Thank you all for coming along with us for another year on the ranch. 2020 will be a year of new adventures and we are so happy to have you along with us. If you would like to take home a piece of the ranch, check out our jerky selection, raised right her on the ranch, just for you ourwyominglife.com/product-category/jerky/ Thank you!
Does your USDA processor cure, smoke and package your jerky for you to then sell or do you have another third party create the jerky for you (separate from the USDA processor)? I'm not sure on your laws in Wyoming but I'm considering creating value added products with my beef in Alabama.
I enjoy the videos by the way. Keep them coming. It's nice to see farmers telling it like it is especially with the war on Beef going on right now from consumer advocacy groups and our own USDA selling us out the American Rancher to the Multi-National Corporations.
This is one of the very few videos out there that show the large amount of stress and the importance of sale day. I hope many people outside of the farming/ranching community see this video so they can learn what farming is like. Great video Mike!
I fill your pain friend. I to am a small business man. Every year it seem harder to pay all the bills. I’m in construction, I love what I do just like you love what you do on the ranch. In 08 I lost my wife of 22 years then I lost everything I owned. At 48 I was starting over. My 12 year old daughter came to me and said, I need you to be strong for me Daddy. Then the wind blow my sail open in my heart. It was not about what I lost , but what I still have. It like a reset button just got pushed. Going forward regardless of what life throws at you. I know my late wife is In Jesus hands. A far better place then here. Almost 12 years have past and my daughter is married and I found love again. God said I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you , to give you a future and a hope. Don’t let someone take your joy and hope from you. Remember life is more then gain, its who you share the life with that makes it worth living. Your place is amazing. Handed down from a good man who believed in you. What a blessing you must have been to your father-in-law.
OWL - as a former farm/ranch kid -Massive thank you - for showing actual day to day farm life & creating a bridge between farmers and so many-non-farmers with your videos, commentary and unique perspective.
I'm a 23 year old biracial woman with a bachelor's in computer science living in Cincinnati. I've never felt so inspired by your lifestyle. This is genius what you and your family have done to honor your father in law. The land in Wyoming is beautiful. I wish you all the best and I'm happy to have found this channel. Stay well and stay strong.
Hey partner I feel ya pain. 4th generation dairy farmer here. Milking 350 holsteins in Va. There is a small beacon of light at the end of the tunnel for milk prices but it dim. But we keep going. United we farm partner
Want a know what I like the most about your channel? Your honesty and the matter of fact way you show us ranching. More of us (City slickers) need to know how our meat gets to the grocery and the hardships of the rancher along that journey. Thanks, good luck this year I’m riding along side you all the way.
Sadly, even farming and ranching have become a popularity contest.... The more people you hang out with, or kiss up to, the better you get treated at everyday functions. I've noticed regular folk get passed over in line at feed stores and auctions many times when a "Big spender" (large operation) walk in the room. I've seen them tell a small farmer they are sold out of a certain item, then overhear them tell another person they held some back in case they needed it. Not all people do these things, but there are plenty who do. Never thought farming and ranching would follow the same path as politicians and Hollywood types.
I pent many years managing dairy farms here in the great state of Maine. I saw many government restrictions, increase of grain cost, increase of fuel, parts, insurance, milk transport cost increased, yet the base price for milk was the same in the early 2000s as it was in the late 70s. There is a problem with that picture and I saw many a farm sell out and now lies barns deteriorating, fields that used to produce timothy and clover hay and corn are growing ragweed, wild apple and poplar trees. My hats off to you and your family for not giving up. There are ways to keep going, but you have to look beyond traditions. I gladly will support your channel here and my prayers are with you. Love and blessings, Jim
That's exactly how government wiped out farming threwout America in late 70s early 80s I don't remember the exact year but it didn't take long = farmer's either singed up to go corporate or got whipped out = I know a few that just shut down there farms & got job's in town but most of us had to move to town cuz of gas prices LOL town folk still don't like my country ways they think my burn barrel attracts mice LOL
You hit the nail on the head when you said "and someone is making to much money somewhere else" cause it's sure not going into my pocket. My moto has always been "share the wealth". Cheers....
I understand your frustrations with the sale barns. Many times I have waited up to 10 hours for my cattle to go thru the sale, yet at the same time watch somebody else's go straight from the truck to the sales ring. I guess it pays to be buddies with the auctioneer!!! Keep fighting the good fight! I'm sure Gilbert is proud of you and your family. Most people these days don't keep their promises past the funeral! I admire the way you not only keep your word, but bend over backwards against all odds to honor Gilbert, the ranch and your way of life. God bless and good luck moving forward.
In Missouri we are lucky to have lots and lots of options..St.Joe stockyards for example still has has 5 commission company's that rotate weekly...And I am buddies with the local barn that has just as good of prices as anywhere in the heartland..,,,,Good luck 2020
Hello Mike and the OWL family. You made me start appreciating cows. I was at my moms during Christmas and assisted with the cows. It felt so rewarding.
I have a friend who I work with who constantly asks the question, "So what have you learned?" I think as long as there is an answer to that you can move forward in the right directions. The past year I've been following you I've seen you learn more and more. Your going in the right direction because it's a forward direction. 2020 will be even better and you will learn more for 2021, 2022, and so on. Keep faith, keep positive, and learn something every day.
Just got the chance to watch this one. I feel your pain. I grew up in the seventies on a livestock and grain farm in Minnesota. Wanted to be a cowboy/ farmer all the time growing up. Then my father passed and the early eighties were terrible for both industries. Even with family and freinds help there was no profit. So sold the cattle, hogs and equipment. Paid off the loans and finished school. Went into the service and did 22 years. But each time I watch your videos it reminds me how much I loved it and miss it. Keep plugging away. You're doing things right and your kids will be better for. As well as you two. It makes a family grow closer and stronger. Jim
Hi Mike, I fully understand your situation as a farmer since the same thing happens to me. I follow several farmers in other countries and we are all in the same situation, there is a world market of speculators who become millionaires with the misfortunes and work of all farmers. It is a huge problem worldwide since there is no union between farmers, we are satisfied with the alms given by all those intermediaries associated with certain politicians who only look at their bank account despising the rural world. We need more union between farmers and to show the citizen that we are the ones who really supply the markets. Cheer up and good luck by 2020. Greetings from a farmer in southern Spain.
Brother... you got a whole family in Upstate New York willing to come give ya hand any time. Our family been up and down that windy road. You're honorable and I hope you never feel like you have failed. I had the worst season ever, this yr. 3 of us in the hospital one with cancer. Thinned the herd to get through. But... it's going to be ok. Cause everyone is doing good now and this yr we can shift gears and get going again. Y'all done good starting this RUclips page. Key to success - make money while you're sleeping. Online sales do just that. Thank you and your family for making our days a little better with your videos. Here's to a great 2020.
Mike, please do not get discouraged. You and you family are doing a great job. As a rancher myself, we have good years and bad years. Yes it seem like we have more bad years than good years but like my grandfather said. It a challenge we can't run from. Keep you head up and keep moving forward.
I grew up a farm girl and I have always wanted a ranch but problems with my health have made that a dream that won't come true but you guys definitely deserve a pat on the back for the way you do things good job
Mike, I understand exactly where you are as I ranch myself. I’ve tried several new approaches and it seems to be getting more difficult each year. Hopefully we can all make it.
