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Calving Season 2018 Means More Adventure at Grieb Ranch

Calving Season 2018 Means More Adventures at Grieb Ranch | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Fall calving season has been in full swing at Grieb Ranch, keeping us extra busy managing all the new arrivals.

The Fun Side of Calving Season

The first heifer calf of the season was born from Baby R’s heifer calf. All the grand kids at Grieb Ranch have a cow in the herd. This new heifer calf was named Reagy Hidder by Baby R’s brothers. Lil’ cowboy L’s cow had twin bulls which we named Lucky and Loggy. Baby calves born from the lil’ cowboys and cowgirl’s cows get names with the first initials of the lil’ cowboy or cowgirl. Seeing the new arrivals and naming the new calves was the fun side of our calving season.

The Not-so-Fun Side of Calving Season

Taking Care of a Blind Mother Cow

Calving Season 2018 Means More Adventures at Grieb Ranch | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Stan rescues Levi Jefferson

Next we had a mother cow go blind in both eyes. She ended up in a ravine (getting feed and water to her was a steep adventure), where she calved a few weeks early with the  bull calf (Levi Jefferson) born through the fence and consequently onto the neighbor’s property.

Unfortunately, the mother cow did not have much milk and was not tolerating her calf.  So guess who was busy raising little Levi Jefferson as a bottle calf until a different mother cow needed him?  We fed the motherless calf a full bottle of milk replacement two times a day.

It was very challenging to walk the mother cow out of the ravine and load her in a make-sift corral in the middle of nowhere.   Have you ever tried to herd a blind cow on a steep hillside?

Untimely Death of a Calf

One little newborn calf was found dead and devoured within 24 hours. All that was left was the top of the skull, spine and one leg. That’s the reality of managing a herd of cattle.

A Happy Ending

A Motherless Calf Connects with a Calfless Mother Cow

Little Levi Jefferson my bottle calf has a new mom! Connie’s registered Angus cow’s newborn heifer calf dropped dead a few days after we had just given her the first set of booster shots.  This put Amy the mother cow in need of a calf. Good thing we had Levi Jefferson waiting for a new mom. In order for her to accept the new calf we needed to graft the dead calf’s skin to the “adoptee”.

Calving Season 2018 Means More Adventures at Grieb Ranch | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Skin a coat off the dead calf.

So what does grafting a calf look like? The easiest way is to make a jacket for the calf you want to graft out of the dead calf’s hide.  We brought Amy the calfless mother cow into the barn along with her dead calf. We cut a large square patch of the dead calf’s hide off and then draped the “adoptee” Levi Jefferson with a cape of the hide.  We gave the new pair bonding time where Amy the calfless mother cow licked and licked her adoptee calf, Levi Jefferson, who was wearing the hide. Amy the mother cow was halter broke so she was tied up so while we helped Levi Jefferson nurse.  After being on a bottle for months it was amazing how his instinct took over and he went right to nursing.

Calving Season 2018 Means More Adventures at Grieb Ranch | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Levi Jefferson the motherless calf gets a grafted coat and a new mom.

We made sure he sucked all four tits to get her milked out (it was nice not to have to hand-milk her).  We will see how the rest of the story goes…………..

I sure hope it is a HAPPY EVER AFTER ending!

We Have Much to be Thankful For

Even with a few rough starts to the calving season we are enjoying all the new baby calves.  We have much to be thankful for!

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Kool Dough for Kids Play

Fun days with the grandkids means coming up with engaging activities while enriching their lives and creating memories. One activity Connie enjoys doing with her grandkids is making a batch of Kool Dough for Kids Play and then making shapes like letters of the alphabet or animals with the dough. The dough can be stored in an airtight container for longer shelf life.

From the Kitchen of Connie Grieb Willems

Kool Dough for Kids Play

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ C Flour
  • 1 T Cream of Tartar
  • 2 Pkgs of Unsweetened Koolaid®mix (Color of Koolaid® will determine color of Kool Dough)
  • 1 C Salt
  • 2 C Boiling Water
  • 3 T Oil

Directions:

Combine dry ingredients. Add oil to water and once it boils mix it well with dry ingredients. Knead dough as cools until smooth. I use my KitchenAid® stand mixer and it goes very fast. Or I use a Ninja® Blender.

