During our ranching and cattle raising days we had more than one property under lease. One was just west of where we lived and the other about 3 miles to the east. On this east property, we had built a series of carrels and loading ramp. The property also had a natural spring which dad took some scavenged pipe and allowed this water flow into a large water troft which the cattle quickly learned to come and drink there.
But there were hazards. The eastern boundary of this property was a steep canyon and creek. We had already lost a year-old calf who had fallen in and died from a broken neck. Since we also had three horses, dad worried that even if they stayed away from the canyon, they could cut themselves severely on the 90 degee fence corners of barbed wire. Our plan was to fix these corners to make them into two corners of 45 degrees each and hang some strips of shop towels to make these corners more visible.
Now the canyon at this point is at least 30 feet in a straight drop. I had taken a post hole digger and had finished a hole for the new fence post. After I put the corner post in, I stepped back to see that it was in proper alignment and then stepped forward again. Well in this step backward, my boot heel caved off some of the canyon wall! Dad saw this and went completely white! He had to sit down on the running board of our pickup to recover. I told him I knew the canyon was there and didn’t intend to remain that close, but was going to step forward again immediately, but it didn’t make any difference to him. He thought I was about to fall into the canyon!
We learned the golden rule about raising cattle. You buy high, sell low, and try to make it up on volume, or growth. It is a common conundrum and many fall into this trap. It never seems to work the other way, at least for those who are new to the business. Just Sayin…RJS
Robert J Samples wrote:
During our ranching and cattle raising days we had more than one property under lease. One was just west of where we lived and the other about 3 miles to the east. On this east property, we had built a series of carrels and loading ramp. The property also had a natural spring which dad took some scavenged pipe and allowed this water flow into a large water troft which the cattle quickly learned to come and drink there.
But there were hazards. The eastern boundary of this property was a steep canyon and creek. We had already lost a year-old calf who had fallen in and died from a broken neck. Since we also had three horses, dad worried that even if they stayed away from the canyon, they could cut themselves severely on the 90 degee fence corners of barbed wire. Our plan was to fix these corners to make them into two corners of 45 degrees each and hang some strips of shop towels to make these corners more visible.
Now the canyon at this point is at least 30 feet in a straight drop. I had taken a post hole digger and had finished a hole for the new fence post. After I put the corner post in, I stepped back to see that it was in proper alignment and then stepped forward again. Well in this step backward, my boot heel caved off some of the canyon wall! Dad saw this and went completely white! He had to sit down on the running board of our pickup to recover. I told him I knew the canyon was there and didn’t intend to remain that close, but was going to step forward again immediately, but it didn’t make any difference to him. He thought I was about to fall into the canyon!
We learned the golden rule about raising cattle. You buy high, sell low, and try to make it up on volume, or growth. It is a common conundrum and many fall into this trap. It never seems to work the other way, at least for those who are new to the business. Just Sayin…RJS
During our ranching and cattle raising days we had... (
show quote)
Buying high and selling low keeps the economy going. I always figured thats what you are supposed to do. Thanks for the story Robert.
Gordon
Loc: Charleston South Carolina
Robert J Samples wrote:
During our ranching and cattle raising days we had more than one property under lease. One was just west of where we lived and the other about 3 miles to the east. On this east property, we had built a series of carrels and loading ramp. The property also had a natural spring which dad took some scavenged pipe and allowed this water flow into a large water troft which the cattle quickly learned to come and drink there.
But there were hazards. The eastern boundary of this property was a steep canyon and creek. We had already lost a year-old calf who had fallen in and died from a broken neck. Since we also had three horses, dad worried that even if they stayed away from the canyon, they could cut themselves severely on the 90 degee fence corners of barbed wire. Our plan was to fix these corners to make them into two corners of 45 degrees each and hang some strips of shop towels to make these corners more visible.
Now the canyon at this point is at least 30 feet in a straight drop. I had taken a post hole digger and had finished a hole for the new fence post. After I put the corner post in, I stepped back to see that it was in proper alignment and then stepped forward again. Well in this step backward, my boot heel caved off some of the canyon wall! Dad saw this and went completely white! He had to sit down on the running board of our pickup to recover. I told him I knew the canyon was there and didn’t intend to remain that close, but was going to step forward again immediately, but it didn’t make any difference to him. He thought I was about to fall into the canyon!
We learned the golden rule about raising cattle. You buy high, sell low, and try to make it up on volume, or growth. It is a common conundrum and many fall into this trap. It never seems to work the other way, at least for those who are new to the business. Just Sayin…RJS
During our ranching and cattle raising days we had... (
show quote)
That would have scared me to if I saw my son do that.
you are absolutely right, but at 17 or 18, you are bullet proof! Just Sayin...RJS
saw1
Loc: nor cal Windsor
Buying high and sellin low is a good way to go outta business no matter what business that is.
Don't reckon I ever heard of that business strategy before.
saw1
Loc: nor cal Windsor
Ever heard the old sayin " Some people got more dollars than sense. " (cents)
Well, innocent investors see the cattle prices at an all time high and jump in. Then prices fall and leaves them high and dry. This leaves more people broke, or owing their banker a ton of money. Just Sayin...RJS
HenryG
Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts
Robert J Samples wrote:
Well, innocent investors see the cattle prices at an all time high and jump in. Then prices fall and leaves them high and dry. This leaves more people broke, or owing their banker a ton of money. Just Sayin...RJS
How does that keep the economy going like EZfishing said? I'm more to agree with You and Saw🇺🇸🎣👍
saw1
Loc: nor cal Windsor
Robert J Samples wrote:
Well, innocent investors see the cattle prices at an all time high and jump in. Then prices fall and leaves them high and dry. This leaves more people broke, or owing their banker a ton of money. Just Sayin...RJS
My point exactly. If you do that and you go broke then you're out of business. NOT a GOOD business practice.
Robert J Samples wrote:
During our ranching and cattle raising days we had more than one property under lease. One was just west of where we lived and the other about 3 miles to the east. On this east property, we had built a series of carrels and loading ramp. The property also had a natural spring which dad took some scavenged pipe and allowed this water flow into a large water troft which the cattle quickly learned to come and drink there.
But there were hazards. The eastern boundary of this property was a steep canyon and creek. We had already lost a year-old calf who had fallen in and died from a broken neck. Since we also had three horses, dad worried that even if they stayed away from the canyon, they could cut themselves severely on the 90 degee fence corners of barbed wire. Our plan was to fix these corners to make them into two corners of 45 degrees each and hang some strips of shop towels to make these corners more visible.
Now the canyon at this point is at least 30 feet in a straight drop. I had taken a post hole digger and had finished a hole for the new fence post. After I put the corner post in, I stepped back to see that it was in proper alignment and then stepped forward again. Well in this step backward, my boot heel caved off some of the canyon wall! Dad saw this and went completely white! He had to sit down on the running board of our pickup to recover. I told him I knew the canyon was there and didn’t intend to remain that close, but was going to step forward again immediately, but it didn’t make any difference to him. He thought I was about to fall into the canyon!
We learned the golden rule about raising cattle. You buy high, sell low, and try to make it up on volume, or growth. It is a common conundrum and many fall into this trap. It never seems to work the other way, at least for those who are new to the business. Just Sayin…RJS
During our ranching and cattle raising days we had... (
show quote)
Another good one RJ. You need to write a book on your life adventures 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
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