Ranching Life

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“I could dance with you ’till the cows come home . . .”

“I could dance with you ’till the cows come home. Better still, I’ll dance with the cows and you come home.” – Groucho Marx, who was never one to pass up an opportunity for a play on words, expresses this in his dialogue in the 1933 film Duck Soup.

"I could dance with you till the cows come home. Better still, I'll dance with the cows and you come home."

“I could dance with you till the cows come home. Better still, I’ll dance with the cows and you come home.”

Put on your dancing shoes, the cows are coming home to Grieb Ranch with hope of green by Thanksgiving. With rain in the forecast for today the likelihood of green looks quite promising.

"SC" branded cattle with calf.

“SC” branded cattle with calf.

Many of the registered herd went north to Oregon late winter of 2014. Now the cattle are leaving the freezing, icy Oregon weather to come back to the beautiful California Central Coast. One load of Oregon born late-calving cows and weanling calves have come home already. Other cattle went to sales in Madras of Jefferson County or Cottonwood in Sherman and Gilliam counties, Oregon.

Papa Carl at the age of 86 will make the trip north to drop off a few bulls, and bring back some fall calving cows with their calves. First the bulls need to be “Tric” Tricomoniasis and semen tested before they go north. In the meantime the survivor cattle that never left Grieb Ranch are calving.

The California “Survivors”
Ethan’s CA Calf

So if you see Grieb family members dancing with the cows it’s because the hills are green and they are looking for you to come home and join them in their dancing.
Prayerfully this devastating drought is behind us and the pictures here showing its effects will be history.

Even the Grieb Ranch cacti are shriveling from the drought.
The back side of Grieb Ranch overlooking a very shallow Lopez lake.
Grieb Ranch Way
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Grieb Ranch Way

 

The New Sign at Grieb Ranch Way.

The New Sign at Grieb Ranch Way.

There is a brand-new road sign in rural Arroyo Grande where Trout Farm Road used to be. That county maintained road is now called Grieb Ranch Way as that road is right across Lopez Drive from the entrance to Grieb Ranch.

How did this come about? Well Connie had to submit the proposal and then had to attend the Planning Department meeting where the name change was discussed. All went well and the name change was approved a few months back, August of 2014.

Recently the new sign was put into place. The Grieb Family enjoys seeing the new name on the sign and are happy to see the heritage of ranching preserved in a more visible way.

The biggest change will be for the soccer teams, and rugby teams, and flag football teams who come to use the beautiful Tally Farm Fields off the newly-named Grieb Ranch way. All the maps and directions will have to be changed to reflect the new road name. No permanent structures are accessed off Grieb Ranch way.

Inter Office Memo_Tim Cate_Public Works

 

 

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Templeton Livestock Market Swung Its Gates For The Last Time

All is quiet at the gate where the cattle were dropped off and picked up.

All is quiet at the gate where the cattle were dropped off and picked up.

Silence. That is what will be heard each Saturday where the Templeton Livestock Market used to be. Gone are the bawling calves. Not to be heard are the sharp whistles from the workers sorting the cattle on horseback. The nearly unintelligible – except the dollar value – yet warmly familiar chant of the auctioneer, silenced. Gone are the rancher’s kids running around the yard. Silenced are the conversations of market news and the connections made each week by local ranchers. No more dirt sprays from the horse hooves or the calf hooves as calves are sorted. The Templeton Livestock Market located on Main Street in Templeton, CA swung its gates for the last time Saturday, October 4, 2014 for the 25th Annual Tri-Counties Breeder’s Choice Bull Sale.

Sorting Cattle at the Templeton Livestock Market
Champion Bull from sale.

The Templeton Livestock Market has been a connection place for local ranchers, as well as a local place to market their products or buy new stock since 1946. The sale of the land, which was leased by the TLM, has forced the closure. In its place will be a new housing development. This is not a reflection of the dedication and traditions of cattle ranching in San Luis Obispo County as cattle production remains a vital part of agriculture in this area; even as this area faces one the most severe droughts on record. The San Luis Obispo Chapter of the California Cattlemen’s Association boasts the highest membership number in the state.

Randy Baxley current owner and auctioneer of Templeton Livestock Market.

Randy Baxley current owner and auctioneer of Templeton Livestock Market.