Store Kool Dough for Kids Play in an airtight container when not in use. When stored correctly it can last a few weeks.

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More 90th Birthday Memories of Carl from his Family

Carl Grieb turned 90 this year and his family and friends celebrated with a gathering. Friends and family wrote tributes and memories. Here are several of those tributes from his loving family.

More 90th Birthday Memories of Carl from his Family | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Dad always tells me he is doing paperwork.  But really he is reading his Louis L’Amour books.  He has over 100 books in his collection and reads the books and then writes his name and date in each one and he has finished reading it.

Carl is a kind and loving Man.  Whenever I am leaving to go on a road trip Papa always says, “in case of emergency don’t hesitate to call me and I’ll be there.”  I love to share western novels with him.  It is such fun to talk about what we’ve read. – Niece, Sandi

I have learned so much from my Dad.  Mostly by his example.  The most important thing he ever taught me was to treat everyone the same.  Rich or poor; no matter what color or race.  He is a very kind and wise man and I’m blessed to be his daughter. – Daughter, Margie

I have had a lifetime of good memories and adventures with Dad.  Working, hunting, fishing, gathering cattle and branding.  Pack trips and road trips.  Cruising around the ranches, checking cattle and water.  Family gatherings, Sunday outings, and afternoon drives.  He taught me a lot and even made work fun.  I am blessed to call him Dad. – Daughter, Wynetta

More 90th Birthday Memories of Carl from his Family | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

My Dad is the energizer bunny at 90 years old.  He is still working from 6 am or so each morning feeding his pigs, goats and cattle.  He recently passed his written driving test and last week he drove nine hours to pick up livestock.  His tractor is his life-feeding, tilling, hauling, and cleaning-up tool.

He is an amazing friend; an incredible man who is always there for people.

So many memories of too many times of sliding backwards down our unforgiving ranch roads on a wet and slippery night feeding cattle . . .  My dad came out in the rain with his tractor to keep me from sliding off the road.

At the moment it is 9:00pm and I am waiting up for him to help unload the cattle he just picked up.  I was late this morning to his 6:30 am breakfast with my sister. – Daughter, Connie.

Have you ever heard?  “Behind every GREAT man there is GREAT women and that would be our MOM.

We thank God for 90 years of impact Carl Grieb has had on his friends and family.

 

 

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Cowboy Fruit Cobbler

Cowboy P gets a leg-up to the higher fruit.

As summer draws to a close, the last of the summer fruits are lingering on the trees. Most of the lower fruit has been picked because the fruit higher up is hard to reach. Little cowboys can get Nana to catch a horse to make reaching the good peaches, apples or other ripe orchard fruit accessible.  If Nana has all three kids, then the double stroller will have to do.  This season, 2018, the yellow jackets made it more challenging for kid fruit picking, but it was still fun and the Cowboy Fruit Cobbler was delicious!

Cowboy L gets to the higher fruit.

Making a fruit cobbler is an easy and delicious way to use up the end-of-summer fruit pickings.

Cowboy Fruit Cobbler

Cowboy Fruit Cobbler

From the Kitchen of: Margie Grieb Runels

Ingredients

  • 1 cube butter
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¾ c. milk
  • 4 c. fruit, diced (peaches, apples, berries, or apricots)
  • ½ c. sugar
  • ¼ c. warm water

Directions

Melt cube butter in oblong pan, 9×13 inches. In bowl, mix together 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add milk and mix well. Pour over melted butter in pan. Add fruit over batter. Sprinkle ½ cup sugar on top and ¼ cup warm water. Bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Enjoy with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Cowboy Fruit Cobbler is Spoon Lickin’ Good

 

 

 

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A New Beef Venture from a Product of Grieb Ranch

What is a product? “A good, idea, method, information, object or service created as a result of a process and serves a need or satisfies a want,” says the Business Dictionary.  A “product” of Grieb Ranch is Daniel Willems whose experience and cattle knowledge are part of the formula for a new venture – DD Cattle Co.

