Out here, branding cattle is a part of Spring.

Neighbors get together and help each other brand their new herd. On Saturday, under the heat of the midday sun, we all met at Toad’s place to brand his cattle that were born this year.

From Bull to Steer

At this branding, I jumped in and learned how to tie the bull’s leg back so the men could castrate the animal.

I also learned how to innoculate the cows as they came through the chute. I was intimidated by the needle and the toughness of the animal’s hide, but after nearly 50 cows with two shots each, I was doing ok.

Neighbors gather at the back of the pickup, where all the meds are loaded, ready to inoculate the calves.