. Tomorrow it will be heat for the freezing water. Sun or snow, we ranch as we go. 

Welding Leads

Keeping the welding leads in good shape on your portable arc welding is a constant concern. Poor leads make for a poor welding experience. Before we got to work today, we took time to repair the leads on our Lincoln SA 200. 

The ground cable has been hit the hardest, for whatever reason. These leads are old, but good. When we first got this welder over 10 years ago, we worked over the leads. Now it's time to do it again. 

Here's an example of a spot we fixed back then. Still holding strong. 

What happens is that the insulation breaks on them. If left unattended, they can ground out and melt the copper, which is what is happening here. I think it is all still salvageable. 

First, disconnect the ground cable from the ground clamp. 

Heat-shrink is our product of choice. Black tape is just not durable enough for the abuse these guys take around the ranch. These sticks of heat-shrink we've had sitting around for years. Work great for a job like this. 

Just cut a section, longer than the need. 

Slip it onto the cable. 

And over the break.

Then get to heating. I find a heat-gun to work the best. In time, it just melts down to the cable and sucks up, tight. 

Should work. We had about three of these breaks to fix, today. 

The best thing for lead care, is keeping them coiled up good and orderly. 

Back to work.

Good deal. This has been needing to be done for quite a while. If you don't tend to these breaks, you are going to compromise your leads, at best. They can also ground-out on other metal, shock you, or just make the welding experience frustrating. Better deal with the insulation breaks as they happen. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Ranch on. 

The Bannings

Catholic Country! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A7cWmI0maY&list=PLlerzPRygWYJ54Z44nrju1n3_xDJKz0wt

Hypocrite

Is an actor.

           https://youtu.be/c6FjO95eLU4         

Tom Across America

Check it out.

watch

Leader

Lead by example.

           https://youtu.be/ytndcoRfHvw         

St. Bartholomew

Pray for us!

           https://youtu.be/TCCGjENHwoU         

 

Catch Pen

With fall riding coming around the corner, grabbing the horses and going will be a thing. In this big pasture at the VO, we definitely need a catch pen for an easy grab and go. We've had something that worked, but as I stoped by today, a new idea came to mind. 

My horses live most of their days wild and free. They need to be confined before they remember they are a horse and have work to do. Catch pens are a necessary ingredient to making that transition happen. 

It dawned on me today, if I add one more panel, and swing this gate the other way, I got a ready made tap to catch a horse. 

Just grab some oats from the barn if I didn't bring my own.

Close the gate behind you. 

Open the gate to the pasture and holler for the horses.

They'll come running if they smell oats but no work. Then just close the gate behind them. If you do this enough when you don't need them, then the day you do need them, they'll know no difference. 

Jeremy's sorrel is looking good. 

Chief always stands lean and mean. I notice his tail is getting shorter. Believe it or not, he is a full blood appaloosa. Maybe he is starting to show his true colors. 

No lean and mean here, but Mollie is definitely ready for work.

After I fed them and looked them all over, I just open the gate and let them back out. Thinking they are getting away, it's a dead sprint.

Mollie is one horse I wouldn't stand in the way of. 

Chief darts at any opening he can find.

Gone with the wind. 

Good stuff. You've got to know your horses. Catching mine out in the open is risky business. Best set yourself up for success by setting up a catch pen. This guy should do. All I have to do is stop and throw them a little grain on my way home from celebrating Mass in Clearmont. Then the day I do need them, I'll just put a halter on instead of letting them loose. Ranchin'.