Yall are America's backbone!! Don't ever give up and let big business ruin it for everyone...nothing like grass fed, grain finished beef from the family farms! Great job Mike and family, keep up the excellent work!
GREAT data...never knew a calf could lose THAT much wait in a day!!! WOW...this is a great reality check to dreamers...you're in the game! Wisdom...RIP Gilbert. God bless...prayer to you and your family.
Lived it growing up until graduation and getting married started family life happens Joined the Navy (Sea Bees) as i needed to support family I eventually had career away from farm and ranch life missing each and every day Now retirement still missing ranh and farm have many memories about good old days
Hey Mike, Thanks for the fighting spirit. Ive always believed and practice buying local. For what it’s worth, A bad day ranching has to be better than a good day in the office. “Keep your stick on the ice, I’m pulling for you, we’re all I’m this together”- Red Green
Welcome back to the new year. Thank you for being honest and getting your thoughts and views out to the public thru RUclips. The farmers and ranchers are about the biggest gamblers of all. My husband was once asked to go to Las Vegas for a weekend with some guy friends. He told them no that he gambled every day, he didnt need to leave home to do it. Buying seed and fertilizer and spreading it on the fields was his gamble. Sometimes we won a little a couple times we won a lot, but most of the time it was a lose or break even deal. We stuck with it until he had to retire because of health problems. Good luck in 2020 and keep spreading the word.
Mike keep on, keeping on. As long as you can pay the bill's, the value of the experiences with your own family, kids specifically, will see you through the lean times. The farming and ranching lifestyle is a marathon, not a sprint and there is no finish line... but it sure is one hell of a ride!! You can't really measure the successes, it's a feeling of personal pride we all cherish.
Great video! We buy(in the Netherlands) our chicken, cheese, milk and eggs from local farmers. We do not often eat cow/pig meat. But when we do we also buy them from local farmers. Our veggies we grow our self, in our garden en in the garden of my partner his parents. Always nice to see this series
What an AWESOME video in a weird way. Awesome in the fact that you raised awareness to supporting local farmers & ranchers. I have seen this with my grandfather, uncles, & other family members time & time again. My uncle Ray sold his dairy cows & went to beef about 5-6 years ago due to the huge dairies putting small dairies out of business. Thank you for raising awareness. I pray that many take this seriously.
My Jerky and Coffee Cup arrived the other day...I LOVE IT!!! thank you for what you do and I am proud to offer any support that you may need!!! Loved the jerky by the way...good stuff!!!
Just order some jerky and beef sticks from Kentucky! My way of saying thanks for your channel and the honest way you present the ranching lifestyle! I can’t imagine the many challenges that you don’t show! Keep reinventing the wheel in honor of Gilbert!
As with most things when you try to live off the land, you will never get rich in the bank. But in the long run, your soul gets richer and your feet get attached to the land. But it is always the farmer or rancher that thinks ahead and does it differently that seems to always get ahead. Good luck with the ranch and never settle with just getting by.
Thank you for hanging in there! You & your Family are the “BACKBONE” of the Greatest Nation on the face of this Earth! How many Children can claim that they live off the land? That: “THEY & THEIR FAMILIES ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN THEMSELVES?” And that, in itself is YOUR LEGACY. We humbly THANK YOU........MDA (1-14-‘20)
I am proud of ya honoring your father in law I have 4 daughters and there boy friend would sooner see me died than honour me .forgetting were there future came from .take care God see everything and God bless you greatly amen
Thanks for your promise, I want to eat tomorrow, and big Ag. doesn't care, smaller producers are where it's at. What I hear from you is poetry, thanks.
Thank you for the video and showing what real life is like on a ranch. I have a small operation and watching what you guys are going through really helps us out to get the most out of it.
Congratulations Mike, You did it! You stepped out and tried something different and learned you do not have to be a follower. It had to be hard but you did it and will do it again to survive. That was what America was built on, hard work and hard decisions, Way to go my fellow American.
Thanks again, Mike for an excellent video and for your channels. I feel for you and your wife...Ranching/farming is a tough business. Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and trying to keep it going (and keeping your father in law's wish alive, through diversification, etc... I appreciate your honesty, and I can understand the frustration and disappointment after so much hard work...I wish you and your family nothing but the best...God bless!
Buildings cost money to erect and then you pay taxes on them. Plus buildings make work, which has to be done by labor, then that too has to be paid for. There is no easy solution for the farmer.
Hi Mike, I haven't commented I awhile but still watch all your videos. Started when you were at 2000 subs and you have grown fantastic! The changes in the ranch are amazing. Few years ago when I was still farming I sold cull dairy cow's and would get 1.40/lb on a 1300/lb animal it's a nice check. Not anymore so I know how it goes. You're pretty diversified so keep your head up and plug along things will work out. Biggest thing is to watch out for the emenies oops enemies!!!!! Thank you for your time and experience on your ranch!!!!!!
Just found YOUR channel few weeks ago AND i am addicted! THANK YOU and YOUR family FOR WAT y'all do AND GOOD LUCK IN 2020 And ther is NO doubt YOU'LL KEEP this ranch FOR future generations! GBU
I feel right with you as a first generation farm/rancher it's tuff. I lost most to all of my pasture this last spring and had to sell most of my herd off I have a few cows left and I am starting to rebuild with my wife by my side I know that I will get there it just takes time. Keep keeping on and looking up may Jesus be with you and God bless.
Welcome back, Mike and Erin! Hope you had a great vacation! Another great video. I haven't found a local farmer from whom to get my meat, since we moved to Ohio (south of Columbus). If any of your subscribers farm around here. please let me know.
A dairy farm right behind where I live faced the same sort of problem you are facing 30 years ago when the factory dairies were taking over. While they were wondering what to do, their kids started a little vegetable roadside stand. They sold fresh produce out of a stand made of timber and plywood. They had a scale, plastic bags, a cash box, and if the kids were busy they just put out a wooden box with a slot in the top and put it on the honor system. Went over pretty well, so they enlarged the stand. Then the stand turned into a pole barn. A parking lot got added. From there it went to fresh sweet corn, to pick your own whatevers. Hay rides got added, then music on weekends, Christian worship services on Sundays. They planted an apple orchard a couple of years ago and the place is jumping from April to Christmas, then they shut down for the winter. They still have a few moo cows around for ambience, but the rest of the property is completely turned over to fresh produce and entertainment. It has gone over so big another former dairy farm on the other side of town did the same thing and they are going great guns as well. So, you are correct - diversify. I don't know how close you are to towns of any size, but around here a lot of farmers do farmers markets as well. Very popular and they bring in cash money every week.
700lb steers are bringing $1.50 plus here in AZ. Were selling steers and holding back heifers hoping they will bring more in the future. Hopefully this China deal will be better for the beef market...
To get ahead selling beef you need to find a niche and then think way outside the box to figure out how to fill it. My hat is off to you, from a Michigan beef and dairy farmer.