Randy Baxley, the current owner and auctioneer of TLM wrote the following in the final TLM Breeder’s Choice Bull Sale program:

“I want to take this time to thank all of the producers in this area that have brought their cattle to me year after year. Templeton Livestock has always been known for its outstanding market and that is also the case in Visalia. The cattlemen and cattlewomen have made the past thirteen years a supreme pleasure and for that I will always be thankful. As we battle against one of the worst droughts California has ever seen I know the determination and the heart of the cattle producer will be unwavering. Thank you for the spirit that you hold and the hard work you put into producing an outstanding product.”

Randy plans to continue to serve local cattle ranchers by providing a receiving yard also located in Templeton. The TLM receiving yard will be open on the weekends and Tuesdays to take in cattle that will then be transported to the Visalia Livestock Market for its weekly Wednesday sale. The receiving yard will be located at 4340 Ramada Drive in Templeton and will have the capabilities to feed and water the livestock in a dust-controlled environment.

Always a family affair. Grieb family members a the closing sale.

Always a family affair. Grieb family members at the closing sale.

One of the local producers, who has been using the TLM for nearly all the years it has offered this service, is Carl Grieb of Grieb Ranch in Arroyo Grande, CA. He was present at the 25th Annual Breeder’s Choice Bull Sale to be a part of the history as an era came to an end. In the early days of ranching at Grieb Ranch (established in 1878) they used to drive the market animals down Halcyon Road to the cattle train in Oceano. In these later years members of the Grieb Family brought their sale cattle to the market in Templeton about once a year, however, they frequented the sale more than that. Sometimes they needed to add to the herd or were looking for a bull to enhance their breeding program. Now to ship their cattle they will have to travel over 3 hours one way and go over 2 major grades to do so.

Members of the Grieb family were at the last sale and like many of the ranchers present are sad to say farewell, but their dedication to their lifestyle and cattle ranching in San Luis Obispo County will remain steadfast.

The San Luis Obispo Chapter of the Cattlemen's Association provided a tri-tip lunch for the producers.

The San Luis Obispo Chapter of the Cattlemen’s Association served the producers a BBQ tri-tip lunch.

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Awe, so cute, Babies!

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Meet “Baby Cakes” a healthy heifer calf born to “Chocolate Chip Pancake” who was shown by Ethan at the Santa Barbara County Fair this summer.

The first of the fall calf crop was born on the Grieb Ranch last night! There are a few “grade” cows still on the meager feed of the hills of Grieb Ranch plus supplemented feed. The registered herd enjoys green grass up in Oregon. At Grieb Ranch the calf crop is planned for early Fall so that the babies can be raised on the green grass that is coming; because we’re praying for rain!

The 6th Generation at the Grieb Ranch enjoying the puppies!

The 6th Generation at the Grieb Ranch enjoying the puppies!

Puppies, babies, calves, chicks . . . What is it about new babies that makes us smile? Most people will stop everything at the sight or sound of a baby and flock to dote over the little creatures. Little children also become delighted over the wee creatures.

Maybe babies bring a smile because of the wonder of the miracle of new life. Babies of all kinds are so adorable, tiny and full of promise. Looking at baby animals can remind us of our amazing God and the great love the creator has for us. Not only are baby animals adorable there is the reminder that God loved us so much that He gave us life and formed us in our mother’s womb. “You formed my inward parts,” the psalmist says, “You covered me in my mother’s womb.” (Ps. 139:13)

Yes it’s fall calving time at Grieb Ranch and although the herd is small this year with a few here in California and more in Oregon, there is still the excitement, wonder and awe at the new life. New life renews our world and reminds us that life keeps going on and that creation has a purpose.

Still more exciting than new birth, is rebirth. God offers people spiritual rebirth through Jesus. (John 3:3-8)  God tells believers that we will be changed and inherit life eternal when Jesus returns.  (I Cor. 15:50-52)

So when we see all those new baby calves, chicks, goats or puppies let us remember that our physical and spiritual rebirth is and will be a far greater “awe” from God.

“I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139:14

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No Rain = No Grass, No Water, and Expensive Feed.

 

Grieb Ranch Registered Angus in Oregon.

Grieb Ranch Registered Angus in Oregon.

It’s been 3 years without much significant rainfall here in California. As a result the hills that make up Grieb Ranch are bare, some of the springs have dried up and supplementing the cattle with expensive feed is costly. The solution for Grieb Ranch was to ship (via truck with cattle trailer) a few of the remaining head of Registered Angus cattle to Oregon to Connie’s sister’s ranch last winter. Here they have feed until more rain falls back at Grieb Ranch on the Central Coast of California. This is the first time in the 136 year history of Grieb Ranch that the range cattle have had to be moved elsewhere for feed for a long period of time.

