Questions and Answers August 2023 Edition, Part Two

Continuing the Q&A session…

Susan: (From the AI video). What an education! Did he have several Bulls semen to choose from in the container? Yes, I think so. You can keep quite a few straws of semen in a tank that size. You must keep the tank filled with liquid nitrogen to keep it frozen. Similar to dry ice’s ability to disappear into nothing, liquid nitrogen does the same thing, that’s why you put the lid back on quickly (plus keeping the semen frozen).

Marilyn: (also concerning the AI video) Very interesting video. What percentage of success is the result? I looked up what statistics say, and they quote a success rate of 50-65%. We usually hit in the 60 percent range, but I think Brandon said this year was a bit better.

Joan: Skid steer??? What is that, please? It sounds like a cow that’s run amok ; ) The new fence is beautiful. Has it really been there over the winter, or is it as new as it looks? You made me laugh! A skid steer is a small piece of equipment that can come with lots of different attachments for different jobs. You’ve probably seen them on tv loading pallets of products on trucks or in warehouses. We have a post hole digger, a post pounder, pallet forks, and a wire winder for ours. That fence was built last year and we are having him build more this year.

Karyn: (also about the new fence) Lots better! I always wish the old ones could talk and tell of times past. Is the new fence more wildlife friendly for elk and antelope? Yes, it definitely is. I can’t remember the exact dimensions but the top fence wire is about 41” and the bottom one is about 16” from the ground. The bottom wire is smooth not barbed. There are regulations about how it is to be built, I just have a bad memory! I think the main idea is to get away from the woven wire that was standard for sheep fencing since the Big Horns used to be tremendous sheep country.

Joan: So the goldfish stayed in there for the winter? Or was he somewhere else? Do you have trouble with critters (here it’s probably raccoons)? Why were you trying to catch him? Yes, I originally had 9 goldfish for in my pond for summer. In the fall, when I had to drain it, I’d put the goldfish in water troughs around the place, so long as there was no connections from the overflow to any creeks. We’ve had one local fishing reservoir ruined by someone putting their goldfish in it. I wouldn’t want to do that. Since the troughs run off well water, it’s warm enough for them to survive and there’s moss and stuff for them to eat. He did die this summer but two years for a goldfish is probably pretty good.

Marilyn: Wondering when you start to learn the roping skills that are needed on the ranch? Like any toys, the kids pick up ropes on occasion and play with them. The kids rodeo is a little incentive while they’re little and I wish they continued it for the older kids. Skills with a rope have faded a bit on our place. The main use for roping is at branding and doctoring in the pasture. Anymore, if we have to doctor, many times we will use a dart gun instead of roping them. Putting added stress on a sick calf can have bad outcomes. Not that we don’t rope and doctor, I have a good video of Daniel doing that earlier this year. Roping is very difficult. You have to control your rope, control your horse, watch the calf, and time your loop with its movements. Kind of a pat your head and rub your belly while walking a scared dog on an icy lake. Kids learn the parts of it and then probably are coordinated enough to start about 12 or 13.

Joan: (concerning Jaxon’s field trip with his class) What a small class! Was that everybody? Yes! Ten Sleep School is a K-12 school, all in one building, with enrollment hovering somewhere about 110, I think. It was twice as big when Vernon went to school there.

Thanks, everyone! I like Q&A sessions!

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