I've been watching some of your videos for a few nights now. My wife and I started dating in 1979. Her dad was a self employed auto mechanic with a good cliental. Also he worked a 5.5 acre apple orchard that was established by his father in the early 1900's. In 1980 due to situations in my home, I move in with, then my future in-laws. Since then he taught me how to grow apples, peaches and pears. Through the years with the development of Intergrated Pest Management and new chemicals he and I learned and changed the norms of how things were to be done. The wife and I chose to follow different paths and careers but stayed close by to help out when we could with the orchard. To this day I still don't know how he managed it all, working 6 days a week turning a wrench and all day Sunday in the field. He passed away 6 years ago leaving my wife and I the orchard. It pains me to say that I have not been able to keep up with it. As you know, farming is a strenuous battle, and it bugs the hell out of you when someone tries to beat you down on price when you know what goes into the work. I know how you feel when you say you are pissed. I feel the same way for you. Tomorrow is a new day with good and bad. Keep it up.
Our livestock auction allows us to call in with a head count a week prior to sale to reserve a pen. All those that call in are sold first then the others that just show up throughout the morning. Also.. previously I've received a premium selling directly to the feedlot as 'all natural'. You just have to meet a few requirements that mainly just ensure that anything you've had to doctor doesn't get in the bunch and they're fed no animal by-products. Also... have you checked into selling directly to your local stores? Diversity is key, like Erin said. We lease hunts and rent cabins. And.... mob grazing establishing winter stock piles greatly reduces hay expense and grows net profit while restoring your soil. It just gets better and better. Blessings
I wish everyone could understand the implications of buying things, from these big box stores. The list is longer than is realized. Thank you for stressing the importance of buying local!! We've been buying local for close to 3 yrs now. I don't even remember when I last bought meat or eggs from a store. And we get most of our produce, local as well. And to add to the benefits, fresh food tastes amazing and the nutrition is usually higher. God bless your ranch!
I was lucky enough to ride with a friend of mine to the National City(East St Louis) stockyards to sell a trailer load of hogs once. The whole “auction” was a scam. The buyer and my buddy had agreed on a price days before. So they get to the pen where his hogs were. The auctioneer starts the bidding. The only buyer that raised his hand was the buyer my buddy dealt with. The hogs sold for exactly the price that had been agreed upon and the auctioneer and buyers moved to the next pen. Darndest thing I ever saw!
Best video yet. It was so nice to see Erin featured in this video. I also really appreciate your recap of your challenges and how things have changed and continue to change on the ranch. Thanks so much for all that you do.
I respect what you do. Man, its a lot of work. I work in Midwest which my friends told me about your website they think it’s easy. Wait till you feel the cold and the hardship of caring for your animals and having water and shelter etccc. I respect your work ethic.. Downey California
Hi! From Merced CA. I was raised in Tuolumne County & my step family were ranchers & had apple orchards. I'm 66 & disabled now & I miss it so much. Watching OWL is my way of staying involved even if only via watching on my phone lol. Nice to see another person from CA.
My heart goes out to y’all in Wyoming, you’ve done your predecessor proud 🇺🇸 . Our prayers are for you and not against you , be safe and be prayed for . And above all , always rely on The Lord who will always provide . God Bless ! 👩🏻🌾 Tiny Illinois farm owner .
Mike your life and your journey are an inspiration. "Hobby Farming" may be the next Great Adventure" in my life. Till then I look forward to following your adventures. I live in Northern California in a County trying to change its name to "Jefferson State". Thank you for sharing.
We wish you could be there to help! We will support local farmers and ranchers more because of your influence and shared information. I don't know the solution, but I do know you have to take every day and run with it...squeeze every moment out of it and for sure, spend time with your beautiful family! We'll be watching and try to give you more direct support thru your webstore.
Mike, you're doing awesome, keep it up! I deal with about the same amount of cows that you have, and we always keep the calves and turn them out to get bigger after they get weaned. All other things being equal, a long time weaned calf will bring a premium amount vs a freshly weaned calf. Also, figure out who buys your cattle at the sale barn and sell directly to the buyer! My dad is a cattle buyer and he does it quite often. Saves stress on the calves, plus the sale barn won't be able to take $20/hd commission on every one of your calves!
Erin and Mike, living on a boarder town, all meat is from a independent Old School Butcher. Family Tradition runs deep. Local ranchers bring in live stock, Monday is processing, then Cooler. Wal-Mart is"t even considered.
Incredible story! I've deep respect for you! All my best wishes are with you and your family! Keep pushing! One day, you will shine and make your loving dad-in-law proud in heaven! ❤ from Bangladesh!
I understand what you go though to make your ranch work. Blood, Sweat and Tears is only part of it. The rest of it is making smart decisions. I am very honored to follow along with your day to day work to keep the ranch going. I will be with you though out the new year. Hoping for the best for you and your family Mike.
I show a stronger market after the new year 7 out of 10 years. It’s true this year. The farm weaned calves are better for the industry than truck weaned calves - less sickness, death, dark cutters and chronic. Good idea selling jerky - hope you are sourcing the beef from culls. Cattle cycle is getting close to the toughest part where it’s hard for everyone. Good job.
You have a great set up when it comes to your lots, gates, alleyways, chutes, load outs and paddocks .... By the way I boycotted Wal-Mart a year and a half ago...They bought out a small dairy co-op in Kentucky and it ran about 70 small dairies out of business.....That was it for me..
You speak alot of truth there Sir! It is that way up here as well...and to be truthful, I have made similar comments to you. I try to raise my own stuff, but when I need to go outside my freezers, I do not shop Walmart or like stores for anything and I try to buy from fellow farmers and small business owners where possible. But, that too is getting tougher....farmers don't like to sell to the little guys that only want a mini bulk or two of oats ... and there are getting to be fewer small business owners. And lets not forget how online stores are hurting everything too. I am not perfect by any means, but feel that if a few people try, maybe, just maybe, this way of life will not be a thing of the past! Anyway enough rant....Wishing you all the best for the upcoming season! Great video!
Mike, I know you spent a great amount of time on this video and such but there are several lessons you can learn from this video and your experience. While I am young I have experienced almost every aspect of the cattle business through my work and family's own operation. I understand that waiting until the end of the sale can be a pain but if St. Onge is like most other barns, they sell cattle by the order of arrival. Next, yes calves do shrink while standing around but your calves were also on feed before they were on the truck and probably were full. Buyers do not like "full" calves because they end up paying for weight that they ultimately will lose in the long run and do not receive any compensatory gain in the feedlot. If you paid attention which I'm guessing you did you would notice things that high selling cattle possess. They are going to have a preconditioning shot record with dates and full rounds of vaccinations, weaned like yours, and out of reputation genetics (in your part of the world think Blair Brothers Angus, Schaff Angus Valley, Connealy Angus, Lindskov-Theil Charolais, and many others). Many seedstock operators have feeder calf buyback programs (TD Angus in Nebraska, Lindskov-Thiel Ranch Charolais and Angus of South Dakota, Vermillion Angus Ranch of Montana, Scheifelbien Farms Angus and SimAngus of Minnesota, Wulf Limousin of Nebraska, Eaton Charolais of Montana and countless others). Also many seedstock producers help market their bull customers calves (Ellingson Angus of North Dakota, Sitz Angus of Montana, Hoffman Ranch of Nebraska, and Connealy Angus of Nebraska are a few that come to mind). Breed Associations have feeder calf certifications programs if your calves are sired by bulls of their breed that are registered in their association (Red Angus Association of America has the Feeder Calf Certification Program and Allied Access, American Angus Association has AngusLink and Angus Source, The American Hereford Association has Hereford Advantage and Premium Red Baldy, The American International Charolais Association has CharAdvantage, and the American Gelbvieh Association has Balancer Edge). There are also 3rd party programs that aim to add value to calves such as Top Dollar Angus, Allied Genetic Resources, and Non-Hormonally Treated Cattle. All these programs have allowed cow-calf producers capture more value for their calf crop from their nutrition, management such as weaning, health (vaccination programs), and genetics used. If your more curious on these programs there is great literature and many resources out there. I'm sorry to sound negative and judgemental but I have a passion for helping cattle producers and making our beef industry better than ever. I like everyone else on this channel want to see you make money and be successful but as Marty Ropp of Allied Genetic Resources recently said on the Working Ranch Radio Show podcast when asked how producers receive top dollar in the market for their calves, "In order to get something you have never gotten, your going to do something that you've never done." I think about this quote often and not just in terms of cattle but in everything in life. Cow-Calf Ranchers are producers, they take God's given resources and create a product from them. Selling commodity bawling calves in October is not always the best idea for ranchers because the most calves are going up for auction at once, they are at the most volatile and labor-intensive stage they will be at, and feedlots have lots of calves to being thrown at them and are not always willing to deal with them. I'm glad you tried weaning and preconditioning and I think the experience has lit a fire underneath of you to do better next year. Thanks again Mike for showing the world what really happens in rural America and where food comes from because the message needs to be spread and there are no better people to do it than people like you and Erin!