Calves with ear tags.

Calves with ear tags.

The cattle in Oregon still need to be worked, which is a bit difficult to do from California. Connie took the train up in June to work the (late) calves that were born in the snow after the Mother Cows were shipped to Oregon last winter. These calves needed to be branded, tagged and vaccinated and Connie was on hand to do just that. The train trip was fun. As she traveled, Connie was filled with hope as she passed beautiful irrigated hay fields, and some irrigated pastures that were dotted with cattle; a rare sight these days in California.

"SC" branded cattle with calf.

“SC” branded cattle with calf.

As fall approaches so does the arrival of the 2014 fall calf crop, many that are hopefuls for the 2015 Registered cattle show at the fair. The details of each new calf: its birth date, sex, and weight are recorded. An ear tag is then placed in each calf’s ear indicating the sire (bull) and dam (cow) and the birth date of the calf. At a later time the registered calves will have an ear tattoo placed for permanent identification.

At Grieb Ranch we continue to pray for rain, and look forward to the day when we can bring back our cattle to the green hills and flowing springs of Grieb Ranch.

 

Pictures by Wendy Gauthier – Connie’s niece in Oregon

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The Story of “Chicken Little” at Grieb Ranch

Chicken Little joins the brood

Miss Henny with her 6 chicks. Which one is “Chicken Little”?

Not too long ago, the Ole Black Hen Miss Henny was set with eggs to hatch in 21 days. When the 21 days was up, most of the eggs hatched except for 2 or 3 of them. Miss Henny and her five new baby chicks were kept confined in the hatching cage for the first few days. After that the hen and chicks were free to roam and Miss Henny proudly went out with her 5 chicks peeping after her. As Miss Henny was out showing off her chicks, Connie kept hearing another peeping sound and she searched around for where the peeping was coming from. The sound was coming from the nesting box area. Connie removed the nesting box and watched a few un-hatched eggs roll into the parking area. Connie examined the un-hatched eggs and found a small hole in one of them and realized that was where the peeping sound was coming from. Peeling back the egg shell produced a live chick!

Chicken little

Just discovered and freshly-hatched “Chicken Little”.

Connie put the newly-hatched, freshly-discovered chick under a warming lamp until night time. Then in the dark of the night, Connie put “Chicken Little” under Miss Henny with the rest of the chicks and closed the hatching cage. The next morning Connie checked on the hen and chicks and opened the door for them to roam free. Miss Henny proudly stepped out of the hatching cage with 6 little chicks following after her. Chicken Little was part of the brood now! The key to acceptance was the dark of night.

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Ahh . . .The Lazy Days of Summer . . . NOT at Grieb Ranch!

 

Chocolate Chip Pancake Santa Barbara County Fair 2014 shown by Ethan Willems

Chocolate Chip Pancake Santa Barbara County Fair 2014 shown by Ethan Willems

Summer brings an increase in activities for Grieb Ranch, as animals are prepped and then taken to “The Fair” bringing on a whirlwind of activities. This year Ethan took a Replacement Heifer to the Santa Barbara County Fair held July 5-12. A Replacement Heifer is a female cow around 24-32 months old that is pregnant and is due to calve her first calf in the Fall. A rancher will purchase the Replacement Heifer to replace an older cow in his or her herd.

At home Ethan prepped “Chocolate Chip Pancake” or “CC” for short, and worked with her to prepare her for being judged in the Replacement Heifer Class and the Showmanship class. He also worked with his 4-H group in designing the stall area for the Fair.

Saturday, July 5 was Prep Day. The stall area was set up by the 4-H kids, which includes educational posters and decorations and name cards for each animal. Ethan’s 4-H group was awarded 3rd Place in stall decorations.

Sunday, July 6 was Move-in Day. This is probably the craziest of the days as EVERYONE who is camping at the Fair grounds is moving in their camper, trailer or whatever into a very large parking lot to settle in for the whole week. Another trip brought the animals and got them and their food and gear situated in the stall area. Imagine cows, pigs, turkeys, sheep, bunnies, chickens and more all arriving with their owners to get set up for a week of fair activities.

Each animal type has a different show schedule during the week. Since Ethan “just” had a Replacement Heifer here is what the rest of his week turned out to be.

