Pipes, Pumps, and Bottle Calves: Diving into the Deep End

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During my first week I learned a lot about both livestock management and irrigation systems through hands-on work around the ranch. One of the biggest things I did was help move and sort cows on horseback to a different pasture. This gave me more experience working cattle and understanding how important it is to move them calmly and efficiently. I also continued feeding the bottle calves throughout the week, which helped me see how much consistency and daily attention goes into caring for livestock.

I also learned a lot about water management and equipment maintenance as well. We built gated pipe for irrigation, put together a pump to move water to a pivot, and repaired a pivot tire. One of the most interesting situations this week happened when a reservoir dried up significantly and became very muddy. Since there was a risk that cows could get stuck, we had to come up with a solution quickly. We ended up bringing in a water tank and water tanker so the cattle would still have access to water without entering the muddy area. This experience showed me how important problem-solving and adaptability are in agriculture.

One idea I would challenge is the belief that ranch work follows a set schedule or plan every day. While there are routine tasks that need to be completed, this week showed me that unexpected challenges can change priorities very quickly. The issue with the reservoir is a good example because it required immediate attention and a solution that was not originally part of the plan for the day. This experience made me realize that being successful in agriculture requires more than just knowing how to perform certain tasks. It also requires being able to think critically and adapt when situations change. Whether it is weather conditions, equipment breakdowns, or livestock needs, ranchers often have to make quick decisions and adjust their plans to keep the operation running smoothly.

After this week, I am interested in learning more about how ranches prepare for water shortages and drought conditions. Seeing how quickly the reservoir changed made me realize how important water management is to an operation. I would like to learn more about the planning that goes into making sure there is enough water available for livestock throughout the year. This year has been really dry and this is a real concern where I am at, so I would like to learn more about it.

I am also interested in learning more about the nutrition program my hosts use for their cattle. I have seen the importance of providing cattle with the right feed and resources, but I would like to better understand how decisions are made regarding rations, supplements, and overall herd nutrition. I am curious about how factors, such as age, production stage, pasture conditions, and seasonal changes influence feeding decisions. Learning more about cattle nutrition would help me understand how proper feeding practices contribute to animal health, performance, and the overall success of the operation.

I plan to continue building on the skills I have learned by becoming more involved in both livestock and irrigation management tasks. The experiences from this week helped me become more comfortable troubleshooting problems and working with equipment. As the internship continues, I want to gain a better understanding of how different parts of the ranch operation work together and contribute to overall success.

I also plan to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from my host family and the experience they have gained over the years. Throughout my first week, I have found that asking questions and listening to their explanations has helped me better understand not only how certain tasks are done, but also why they are done that way. Moving forward, I want to continue asking questions, learning from their decision-making process, and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and responsibilities involved in running a successful ranch. I think the knowledge and experience they share will be just as valuable as the hands-on work I am doing each day.

Submitted by: MacKenzie Jones Edits by: GrowinG Internship Team