Sell directly to customers. That's what we do! We cut out all the middlemen, all the markup, and instead of getting pennies on the dollar... we do it ourselves. We aren't nearly as large as you are: but our customers have been loyal for more than 6 years and we have more customers than we do product... that's a great problem to have!
Mike, you have such a great work ethic. You inspire me to do more. It may not have worked out like you hoped but I know that you will make some adjustments that will improve your bottom line next year.
Best video you have done. We farm and raise cattle here in Oklahoma. Cattle and farm commodity prices should be higher so we can make a living and support our families. Most of the young farmers are really struggling to pay the bills. It’s sad to see.
So happy to see OWL back. Missed you guys and the videos a lot. Great video, so we’ll done, like you’re watching a television show. Can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for the Gillette family.
When you have to line up a truck and all its a bit harder... but I like to wait and see how many cows are selling that day... many time you can get a good estimate about 2 days before auction... If there are to many selling that day I wont go in and will wait another week. Also when I'm buying I wait for a huge day and will go in late to get a good deal.
Well at least you tried If you never try something you will never know if it might have worked New thinking and new methods of ranching should work KEEP GOING Without new thinking and working things thru we wouldn't have electricity, we would still be using horse and buggy's and we would never have left the ground All the best as always from Allenford, Ontario, Canada
Very powerful, thought provoking, and heartfelt vlog, Mike. Keep doing what is best for you, your family, and the animals. One foot in front of the other, one day at a time. Thank you for sharing all of the aspects of what it means to be a rancher and being honest about it.
Keep at it!! We can't let big corporations win... I raise pasture raised pork and broiler, also have laying hens and bees. Our customers love the home raised goodness. Looking at maybe adding some cattle... I know that our customers truly know what good home raised food is all about... the issue is the other 99% of the world that think the stuff you get at the big box stores is good and healthy. They think cheaper prices are better... well they aren't! I love to promote local farms and stores, we all need to stick together no matter the size of the farm. just sent my jerky order in, cant wait to try it.
You can greatly improve your situation with cattle sales by selling online with Superior Livestock. You have the facilities to load out trucks. Don’t waste your money relying on a Sale Barn. Their priorities lie with their big customers!
One item you covered but perhaps understated. With The whole year's paycheck riding on the auction sale and from the time the calves come in to the auctioneer calling SOLD is perhaps 30 seconds--that's why it is so stressful. A whole years work and the ranch future on the line. There is no rolley coaster in the world that can provide that much adrenaline--it is hard on a person and on a family.
Hey buddy u all do great love your videos. Am proud of ya all do what ya do . I understand how hard it is . Till u loss it. I miss it so much. I hope some day I can get back to it. It's a drive like no other . Threw thick and thin . Thanks brother. . And keep that faith.
So its 1/19/2020 just bumped into you friday ur video the had hurt its left leg,then got it stuck in the gate i think my reply was wow. today the same wow. we r here in southeastern north carolina its so different in many ways.anyway thank u fer ur time and honesty muchly apprciated.peace
Seems most folk start out with a small herd and work their way up. You took on a large family ranch and seem to be expected to succeed without fail. No one could do that in ranching, just like no one could do that in radio. You have a broadcasting background along with your wife, seems that its only natural that you would "do what you know" to help you learn something new. I see it in movies all the time, the guy with the off beat talent, or "goofy" hobby steps in to the "save the day" in a real world situation. You've applied your love of "audio" to the world of ranching. I love this channel. Ranching is unforgiving, but so is everything else. Count your blessings and hug your family while they still call the ranch home. My sons are on the opposite sides of the country and my daughters are north and south....just me and my wife running the place now. I just remember... its money that makes me laugh but its family that makes me smile. .......Good Luck to you my friend, you have my support!
Thank you all for coming along with us for another year on the ranch. 2020 will be a year of new adventures and we are so happy to have you along with us. If you would like to take home a piece of the ranch, check out our jerky selection, raised right her on the ranch, just for you ourwyominglife.com/product-category/jerky/ Thank you!
Our Wyoming Life do you send beef jerky to the Nederlands
Does your USDA processor cure, smoke and package your jerky for you to then sell or do you have another third party create the jerky for you (separate from the USDA processor)? I'm not sure on your laws in Wyoming but I'm considering creating value added products with my beef in Alabama.
I enjoy the videos by the way. Keep them coming. It's nice to see farmers telling it like it is especially with the war on Beef going on right now from consumer advocacy groups and our own USDA selling us out the American Rancher to the Multi-National Corporations.
I have a lot of respect for what you do dau every god bless you and your family
Every day
This is one of the very few videos out there that show the large amount of stress and the importance of sale day. I hope many people outside of the farming/ranching community see this video so they can learn what farming is like. Great video Mike!
Thank you very much!!!!
I fill your pain friend. I to am a small business man. Every year it seem harder to pay all the bills. I’m in construction, I love what I do just like you love what you do on the ranch. In 08 I lost my wife of 22 years then I lost everything I owned. At 48 I was starting over. My 12 year old daughter came to me and said, I need you to be strong for me Daddy. Then the wind blow my sail open in my heart. It was not about what I lost , but what I still have. It like a reset button just got pushed. Going forward regardless of what life throws at you. I know my late wife is In Jesus hands. A far better place then here. Almost 12 years have past and my daughter is married and I found love again. God said I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you , to give you a future and a hope. Don’t let someone take your joy and hope from you. Remember life is more then gain, its who you share the life with that makes it worth living. Your place is amazing. Handed down from a good man who believed in you. What a blessing you must have been to your father-in-law.
Stewart Campbell I do believe you my have just changed my life’s direction.
I am with Ronald you just changed my lifes derection as well and I am pushing the reset button
Trying to read through the end with tears in my eyes. Powerful words, my friend!!!
