The Idaho Rancher's Wife

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The Rancher’s Assembly Line

September 25, 2013 by Allison

We have our own type of assembly line on the ranch.  No it isn’t putting headlights on the cows as they run past on a conveyer belt.  But each man has a job along the way.  There are the guys that keep the cows flowing.  Without them the rest would be pointless… without cows there is nothing to work on.  Once they get to the front we have the man running the headcatch.  While there the cow is poked and prodded in all sorts of ways.

Preg checking is an important time for us.  It when we learn how the next year will be.  We can see when we will calve, who is calving and who isn’t.  We can cull out the cows we don’t want or need to keep.  We do maintenance stuff like vaccinations and new tags.  This is the only time that we run the cows through and so it is important for us to run through them.  Ans so we set up our assembly line.

I only have a picture of Rancher Sr. preg checking but he and The Rancher swapped on and off whenever their arms get tired.  The Rancher’s Sidekick found all sorts of things to do.  He pulled out the branding irons, syringes, and the pill pusher (that’s what I call it… is there any other name you need?).  I was privileged to give shots.  Gotta love getting out to help The Rancher!

The Cowboy Two Step

September 21, 2013 by Allison

The Rancher is a roping cowboy, as is most of these cowboys around here.  My family, on the other hand, are cutting cowboys.  I love when you see a horse that is knows what she is doing.  She moves with the cow, understanding her every move.  In so many ways it like a dance.

Usually I don’t see these boys just try to cut and sort out a cow- they just resort to roping her.  Don’t get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong with that, but this girl wants to see some cutting action once in a while.  I got just a minute of it after they weaned calves.

There was an ornery cow that they were bringing in that did everything to work against them.  5 cowboys vs 1 cow.  Guess who won?  Well, the cowboys did eventually but she sure gave them a run for their money.  In fact, they gave up on sorting her and turned to what they did best- roping.  But the chase was good while it lasted!

Weaning- Mommas Out One Gate, Babies Out the Other

September 21, 2013 by Allison

Last week started the fall craziness.  The Rancher has days packed of all sorts of cowboying.  We started off by sorting and weaning the Forest cattle.

Random side note- the Forest cattle NEVER are in the forest… There is no forest around here.  They are just called that because they are on Forest Service ground.  But isn’t it kind of funny?  Forest cows and no forest?  Ok, sidenote over…

The best part about working these cows is that they were just down the road from us so we could zip down to hang out with our favorite cowboy.  For the most part weaning is straight forward- sort the mommas one way and the babies another.  It can turn into quite the party because these babies don’t want to be separated from momma.  This means that these cowboys put on a good show as they cut and sort out the calves.

A Preview

September 20, 2013 by Allison

I have beans processing so I am having a late night blogging to you, dear friends.  The Rancher is keeping me company.  He is sleeping of course but can you blame him?  He has had some really LONG days the past couple of weeks.  We are heavy into weaning and everything that comes with it.  Not only that but the Rancher’s Wife is also busy in the kitchen doing some canning.  All of the fun fall things seem to come together at once.  But we love it!  All of it!

I realized today that when The Rancher has big things happening that either he needs help (I’m sure he doesn’t need me but I like to think that he does) or its worth taking pictures of.  That means I put off the house stuff like laundry (who need underwear, right?) or canning or… BLOGGING?!  Ya, I want to get out there to experience and capture the ranch, which means sometimes I neglect the sharing.

I guess that makes this a bit of a preview.  I have LOADS of pictures.  And stories.  And some interesting things you might enjoy learning.  Until then (hopefully that’s just tomorrow), here a picture or two to hold you over.

What do we do when we wait for dad?

September 15, 2013 by Allison

What does any little boy do?  Throw rocks, of course!  Last week we helped The Rancher move the cows and we had a little down time.  Call it intermission- they had two different groups of cows to moves so on the in between we had some time to play.  We were lucky enough that we parked the truck and trailer by the one small trickling stream that comes through the valley.

The Cenex Man

September 13, 2013 by Allison

We took a quick jaunt up to Montana to visit my folks before we all got too busy with the fall work.  It had been since Christmas that The Rancher was able to make it up there so thought it was time for a road trip.  We ended up going in the middle of the week, which doesn’t leave a lot of playing time since my parents both work.  No matter, the Rancher’s Wife is always up for a challenge! 

My dad works for CHS (Cenex Harvest States) delivering practically whatever his customers need.  He does any kind of feed, mineral, salt, gates, panels, fencing materials… whatever you need he can get (usually).  Currently The Cenex Man is working to get the materials for a group of ranches to build about 13 miles of fence through some of the most beautiful country.  On our way up to make the delivery I had to stop to take a few pictures because it was just beautiful.  These are my mountains and ranges.  Yes it is all covered with the same grass and sage brush but it has a special place in my heart.  Its home.

Made it to the Finals!

September 13, 2013 by Allison

After the summer of team penning and brandings (and sortings… I don’t know why we don’t ever mention that in the name…) the winners have a chance to come back at one final competition.  The Rancher made it on a team for the team sort.  The team wasn’t too competitive but The Rancher did good.  And more importantly he looked good doing it!

