The Willems now have a babbling brook running behind their home. Connie says it’s lovely music to fall asleep to.

. . . And He answered. Rain has been coming regularly since November; sometimes nice and steady but most recently the faucets have been on full blast! 60-70 mph winds were a part of the last storm and trees fell all over our neighboring Arroyo Grande areas.

Grieb Ranch is thankful for the rain, but it has made for some interesting times, fun adventures, hardships, and damages. Here is a picture tour of the most recent storm happenings.

It’s Fun For The Kids

Rain and sun have turned the hillsides green. In between storms we simply enjoy the scenery and have some fun. These kids got stuck in the mud while helping to fix a downed fence.

Rain or shine though there is work to be done. Here little L shows he is able to get down and dirty like the rest of the crew.

What no riding because of the mud? Well then practicing on Charlie Horse at Grandma’s is the next best thing!

It’s Hard on the Animals

Yes all that rain came down the hillsides and gathered like a pool in the horse pens. The horses waded around in the muddy mess for a little while. Grieb Ranch is waiting for the corrals to dry out so we can safely work our Fall calves.

A cow got stuck in this bog. It took several hours to get her out. She is doing just fine now.

It’s Hard on the Equipment

High winds ripped through the Arroyo Grande area toppling trees and taking out power. This shelter blew over. Now it needs to be fixed.

Mud and equipment really don’t mix. The combo takes a toll on the farm equipment.

We prayed for rain and He answered. He will also see us through the hardships that may come in life. We are thankful and we always rejoice.

What is cuter than baby calves, puppies and grandsons?  Out on the ranch chores still need to be done rain or shine. Chores are even more fun with kids and puppies helping out.

Grieb Ranch is training a new dog “Ace” to help herd the cattle and other animals. Connie has been hand-raising this puppy and now this new pup has stock dog commands to learn.

Some of the many commands we give our stock dogs are:

“Get around” – Used to send dog to the left to stop or direct the livestock (cattle, sheep or goats and sometimes chickens or ducks) from going that direction. This command can be used from horseback, Kubota or while on foot.

“Way around”– Used to send dog to the right then same as above.

“Sit” – Command for the dog to sit.

“Down” – puts on the brakes for the dog.

Then a “Down Hold” –  keeps the herded animals where they are.

“Walk-on” – Asks the dogs to follow and take the herd to a specific destination.

“Back” – Dog needs to be working close to the animals in the herd.

“Heel” – The dog has to get behind command giver.

“Load-up” – Command used to get dogs in vehicles.

“Run”– Sometimes when driving the RTV, the dogs slow to stop or play in front of the vehicle. It can be difficult to use the brakes, so the command “Run” gets the dogs to take off.

“Stay” – Used when the dogs are in a vehicle or pen and they are not to unload or leave their pen.

“That’ll Do” – Command used to let the dogs know they are finished with the task and to leave the herd animals.

“Look Back” – Used if the herd splits to send the dog to get the rest.

“Out” –  Used when we are working in a corral and we do not need the dog’s help.

As it was mentioned in part 2, to train a stock dog the owner/trainer must be calm, confident and consistent. The rules and commands must be clear and insistent.  If you have the right dog and put in the effort you will end up with a dog worth its  weight in gold. A well-trained working cow dog is especially useful when gathering cattle off the steep hills of Grieb Ranch.

Wow!  Life on the Grieb Ranch is busy as ever.  We have gone from dust and tall dry thistles to hills of green that we are thankful!   The thistles are an amazing late feed.  Thistle heads are full of tiny seeds that the horses and cattle seem to like.  To me, Connie, thistles are “wicked” and the sharp points break off under my skin and hurt.  We are busy putting in a new water trough to replace the rusted out one.  The bulls are now turned out with the cows.  Fixing fences happens almost daily because of the bulls playing (fighting) and ripping them up. We are at the end of our calving season-one cow to calve yet.  Oh!  We are raising the runt puppy of a litter of puppies.  Her name is Ace and she loves to play train with the grandkids.

The Grieb Ranch wants to you to know that with love and thanks to all of you that have blessed us with many wonderful memories of 2016, for the joys of this Christmas Holiday Season, and the promise of your continued blessing of your friendship yet to come in 2017.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE GRIEB RANCH-as we all remember what Luke 2:10-11 says “Do not be afraid! For behold I bring you good new of great joy that will be for all the people:  Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you.  He is Christ the Lord!”