😍
Very well felt and said. Thanks.
OWL - as a former farm/ranch kid -Massive thank you - for showing actual day to day farm life & creating a bridge between farmers and so many-non-farmers with your videos, commentary and unique perspective.
My sentiments exactly!
Mike hang in there you will survive
Your welcome, and Thank You for watching Nicole Wilkin. -Mike
I'm a 23 year old biracial woman with a bachelor's in computer science living in Cincinnati. I've never felt so inspired by your lifestyle. This is genius what you and your family have done to honor your father in law. The land in Wyoming is beautiful. I wish you all the best and I'm happy to have found this channel. Stay well and stay strong.
Mike I am a dairy farmer. I can appreciate your struggles sir. Keep your head up. It will all work out
Kudos to you sir. Dairy farming seems like the most difficult type of operation out there. No rest, ever. I dont know how you guys do it!
Hey partner I feel ya pain. 4th generation dairy farmer here. Milking 350 holsteins in Va. There is a small beacon of light at the end of the tunnel for milk prices but it dim. But we keep going. United we farm partner
@@stephendunford3430 it's rough. Actually looking into processing my milk and selling it local
Want a know what I like the most about your channel? Your honesty and the matter of fact way you show us ranching. More of us (City slickers) need to know how our meat gets to the grocery and the hardships of the rancher along that journey.
Thanks, good luck this year I’m riding along side you all the way.
Thanks Ronn!! - Mike
That was the most polite "pissed off" I've seen.
It’s amazing what a camera in your face will do. You should have been in the car on the way home. :) -Mike
Lol... Agree. But you could see his jaws were tight!
Take Care
Lol!!!
Wonder how many unloaded AFTER he did, but sold a lot earlier than he did. We see this in our area all the dang time.
Sadly, even farming and ranching have become a popularity contest.... The more people you hang out with, or kiss up to, the better you get treated at everyday functions. I've noticed regular folk get passed over in line at feed stores and auctions many times when a "Big spender" (large operation) walk in the room. I've seen them tell a small farmer they are sold out of a certain item, then overhear them tell another person they held some back in case they needed it. Not all people do these things, but there are plenty who do. Never thought farming and ranching would follow the same path as politicians and Hollywood types.
I pent many years managing dairy farms here in the great state of Maine. I saw many government restrictions, increase of grain cost, increase of fuel, parts, insurance, milk transport cost increased, yet the base price for milk was the same in the early 2000s as it was in the late 70s. There is a problem with that picture and I saw many a farm sell out and now lies barns deteriorating, fields that used to produce timothy and clover hay and corn are growing ragweed, wild apple and poplar trees.
My hats off to you and your family for not giving up. There are ways to keep going, but you have to look beyond traditions. I gladly will support your channel here and my prayers are with you. Love and blessings, Jim
That's exactly how government wiped out farming threwout America in late 70s early 80s I don't remember the exact year but it didn't take long = farmer's either singed up to go corporate or got whipped out = I know a few that just shut down there farms & got job's in town but most of us had to move to town cuz of gas prices LOL town folk still don't like my country ways they think my burn barrel attracts mice LOL
@@dazie1245 Remember the dairy cow buy out the government did? What a disaster that was.
You hit the nail on the head when you said "and someone is making to much money somewhere else" cause it's sure not going into my pocket. My moto has always been "share the wealth". Cheers....
I understand your frustrations with the sale barns. Many times I have waited up to 10 hours for my cattle to go thru the sale, yet at the same time watch somebody else's go straight from the truck to the sales ring. I guess it pays to be buddies with the auctioneer!!! Keep fighting the good fight! I'm sure Gilbert is proud of you and your family. Most people these days don't keep their promises past the funeral! I admire the way you not only keep your word, but bend over backwards against all odds to honor Gilbert, the ranch and your way of life. God bless and good luck moving forward.
I feel like we get this deal every damn time we take cattle. We can drop them off the evening before and STILL be in the last 10 to go through.
In Missouri we are lucky to have lots and lots of options..St.Joe stockyards for example still has has 5 commission company's that rotate weekly...And I am buddies with the local barn that has just as good of prices as anywhere in the heartland..,,,,Good luck 2020
Hello Mike and the OWL family.
You made me start appreciating cows. I was at my moms during Christmas and assisted with the cows. It felt so rewarding.
I have a friend who I work with who constantly asks the question, "So what have you learned?" I think as long as there is an answer to that you can move forward in the right directions. The past year I've been following you I've seen you learn more and more. Your going in the right direction because it's a forward direction. 2020 will be even better and you will learn more for 2021, 2022, and so on. Keep faith, keep positive, and learn something every day.
Just got the chance to watch this one. I feel your pain. I grew up in the seventies on a livestock and grain farm in Minnesota. Wanted to be a cowboy/ farmer all the time growing up. Then my father passed and the early eighties were terrible for both industries. Even with family and freinds help there was no profit. So sold the cattle, hogs and equipment. Paid off the loans and finished school. Went into the service and did 22 years. But each time I watch your videos it reminds me how much I loved it and miss it.
Keep plugging away. You're doing things right and your kids will be better for. As well as you two. It makes a family grow closer and stronger.
Jim
Hi Mike, I fully understand your situation as a farmer since the same thing happens to me.
I follow several farmers in other countries and we are all in the same situation, there is a world market of speculators who become millionaires with the misfortunes and work of all farmers.
It is a huge problem worldwide since there is no union between farmers, we are satisfied with the alms given by all those intermediaries associated with certain politicians who only look at their bank account despising the rural world.
We need more union between farmers and to show the citizen that we are the ones who really supply the markets.
Cheer up and good luck by 2020.
Greetings from a farmer in southern Spain.
Thank you very much. A union would help.
Brother... you got a whole family in Upstate New York willing to come give ya hand any time. Our family been up and down that windy road. You're honorable and I hope you never feel like you have failed. I had the worst season ever, this yr. 3 of us in the hospital one with cancer. Thinned the herd to get through. But... it's going to be ok. Cause everyone is doing good now and this yr we can shift gears and get going again. Y'all done good starting this RUclips page. Key to success - make money while you're sleeping. Online sales do just that. Thank you and your family for making our days a little better with your videos. Here's to a great 2020.
Thank you very much. Appreciate it
Thank you and all the other ranchers and Farmers out there
Mike, please do not get discouraged. You and you family are doing a great job. As a rancher myself, we have good years and bad years. Yes it seem like we have more bad years than good years but like my grandfather said. It a challenge we can't run from. Keep you head up and keep moving forward.
I grew up a farm girl and I have always wanted a ranch but problems with my health have made that a dream that won't come true but you guys definitely deserve a pat on the back for the way you do things good job
Farming and ranching it's not about the money it's about the love of the fruit of your labor you Produce
Mike, I understand exactly where you are as I ranch myself. I’ve tried several new approaches and it seems to be getting more difficult each year. Hopefully we can all make it.
Yall are America's backbone!! Don't ever give up and let big business ruin it for everyone...nothing like grass fed, grain finished beef from the family farms! Great job Mike and family, keep up the excellent work!
GREAT data...never knew a calf could lose THAT much wait in a day!!! WOW...this is a great reality check to dreamers...you're in the game! Wisdom...RIP Gilbert. God bless...prayer to you and your family.
