Ice #1
Since so many of you are in the throws of a blizzard on the east coast...




and our blizzard is due to arrive Wednesday...
I thought I'd share some icy photos with you.
The reason we have to make a trip every few days into our badlands pasture is ICE.
Our cattle are watered with an underground pipeline and tanks for the most part. Although we have bleeder valves on most of the tanks in order to keep "stirring" the water which works to alleviate the ice on the top... if it's not *too* cold... we still have to check them, because they still do ice up.
Here's how this particular chore works out...
After a drive of many miles... maybe 4 or more to the *first* tank...
You...
pile out of the pickup.
Throw back the cage that protects the float valve...

Use your weapon of choice... shovel, axe, or manure fork... and break up the ice...

Throw out the ice!

Same strategy... just slightly different technique on the reservoirs!

And continue on to the other tanks...
We trade off with the other ranchers who also have cattle in the allotment... so everyone has to do it just every 4 or 5 days.
Ta-da!
One more chore down!
<Video coming soon!>
<And some REALLY REALLY *REALLY* COOL ICE PHOTOS>
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December 27, 2009 No entry.
December 27, 2008 Feeding What?






That's what I really love about ranchers/farmers they always help their neighbors out. I don't even know most of my neighbors and they are right across the street from me....sad. I am also REALLY, REALLY, REALLY looking forward to you cool ice pics. Stay warm!
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Hello from snowy NC. We did get snow. About 8 inches at our house on Sunday. No power for the entire day. Finally came back on just as we were going to a hotel for the night. Yeah! I moved to Florida to get away from the Wyoming Winters, relocated to NC and occasionally they still find me here. UGH.
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Geez ... you people work hard!!!
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Brrr. I remember chopping ice on my horse's water when I was younger. Good ol' wintertime.
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Wow! another task I would never dream of. You must all be very hardy.
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I remember doing this. Driving in the badlands was always an adventure - rutted roads, steep downhill grades, gunning the motor to make it up the next hill.
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