January Starts Like This at the Ranch

What’s Happening at the Ranch

2026 has arrived.

 

And sometimes some things need to be done, despite the calendar proclaiming it’s a holiday.

 

The new year didn’t start with fireworks out here — it started with wind, feeding hay, checking water, breaking ice, fencing, and ear tags.

 

This week, we brought the whole herd home and sorted everyone where they need to be.

 

Heifer calves and their moms.
First-calf heifers.
Open cows.

 

All stayed home.

 

The rest of the cows and the bulls were moved to a new pasture.

 

It’s one of those behind-the-scenes weeks that matter more than it looks.

 

On Wednesday, the cows were lined out on alfalfa and grass hay, heads down, content and busy, while we fenced and filled water tanks.

 

Thursday, everyone was home for sorting, and the bred cow and bull group headed off to a new pasture.

 

The heifers and open cows stayed home, waiting for the vet.

 

Friday morning, Dr. Lacey will be here to vaccinate the heifers and preg-check the three open cows we found this fall.

 

On the counter tonight is a pile of new yellow ear tags, ready to go in, a small but important step that keeps everything organized for the year ahead.

 

The next picture you see of these heifers, they’ll have their new big-girl yellow tags on.

 

In two weeks, we’ll wean them from their moms. They’ve made it through two snowstorms grazing out in the pasture.

 

They’re ready.

 

January is a big month for these girls.

 

A heifer calf settled in at the hay, still wearing her calf tag for the last time.

This is how we start January

1. ✔ cattle fed
2. ✔ water open
3. ✔ plans made, one step at a time

 

A lot is coming in 2026, on the ranch and beyond. But right now, we’re focused on doing the next right thing, and doing it well.

 

Thanks for being here, for following along, and for supporting a ranch where this kind of care still matters.

 

Here’s to a steady start and a good year ahead.

 

P.S. If your New Year’s resolution includes eating better, cooking more at home, or knowing where your food comes from, you’re already in the right place.