Well, to help ease the pain of the sale, i watched the 1:30 worth of ads! Always enjoy the videos and checkins, keep it up Mike & Erin.
Thanks for sitting thru the ads JimShu1989. Glad you enjoy the videos.- Mike
Lived it growing up until graduation and getting married started family life happens Joined the Navy (Sea Bees) as i needed to support family
I eventually had career away from farm and ranch life missing each and every day
Now retirement still missing ranh and farm have many memories about good old days
Hey Mike, Thanks for the fighting spirit. Ive always believed and practice buying local. For what it’s worth, A bad day ranching has to be better than a good day in the office. “Keep your stick on the ice, I’m pulling for you, we’re all I’m this together”- Red Green
Welcome back to the new year. Thank you for being honest and getting your thoughts and views out to the public thru RUclips.
The farmers and ranchers are about the biggest gamblers of all.
My husband was once asked to go to Las Vegas for a weekend with some guy friends. He told them no that he gambled every day, he didnt need to leave home to do it.
Buying seed and fertilizer and spreading it on the fields was his gamble. Sometimes we won a little a couple times we won a lot, but most of the time it was a lose or break even deal. We stuck with it until he had to retire because of health problems.
Good luck in 2020 and keep spreading the word.
Keep your chin up bud. I support my local farmers when I buy meat, and I will encourage others to do so.
Mike keep on, keeping on. As long as you can pay the bill's, the value of the experiences with your own family, kids specifically, will see you through the lean times. The farming and ranching lifestyle is a marathon, not a sprint and there is no finish line... but it sure is one hell of a ride!! You can't really measure the successes, it's a feeling of personal pride we all cherish.
Great video! We buy(in the Netherlands) our chicken, cheese, milk and eggs from local farmers. We do not often eat cow/pig meat. But when we do we also buy them from local farmers. Our veggies we grow our self, in our garden en in the garden of my partner his parents. Always nice to see this series
What an AWESOME video in a weird way. Awesome in the fact that you raised awareness to supporting local farmers & ranchers. I have seen this with my grandfather, uncles, & other family members time & time again. My uncle Ray sold his dairy cows & went to beef about 5-6 years ago due to the huge dairies putting small dairies out of business. Thank you for raising awareness. I pray that many take this seriously.
I never would have thought about calves losing weight on the way to auction, costing you money. God bless you, Mike & the ranch.
My Jerky and Coffee Cup arrived the other day...I LOVE IT!!! thank you for what you do and I am proud to offer any support that you may need!!! Loved the jerky by the way...good stuff!!!
Just order some jerky and beef sticks from Kentucky! My way of saying thanks for your channel and the honest way you present the ranching lifestyle! I can’t imagine the many challenges that you don’t show! Keep reinventing the wheel in honor of Gilbert!
You are the spirit of our great country...thanks for sharing this with us.
You really make me proud to come from a family of farmers.
As with most things when you try to live off the land, you will never get rich in the bank. But in the long run, your soul gets richer and your feet get attached to the land. But it is always the farmer or rancher that thinks ahead and does it differently that seems to always get ahead. Good luck with the ranch and never settle with just getting by.
Thank you for hanging in there! You & your Family are the “BACKBONE” of the Greatest Nation on the face of this Earth! How many Children can claim that they live off the land? That: “THEY & THEIR FAMILIES ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN THEMSELVES?” And that, in itself is YOUR LEGACY.
We humbly THANK YOU........MDA (1-14-‘20)
Mike, You, and Erin have done an amazing job on the Ranch. Your FIL would be proud!!
Thanks Sandy!
I am proud of ya honoring your father in law I have 4 daughters and there boy friend would sooner see me died than honour me .forgetting were there future came from .take care God see everything and God bless you greatly amen
Thanks for your promise, I want to eat tomorrow, and big Ag. doesn't care, smaller producers are where it's at. What I hear from you is poetry, thanks.
Well said Mike--you stated very clearly the struggles us ranchers face--as well as why we continue on. Thank You
Thank you for the video and showing what real life is like on a ranch. I have a small operation and watching what you guys are going through really helps us out to get the most out of it.
Congratulations Mike, You did it! You stepped out and tried something different and learned you do not have to be a follower. It had to be hard but you did it and will do it again to survive. That was what America was built on, hard work and hard decisions, Way to go my fellow American.
Keep working and moving forward! It's not the distance you cover but the direction your headed.
Thanks again, Mike for an excellent video and for your channels. I feel for you and your wife...Ranching/farming is a tough business. Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and trying to keep it going (and keeping your father in law's wish alive, through diversification, etc... I appreciate your honesty, and I can understand the frustration and disappointment after so much hard work...I wish you and your family nothing but the best...God bless!
Something thatd helps a calf to gain weight faster In the winter is to keep them under a roof. They spend a lot less energy staying warm
Buildings cost money to erect and then you pay taxes on them. Plus buildings make work, which has to be done by labor, then that too has to be paid for. There is no easy solution for the farmer.
Love this format and the whole family was in this one. Plus your wife gave her insight and feels. That was very good.
Good to have you back. Keep fighting. We need to get a movement going to end big business control of our food supply.
Hi Mike, I haven't commented I awhile but still watch all your videos. Started when you were at 2000 subs and you have grown fantastic! The changes in the ranch are amazing. Few years ago when I was still farming I sold cull dairy cow's and would get 1.40/lb on a 1300/lb animal it's a nice check. Not anymore so I know how it goes. You're pretty diversified so keep your head up and plug along things will work out. Biggest thing is to watch out for the emenies oops enemies!!!!! Thank you for your time and experience on your ranch!!!!!!
Just found YOUR channel few weeks ago AND i am addicted! THANK YOU and YOUR family FOR WAT y'all do AND GOOD LUCK IN 2020 And ther is NO doubt YOU'LL KEEP this ranch FOR future generations! GBU
I feel right with you as a first generation farm/rancher it's tuff. I lost most to all of my pasture this last spring and had to sell most of my herd off I have a few cows left and I am starting to rebuild with my wife by my side I know that I will get there it just takes time. Keep keeping on and looking up may Jesus be with you and God bless.
this episode brought tears to my eyes
Welcome back, Mike and Erin! Hope you had a great vacation! Another great video. I haven't found a local farmer from whom to get my meat, since we moved to Ohio (south of Columbus). If any of your subscribers farm around here. please let me know.
A dairy farm right behind where I live faced the same sort of problem you are facing 30 years ago when the factory dairies were taking over. While they were wondering what to do, their kids started a little vegetable roadside stand. They sold fresh produce out of a stand made of timber and plywood. They had a scale, plastic bags, a cash box, and if the kids were busy they just put out a wooden box with a slot in the top and put it on the honor system.
Went over pretty well, so they enlarged the stand. Then the stand turned into a pole barn. A parking lot got added. From there it went to fresh sweet corn, to pick your own whatevers. Hay rides got added, then music on weekends, Christian worship services on Sundays. They planted an apple orchard a couple of years ago and the place is jumping from April to Christmas, then they shut down for the winter. They still have a few moo cows around for ambience, but the rest of the property is completely turned over to fresh produce and entertainment. It has gone over so big another former dairy farm on the other side of town did the same thing and they are going great guns as well.
