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. 

Him and Simon 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 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.