Wow – What an Opportunity
#bfrdpwy #aginternship #RightRisk
As my time on the ranch comes to an end, this week was full of celebration and holiday cheer. I came across my 50th birthday at the beginning of the week and ended it with Thanksgiving. Work activities were focused on feeding cattle and various chores on the ranch (all of which have been detailed in one form or another in previous statements). The tiny bulls are being held by themselves during the winter. They have begun getting feisty when it comes to feed time with their grain. I’ve have had a lot of humor in feeding them, they have such clumsy energy that it is hard not to walk away with a smile.
As I look back on my experiences during the internship, I have a lot to be thankful for. The internship was a wonderful learning experience and I would recommend it for anyone who wants a jump start in learning the skills required to do the job. I have been given the opportunity to learn all aspects of ranching and farming, to include the dirty jobs of cleaning and maintenance. This has included operating farm equipment (tractors, mowers, rakes, bailers) and their repair. I’ve learned how to handle and transport cattle, along with overall general care. I learned how to drive cattle, on horseback, and different approaches for doing so. I’ve enhanced my horsemanship skills and was able to practice them, nearly, on a daily basis. The one thing you can say is that tomorrow also brings something different.
If you are interested in the internship, I would recommend a few reading materials on stockmanship prior to going onto a cow/calf operation. These would include Ms. Temple Grandin’s publication, “Behavioral Principles of Livestock Handling and Stockmanship”, and “Stockmanship: A powerful tool for grazing land management” by Steve Cote. Both were great materials to have read prior to and during the internship. In addition to reading, I would also make sure that your expectations and goals match the opportunity being granted. You will be working hard, so make sure the opportunity is right for you. Lastly, come with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude; be willing to pitch in without being asked. Positivity will help a lot, especially on those long tough days.
The internship helped me gain and enhance my agricultural knowledge and skills. I want to thank the University of Wyoming and program coordinator, Kendra Faucett, for their support and hosting the program. I would also like to thank the USDA Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program for sponsoring the program. Mr. George Karhl and the team at Sarah Faith Ranch were great mentors and – wow – what an opportunity. Thank you.
Submitted by: Tim Bauer
Edits by: GrowinG Internship Team