So, you are correct - diversify. I don't know how close you are to towns of any size, but around here a lot of farmers do farmers markets as well. Very popular and they bring in cash money every week.
700lb steers are bringing $1.50 plus here in AZ. Were selling steers and holding back heifers hoping they will bring more in the future. Hopefully this China deal will be better for the beef market...
To get ahead selling beef you need to find a niche and then think way outside the box to figure out how to fill it. My hat is off to you, from a Michigan beef and dairy farmer.
I've been watching some of your videos for a few nights now. My wife and I started dating in 1979. Her dad was a self employed auto mechanic with a good cliental. Also he worked a 5.5 acre apple orchard that was established by his father in the early 1900's. In 1980 due to situations in my home, I move in with, then my future in-laws. Since then he taught me how to grow apples, peaches and pears. Through the years with the development of Intergrated Pest Management and new chemicals he and I learned and changed the norms of how things were to be done. The wife and I chose to follow different paths and careers but stayed close by to help out when we could with the orchard. To this day I still don't know how he managed it all, working 6 days a week turning a wrench and all day Sunday in the field. He passed away 6 years ago leaving my wife and I the orchard. It pains me to say that I have not been able to keep up with it. As you know, farming is a strenuous battle, and it bugs the hell out of you when someone tries to beat you down on price when you know what goes into the work. I know how you feel when you say you are pissed. I feel the same way for you. Tomorrow is a new day with good and bad. Keep it up.
Amen. Your channel is great. Keep on keeping on. Your passion is an inspiration.
Our livestock auction allows us to call in with a head count a week prior to sale to reserve a pen. All those that call in are sold first then the others that just show up throughout the morning. Also.. previously I've received a premium selling directly to the feedlot as 'all natural'. You just have to meet a few requirements that mainly just ensure that anything you've had to doctor doesn't get in the bunch and they're fed no animal by-products. Also... have you checked into selling directly to your local stores? Diversity is key, like Erin said. We lease hunts and rent cabins. And.... mob grazing establishing winter stock piles greatly reduces hay expense and grows net profit while restoring your soil. It just gets better and better. Blessings
Yeah we call and schedule too. They tell us when to be there.
@@OurWyomingLife No wonder you were upset.
I wish everyone could understand the implications of buying things, from these big box stores. The list is longer than is realized. Thank you for stressing the importance of buying local!! We've been buying local for close to 3 yrs now. I don't even remember when I last bought meat or eggs from a store. And we get most of our produce, local as well. And to add to the benefits, fresh food tastes amazing and the nutrition is usually higher. God bless your ranch!
I was lucky enough to ride with a friend of mine to the National City(East St Louis) stockyards to sell a trailer load of hogs once.
The whole “auction” was a scam.
The buyer and my buddy had agreed on a price days before.
So they get to the pen where his hogs were. The auctioneer starts the bidding. The only buyer that raised his hand was the buyer my buddy dealt with. The hogs sold for exactly the price that had been agreed upon and the auctioneer and buyers moved to the next pen.
Darndest thing I ever saw!
Best video yet. It was so nice to see Erin featured in this video. I also really appreciate your recap of your challenges and how things have changed and continue to change on the ranch. Thanks so much for all that you do.
I respect what you do. Man, its a lot of work. I work in Midwest which my friends told me about your website they think it’s easy. Wait till you feel the cold and the hardship of caring for your animals and having water and shelter etccc. I respect your work ethic.. Downey California
Hi! From Merced CA.
I was raised in Tuolumne County & my step family were ranchers & had apple orchards.
I'm 66 & disabled now & I miss it so much.
Watching OWL is my way of staying involved even if only via watching on my phone lol.
Nice to see another person from CA.
My heart goes out to y’all in Wyoming, you’ve done your predecessor proud 🇺🇸 . Our prayers are for you and not against you , be safe and be prayed for . And above all , always rely on The Lord who will always provide . God Bless ! 👩🏻🌾 Tiny Illinois farm owner .
Mike your life and your journey are an inspiration. "Hobby Farming" may be the next Great Adventure" in my life. Till then I look forward to following your adventures. I live in Northern California in a County trying to change its name to "Jefferson State". Thank you for sharing.
We wish you could be there to help! We will support local farmers and ranchers more because of your influence and shared information. I don't know the solution, but I do know you have to take every day and run with it...squeeze every moment out of it and for sure, spend time with your beautiful family! We'll be watching and try to give you more direct support thru your webstore.
Mike you folks need to keep it going for the family stay positive
Mike, you're doing awesome, keep it up! I deal with about the same amount of cows that you have, and we always keep the calves and turn them out to get bigger after they get weaned. All other things being equal, a long time weaned calf will bring a premium amount vs a freshly weaned calf. Also, figure out who buys your cattle at the sale barn and sell directly to the buyer! My dad is a cattle buyer and he does it quite often. Saves stress on the calves, plus the sale barn won't be able to take $20/hd commission on every one of your calves!
Erin and Mike, living on a boarder town, all meat is from a independent Old School Butcher. Family Tradition runs deep. Local ranchers bring in live stock, Monday is processing, then Cooler. Wal-Mart is"t even considered.
Mike your mil should watch this video you have done an amazing job keeping up the Ranch
You guys will figure it out!!! Keep experimenting! I'm sorry this one didn't work out as planned. BUT, you and Erin are strong and will find a way ❤❤❤
Incredible story! I've deep respect for you! All my best wishes are with you and your family! Keep pushing! One day, you will shine and make your loving dad-in-law proud in heaven! ❤ from Bangladesh!
I understand what you go though to make your ranch work. Blood, Sweat and Tears is only part of it. The rest of it is making smart decisions. I am very honored to follow along with your day to day work to keep the ranch going. I will be with you though out the new year. Hoping for the best for you and your family Mike.
I show a stronger market after the new year 7 out of 10 years. It’s true this year. The farm weaned calves are better for the industry than truck weaned calves - less sickness, death, dark cutters and chronic. Good idea selling jerky - hope you are sourcing the beef from culls. Cattle cycle is getting close to the toughest part where it’s hard for everyone.
Good job.
I have my calves still. Hopefully going next week! New ones on the ground now!
You have a great set up when it comes to your lots, gates, alleyways, chutes, load outs and paddocks ....
By the way I boycotted Wal-Mart a year and a half ago...They bought out a small dairy co-op in Kentucky and it ran about 70 small dairies out of business.....That was it for me..
Love your commitment and the integrity of your family ! 🤠
You speak alot of truth there Sir! It is that way up here as well...and to be truthful, I have made similar comments to you. I try to raise my own stuff, but when I need to go outside my freezers, I do not shop Walmart or like stores for anything and I try to buy from fellow farmers and small business owners where possible. But, that too is getting tougher....farmers don't like to sell to the little guys that only want a mini bulk or two of oats ... and there are getting to be fewer small business owners. And lets not forget how online stores are hurting everything too. I am not perfect by any means, but feel that if a few people try, maybe, just maybe, this way of life will not be a thing of the past! Anyway enough rant....Wishing you all the best for the upcoming season! Great video!