 The Rancher’s Sidekick even took some pictures on my phone.  Yes, kids are so tech savvy…

 Can you see all of the MUD in the arena?  We had a beautiful, wonderful rain storm the night before that soaked the arena.  Along the side of the grandstand was especially bad because there was runoff from the roof as well.  It made for a fun ride! 

My Favorite Kind of Day

September 9, 2013 by Allison

The ranching men were moving cows again and they did it in the best way.  They brought them in front of the house so we could easily grab some pictures and come along.  They initially were only moving one bunch but since they had the men and the time they moved another group.  It was really time that they did too because this darn bunch of cows were always getting out!  Funny how being without feed makes these cows get out…

The Super Rancher

September 6, 2013 by Allison

There is a lot that being a dad requires.  Probably more than what The Rancher ever thought he would have to do (you can imagine some of the icky things has been privileged to do).  But there are days the cool days when he is so much more than a dad.  Days when he gets to strap on his Super Hero cape and save the day!

Like Friday.  I opted to not do laundry and go on a rough romantic ride to help fix fence (read wrangle kids while The Rancher fixes fence).  This fence was by a water trough, that had a hole.  Which meant there was mud… everywhere.  That innate-boy-instinct to get in the mud got the best of The Rancher’s Sidekick and before long he was in the mud UP TO HIS KNEES.  This momma was so thankful he was in shorts and water boots (minus socks).  Ya, we have learned over time…

But when you are up to your knees in mud you need a little help.  A Super Hero to save the day!  Like The Super Rancher!  What a dad!

The Color Green

September 6, 2013 by Allison

The Ranch Boss, The Rancher’s grandpa, was looking over the hay fields and commented how he loved that color of green.  We looked out across with him at the new seeding that was just popping up through the dirt.  He turned to the other end of the field and commented with an air of satisfaction that the only color of green better is the rich color of the growing alfalfa hay.

He is right.  Nature’s shades of green are so beautiful, but especially these shades.  This color of green is more than a hue.  It shows the hard work, diligence and commitment these men have had to grow their crops, especially in the midst of a drought.  The straight continuous lines of sprouting grain give hope of a new harvest.  I think mostly this kind of green means success and satisfaction.

I guess we like to GO GREEN after all, just not the green most think of.

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Hello! I'm Allison, The Rancher's Wife! There's nothing I love more than being out on the ranch with my husband and kids. Join me for a look at what goes on here at the ranch and the life being a rancher's wife!

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The Ranch Wife’s Job Description

I never received an official … [Read More...]

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Numbers, letters, colors, and … [Read More...]

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You Can Tell a Lot About a Cowboy by His Outfit

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Hello! I'm Allison, The Rancher's Wife! There's nothing I love more than being out on the ranch with my husband and kids. Join me for a look at what goes on here at the ranch and the life being a rancher's wife!

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theidahorancherswife

Idaho ranch wife + mama 🐮🤠
Living on cattle, cocoa & kids running wild.
Daily ranch life, western style all with a side of dirt.

Doctoring a calf from the comfort of the warm side Doctoring a calf from the comfort of the warm side x side. 

We came up on this calf that looked a little sick. When he started walking we realized he really didn’t feel good. The @pneudart gun was already on board so it wasn’t but a minute before he was on his way to feeling better. 

@pneudart 
#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#doctoringcalves 
#ranchlife 
#ranching
If only the rain meant a day off #lifeonacattler If only the rain meant a day off 

#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#ranchlife 
#rainydays 
#ranchkids
School dance chaperones have nothing on us 🤣 #lif School dance chaperones have nothing on us 🤣

#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#ranchlife 
#sortingcattle 
#whitechristmas
The 2027 Idaho Rancher’s Wife calendar is headed t The 2027 Idaho Rancher’s Wife calendar is headed to the printer. 🎉🎉
#lifeonacattleranch 
#cowboylife 
#2027calendar 
#westerncalendar 
#marriedtoarancher
When I married The Rancher, I don’t remember agree When I married The Rancher, I don’t remember agreeing to an official job description. But apparently, I’ve qualified for everything from personal assistant and feeding buddy to security guard and sorting-gate specialist.

The hours are unpredictable, the notice is usually nonexistent, and the benefits package could use some work. 😂

Good thing I love working with the guy.

More on the blog: The Ranch Wife’s Job Description. Link in bio!

#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#ranchwife 
#ranchhumor 
#ranchmarriage
We have been so desperate I’m not even grumpy abou We have been so desperate I’m not even grumpy about the mud it made! But does anyone want to come mop the floors?…. Please!

We aren’t about to undo the drought with the rain we’ve had this week but it feels nourishing, to the ground and to the cowgirl’s soul. 

#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#rainyday 
#movingcows 
#fallvibes
The cattle got worked + everyone kept their promis The cattle got worked + everyone kept their promise= another great ranch day in the books! 

