My family has a few cattle, but our little operation is nothing compared to the Coon Angus Ranch. In an article I did about Kathryn as the Missouri Angus Queen, I learned that Angus cattle have been a part of her family for around 100 years and that they maintain around 300 head of purebred Angus.
While I was there, the Coons were knee-deep in calving season. After meeting Grandpa and Grandma Coon, Kathryn and I hopped on the mule (the Kawasaki variety- not the animal) to assist in separating and moving the cows getting ready to calve down to the barn, or in my case to watch and make sure neither the dogs or myself got in the way (thankfully I succeeded in this measure).
While I certainly hope I wasn't in the way, I greatly enjoyed the afternoon. It was fun to watch the cattle and to pick up on certain little personality traits. One situation that stood out was a spirited little calf and his mama (a first timer) who was exceptionally protective and motherly but didn't quite have the logistics of moving her calf along down.
As I watched the Coons work, I couldn't help but think this is exactly the kind of experience consumers need to understand. It takes thought and brain power on the Coons' part to do their job, and the level of respect they have for their animals is commendable. It makes my already high level of respect for farmers and ranchers go up, and makes me hope that I can someday serve these fine folk in some way.
No comments:
Post a Comment