Mike, I know you spent a great amount of time on this video and such but there are several lessons you can learn from this video and your experience. While I am young I have experienced almost every aspect of the cattle business through my work and family's own operation. I understand that waiting until the end of the sale can be a pain but if St. Onge is like most other barns, they sell cattle by the order of arrival. Next, yes calves do shrink while standing around but your calves were also on feed before they were on the truck and probably were full. Buyers do not like "full" calves because they end up paying for weight that they ultimately will lose in the long run and do not receive any compensatory gain in the feedlot. If you paid attention which I'm guessing you did you would notice things that high selling cattle possess. They are going to have a preconditioning shot record with dates and full rounds of vaccinations, weaned like yours, and out of reputation genetics (in your part of the world think Blair Brothers Angus, Schaff Angus Valley, Connealy Angus, Lindskov-Theil Charolais, and many others). Many seedstock operators have feeder calf buyback programs (TD Angus in Nebraska, Lindskov-Thiel Ranch Charolais and Angus of South Dakota, Vermillion Angus Ranch of Montana, Scheifelbien Farms Angus and SimAngus of Minnesota, Wulf Limousin of Nebraska, Eaton Charolais of Montana and countless others). Also many seedstock producers help market their bull customers calves (Ellingson Angus of North Dakota, Sitz Angus of Montana, Hoffman Ranch of Nebraska, and Connealy Angus of Nebraska are a few that come to mind). Breed Associations have feeder calf certifications programs if your calves are sired by bulls of their breed that are registered in their association (Red Angus Association of America has the Feeder Calf Certification Program and Allied Access, American Angus Association has AngusLink and Angus Source, The American Hereford Association has Hereford Advantage and Premium Red Baldy, The American International Charolais Association has CharAdvantage, and the American Gelbvieh Association has Balancer Edge). There are also 3rd party programs that aim to add value to calves such as Top Dollar Angus, Allied Genetic Resources, and Non-Hormonally Treated Cattle. All these programs have allowed cow-calf producers capture more value for their calf crop from their nutrition, management such as weaning, health (vaccination programs), and genetics used. If your more curious on these programs there is great literature and many resources out there. I'm sorry to sound negative and judgemental but I have a passion for helping cattle producers and making our beef industry better than ever. I like everyone else on this channel want to see you make money and be successful but as Marty Ropp of Allied Genetic Resources recently said on the Working Ranch Radio Show podcast when asked how producers receive top dollar in the market for their calves, "In order to get something you have never gotten, your going to do something that you've never done." I think about this quote often and not just in terms of cattle but in everything in life. Cow-Calf Ranchers are producers, they take God's given resources and create a product from them. Selling commodity bawling calves in October is not always the best idea for ranchers because the most calves are going up for auction at once, they are at the most volatile and labor-intensive stage they will be at, and feedlots have lots of calves to being thrown at them and are not always willing to deal with them. I'm glad you tried weaning and preconditioning and I think the experience has lit a fire underneath of you to do better next year. Thanks again Mike for showing the world what really happens in rural America and where food comes from because the message needs to be spread and there are no better people to do it than people like you and Erin!
Well said!
Yes good info
God bless you guys for what you do. And yes supporting local ranchers is the best!!
Thanks for letting me ride along! My calves go next month.
Sell directly to customers. That's what we do! We cut out all the middlemen, all the markup, and instead of getting pennies on the dollar... we do it ourselves. We aren't nearly as large as you are: but our customers have been loyal for more than 6 years and we have more customers than we do product... that's a great problem to have!
It's so good to see you!!! No I did not know about Wal-Mart... But do now.... I don't shop thete for many reasons, pricing is just one. .
Mike, you have such a great work ethic. You inspire me to do more. It may not have worked out like you hoped but I know that you will make some adjustments that will improve your bottom line next year.
Best video you have done. We farm and raise cattle here in Oklahoma. Cattle and farm commodity prices should be higher so we can make a living and support our families. Most of the young farmers are really struggling to pay the bills. It’s sad to see.
So happy to see OWL back. Missed you guys and the videos a lot. Great video, so we’ll done, like you’re watching a television show. Can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for the Gillette family.
When you have to line up a truck and all its a bit harder... but I like to wait and see how many cows are selling that day... many time you can get a good estimate about 2 days before auction... If there are to many selling that day I wont go in and will wait another week. Also when I'm buying I wait for a huge day and will go in late to get a good deal.
Just found your site I live in northern Virginia 30 miles south of D.C looks like a hard life but a beautiful life thumbs up buddy
Thank you very much Edward!
Outsquisite OWL Family!
I don't do business at WM. They're so cuthroat.
Thanks and see ya on...
Thanks! - Mike
Well at least you tried If you never try something you will never know if it might have worked New thinking and new methods of ranching should work KEEP GOING Without new thinking and working things thru we wouldn't have electricity, we would still be using horse and buggy's and we would never have left the ground All the best as always from Allenford, Ontario, Canada
Very powerful, thought provoking, and heartfelt vlog, Mike. Keep doing what is best for you, your family, and the animals. One foot in front of the other, one day at a time. Thank you for sharing all of the aspects of what it means to be a rancher and being honest about it.
Great video. It was a very good aid to help me explain some of the problems with our food systems in America. 👍👍 Good luck this year.
Keep at it!! We can't let big corporations win... I raise pasture raised pork and broiler, also have laying hens and bees. Our customers love the home raised goodness. Looking at maybe adding some cattle... I know that our customers truly know what good home raised food is all about... the issue is the other 99% of the world that think the stuff you get at the big box stores is good and healthy. They think cheaper prices are better... well they aren't! I love to promote local farms and stores, we all need to stick together no matter the size of the farm. just sent my jerky order in, cant wait to try it.
Thank you very much Aaron and thanks for your order. You rock !
You can greatly improve your situation with cattle sales by selling online with Superior Livestock. You have the facilities to load out trucks. Don’t waste your money relying on a Sale Barn. Their priorities lie with their big customers!
One item you covered but perhaps understated. With The whole year's paycheck riding on the auction sale and from the time the calves come in to the auctioneer calling SOLD is perhaps 30 seconds--that's why it is so stressful. A whole years work and the ranch future on the line. There is no rolley coaster in the world that can provide that much adrenaline--it is hard on a person and on a family.
Hey buddy u all do great love your videos. Am proud of ya all do what ya do . I understand how hard it is . Till u loss it. I miss it so much. I hope some day I can get back to it. It's a drive like no other . Threw thick and thin . Thanks brother. . And keep that faith.
So its 1/19/2020 just bumped into you friday ur video the had hurt its left leg,then got it stuck in the gate i think my reply was wow. today the same wow. we r here in southeastern north carolina its so different in many ways.anyway thank u fer ur time and honesty muchly apprciated.peace
Thank you!
Seems most folk start out with a small herd and work their way up. You took on a large family ranch and seem to be expected to succeed without fail. No one could do that in ranching, just like no one could do that in radio. You have a broadcasting background along with your wife, seems that its only natural that you would "do what you know" to help you learn something new. I see it in movies all the time, the guy with the off beat talent, or "goofy" hobby steps in to the "save the day" in a real world situation. You've applied your love of "audio" to the world of ranching. I love this channel. Ranching is unforgiving, but so is everything else. Count your blessings and hug your family while they still call the ranch home. My sons are on the opposite sides of the country and my daughters are north and south....just me and my wife running the place now. I just remember... its money that makes me laugh but its family that makes me smile. .......Good Luck to you my friend, you have my support!
Stay prayed up and go get 'em Kid!