#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#pregchecking 
#workingcattle 
#cattleranching
Quality control team right here… “What’s the salt Quality control team right here… “What’s the salt taste like?” 🙄🤣

#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#ranchkids 
#ranchchores 
#cattleranching
We see lots of cattle. Cattle on the range. Cattle We see lots of cattle.
Cattle on the range.
Cattle on the ranch.
Cattle at the sale.
Cattle. Cattle. Cattle.

We see lots of tags.
Blue tags. Red tags.
Tags with numbers.
Tags with letters.
Tags with numbers AND letters.

It’s starting to sound a little like Dr. Seuss around here. 😂

But have you ever wondered what all those cattle tags actually mean?

The funny thing is, there isn’t one right answer.

On one ranch, a tag might tell you everything about an animal’s genetics. On another, it might simply identify who owns it. For a vet it could be a medical record. And for my boys, an old tag might be a souvenir from a favorite cow or a day spent working cattle.

Turns out, it’s not just what’s written on the tag that matters. It’s who’s reading it.

I’ve got a new story on the blog about cattle tags, the information they carry, and a little household debate about how they ought to be used.

Read it at theidahorancherswife.com. 🤎

#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#cattlemanagement 
#ranchstories 
#cattleranching
The things nobody tells you about being a cowgirl… The things nobody tells you about being a cowgirl… 😂
#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#cowgirllife 
#workingcowgirl 
#ranchhumor
I’ll just keep holding the brake… #lifeonacattler I’ll just keep holding the brake…

#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#teamwork 
#theincredibles 
#hesmrincredible
It shouldn’t be this tall. Late frosts. Hot, dry It shouldn’t be this tall. 

Late frosts. Hot, dry, dusty days. Summer drought. A week with the pump down. 

But God is good and this corn patch surpassed our greatest hopes. I see His hand. Do you?
#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#farminginadrought 
#cornfields 
#agriculture
Another rousing round of mountainside musings 🤣 # Another rousing round of mountainside musings 🤣

#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#ranchlife 
#ranchhumor 
#outontherange
They say you can tell a lot about a man by his out They say you can tell a lot about a man by his outfit. In cowboy country, that has less to do with the clothes on his back and more to do with the truck and trailer he pulled out of the yard in. 

Come on o we to the website for the outfit breakdown with a side of ranch wife humor! 
 
https://theidahorancherswife.com/you-can-tell-a-lot-about-a-cowboy-by-his-outfit/ Or find the link in my bio!

#cowboyoutfit 
#fitcheck 
#ranchhumor 
#marriedtoarancher 
#lifeonacattleranch
Who needs arm day when you can pitch hay?? Me… I d Who needs arm day when you can pitch hay?? Me… I do… so I can pitch the hay… 💪🏼😮‍💨🤣

#lifeonacattleranch #marriedtoarancher #ranchlife #feedingcattle #armdayeveryday
Shhh… don’t tell The Rancher because I’m about to Shhh… don’t tell The Rancher because I’m about to take things into my own hands!
#marriedtoarancher 
#lifeonacattleranch 
#laundrywoes 
#ranchlife 
#cowboylife
If you watch my stories you have seen me post a fe If you watch my stories you have seen me post a few coloring pages taken directly from photos of our family ranching. 

I’m excited to announce that I’m in the works of a coloring book featuring ranching scenes from our year on the ranch! While I keep working to get it done, head to my website to enjoy a few freebies just for you.

https://theidahorancherswife.com/workshop/

#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#childrenscoloringpages 
#ranchcoloringpages 
#coloringpages
Sunday afternoon chore vibes… ain’t too proud to b Sunday afternoon chore vibes… ain’t too proud to be caught in my sweats and boots 

#lifeonacattleranch 
#marriedtoarancher 
#countryliving 
#sundayvibes 
#downontheranch
You never want to be the guy that accidentally let You never want to be the guy that accidentally let the calves out. To that end, you double and triple check every dang gate you go through… but sometimes the calves still get out 🙄. 

#lifeonacattleranch #marriedtoarancher #ranchlife #weaningseason #ranchcalves
“Do I have to do it as good as you?” Our youngest “Do I have to do it as good as you?”

Our youngest asked me that after wrestling with a stubborn fence post one winter day.

I wasn’t sure how to answer.

Because yes, the fence has to work when we are done and the cows don’t care if it was built by a ranch mom or a seven-year-old. The work matters, and I want my kids to learn to do it right.

But expecting a ranch kid to do a job exactly like someone with years more experience? That’s a different story.

Raising kids on a ranch has taught me that high expectations and room to grow aren’t opposites. We can expect our kids to contribute, be responsible, solve problems, and do meaningful work while still giving them the time and grace it takes to become capable.

Sometimes that means pulling out the crooked fence post and trying again. Sometimes it means looking at a field of missed hay and asking questions instead of jumping straight to frustration.

The standard doesn’t have to change just because someone is still learning.

I think that’s true far beyond the ranch, too.

Today’s learner might just be tomorrow’s expert.

Full story on the blog. 🤎

https://theidahorancherswife.com/the-fine-line-between-high-expectations-and-room-to-grow/

#lifeonacattleranch #marriedtoarancher #ranchkids #ranchlife #raisingranchkids
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