Branding 2015

We had our branding this past weekend. Branding is an important part of ranching. By branding our cattle we ensure the our calves do not get lost or stolen. The cattle brand helps folk identify cattle that may have gotten out. With the high price of cattle these days, I am ever so thankful that if our calves are lost or stolen they can be properly identified and brought back to the correct owner.

With a brand we also give our calves a set of vaccinations that help to prevent any viruses they might pick up during the summer. These vaccinations are much like those that you give to your children before they attend school. We also choose to implant our steer calves. We band our bull calves at birth therefore making them steers. All of our calves get an ear tag at birth as well. Each ear tag has the mother's tag number, the date of birth, and the AI sire if there is one.

Here are some photos from our branding this year.

My brother-in-law was in charge of the branding iron. 

Waiting on the branding iron. 

Our neighbors are awesome!

My mom with Clara. She was loving the action.

My brother-in-law and nephew from Eastern Nebraska. 

Our brand an upside down TV. 

Don't let him go! 

Ready to go back to her Momma. 

How do you do your branding? Do you use any practices to prevent illness in your calves during the summer time?