Monday, July 7 was Animal Inspection Day. “CC” was weighed and also pregnancy checked. She had to meet the minimum weight and had to be pregnant (due in the Fall) in order to qualify to be shown at the fair. She passed both as she weighed in at 1408 lbs and was 6 months pregnant.

Quiz Jam Flyer for Santa Barbara County Fair.

Quiz Jam Flyer for Santa Barbara County Fair.

Monday evening was the “Quiz Jam” for the fair participants. This was a new event for this year’s fair and sponsored by Farm Supply. This timed event challenged teams of 4 to compete against other teams in agricultural challenges. The challenges were: put on a tractor tire, make an irrigation structure, rope a dummy calf, paint brand the dummy calf, ear notch, band (a form of castration), fill a syringe to give a pretend shot, and gear up in a safety suit which included the boots, gloves and goggles.  It was great fun to watch. Following the Quiz Jam was the Exhibitor’s Test.

Tuesday, July 8 was Rest Day. Nothing major was on the schedule so Ethan kicked back with friends, but still did his barn duties. There really is no rest when taking care of animals.

Wednesday, July 9 was Show Prep Day. This day was spent prepping the animals for showmanship and then the class judging. CC was bathed, rinsed, and groomed with a blow dryer and grooming tools to bring out the best in her coat. Here is a video clip of “fluffy cows” that went viral last summer.

Thursday, July 10 was Showmanship Judging. This class is judged on how well you show your animal. The Exhibitor is judged on his or her placement around the animal during the judging, how well he or she handles the animal, and the animal’s response to the exhibitor. This is where practice at home usually pays off.

Friday, July 11 was the Replacement Heifer class followed by the Auction. Livestock in this category are judged on such things as traits, structural correctness and soundness, style and balance and degree of muscling. CC didn’t get any major awards but she showed well. She then went to the Replacement Heifer auction that evening and was purchased by a local rancher to fit into his cow herd. So Ethan said goodbye to his friend CC.

Saturday, July 12 was the Market Animal Auction. This is the day that all the animals destined for the market are auctioned off. This is where the Junior Livestock Exhibitors get their monetary reward for all the hard work of feeding and caring for their animals. However, probably to biggest reward is all the experience gained and the friendships made and the fair memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Sunday, July 13 was a Quiet Day. With most of the animals gone the fair grounds are quiet.

Monday, July 14 Move-Out Day. Ethan and crew helped load-out the steers at 5 am, then took all the stall decorations down and loaded up the gear and left-over feed and hauled it all back home; another Fair in the books.

 

Meanwhile, back at the Ranch . . . Papa Carl took his first vacation in 5 years so Connie took on the feeding of all the ranch stock. Some days were better than others, but she was glad to have Papa back for sure.

 

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Four Day Old Ducklings and Imprinting

4 days old ducks

The brand-new ducks are 4 days old in this photo. In a process called “Imprinting” they have learned to follow their mother, even though dad and big sis duck are also present.

Imprinting is rapid learning that occurs during a brief receptive period, typically soon after birth or hatching, and establishes a long-lasting behavioral response to a specific individual or object, as attachment to parent, offspring, or site.  – source: Dictionary.com

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Growing Beets at Grieb Ranch

Lil Daniel with a hoe and a hose.
Lil Daniel with his beet transplants.
Lil Daniel with beets in the ground.

Starting when Daniel Willems was 5 years old he raised beets and sold them to a local Farmers Market for Mrs. Fernamberg. Daniel started the beets from seed in a seedling box in the house for Spring planting after the soil was tilled. When the seedlings were big enough, he planted them in the ground and took care of them. Once ready to harvest, he would pull the beets and then wash and bundle them for sale. The Willems family enjoys eating them on salads.

beet seeds
Recipe for: Pickled Beets   From the Kitchen of: Connie Willems

Ingredients:

1 lb Beets
2 C. Sugar
2 C. Water
2 C. Vinegar
1 Lemon
1 Tbsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Cloves
1 tsp. Allspice

Instructions: Roast beets. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wrap beets in aluminum foil, 3 at time. Place in shallow roasting pan and cook for 1 hour or until beets are soft. Cool before handling. Cold-dip and slip skins. Make a pickling syrup of the sugar, water, vinegar, lemon sliced thin, cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Place cooked beets in sauce pan with lid, cover beets with pickling syrup and simmer with lid on for 15 minutes. Cool completely and refrigerate to use on salads.  For a different salad option, add warm beets to a salad that has goat cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.