DD Cattle Co

“At DD Cattle Co we’re all about knowing where you’re beef comes from. We believe in raising our cattle in a way that is beneficial to the land and enhances the environment around us through sustainable practices. From our land to your plate plus quality you can taste, that’s … DD Cattle Co.”

This statement summarized the vision DD Cattle Co has for raising beef for your table. DD Cattle Co is raising beef, packaging cuts and delivering the product right to your front door.

The Cowboys Behind the Vision

Two different styles of cowboy hats and different backgrounds couldn’t make for better business partners.

Doug Burkett comes from southern California and spent most every weekend at his family ranch in central California. Doug provides all the sales and marketing behind DD Cattle Co. and helps maintain the herd at the family ranch.

Daniel Willems comes from a long line of cattle ranchers here on California’s central coast. A true cowboy through and through, Daniel keeps the DD Cattle Herd happy and healthy and through good management continuously growing.

Beef From Our Ranch to Your Table

As a member of the Beef Club, DD Cattle Co will deliver/ship, every 2 Months and every 4 Months right to your door.

Pick your package option when you are on our “shop” page. We’ll keep track of your subscription and also keep you informed monthly with newsletters and deals!

OR…

If you’re just too excited and need your beef right now, then choose the “Buy Now” option!

If you reside in the San Miguel to San Luis Obispo, CA area DD Cattle Co will deliver the next day!

Carl Grieb’s 90th Birthday Celebration
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Carl Grieb’s 90th Birthday Celebration

July 28th 2018 was a great day to celebrate Carl Grieb’s 90th Birthday (7/27/1928)

The day was celebrated at Biddle Park near his home in Arroyo Grande, CA. 190 of his closest friends and family came to help celebrate Carl Grieb’s 90th Birthday.

We asked people to write down fond memories memories for Carl Grieb’s 90th Birthday. Here are some of those memories . . .

“I remember hunting bobcat with hounds with Carl and my Dad Lee Collins.  We would stay out all night going up and down hills.  It was a lot of fun!” – Kirt

“Chasing cows at 166 and Stan Chasing cows down Lopez Dam.” – Cindy M.

“Carl taught me to ride and convinced me to be a cowgirl!” – T

“I met Carl through my wife Teresa.  He put me straight to work and had me grab some chickens out of the coop – I got stuck in it.”

“We’ve always appreciated you and our fond memories.  I remember the dairy in Guadalupe.”

“Carl has always been so generous and kind every time I’ve been to the ranch, sharing all his abundance.  I loved the video he did at Grace.  His legacy, family has blessed ours.” –  Andrea

“Getting my first speeding ticket driving for Papa on our way back from Visalia Livestock Market.” – Josh

“Papa-you have taught us so much over the years!  We have fond memories of Team Penning/gathering cattle/ Brush Poppers!  We loved the hours we traveled in the saddle at your place & 166.  Thank you for being such a good friend!” – Mark & Marge

“So many memories!  Gathering cattle, pack trips, branding…just don’t put the condiments on in the wrong order!” – Nancy

“Thank You for taking this city girl and teaching me about cattle, tracking, packing, cow dogs, fishing, short cuts(NOT!).  I have done more with your family then my own!  Love you all very much.” – Jo Anne

“I was riding in the truck bed when I was about 5 or 6 and Uncle Carl shot a deer and threw the dead deer in the back of the truck with me.  My mom was real impressed that he shot the deer at the top of the hill and it rolled down the hill and landed right next to the tailgate.” – Julie

“Uncle Carl, Thank you for being such a great example and Godly man and for being there for us and our family over the years.” – Randy

“The most memorable time is with Carl, JR & I gathering the longhorns.  We got all the cows up to the iron gate.  Carl and JR told me to hold the a spot next to the water trough (which was broken) & hold it while they ran the cows through to the pasture.  Anyway, the longhorn cow had decided she was not going to be held back.  She put her head down and charged at me.  I WAS supposed to make sure she stayed in , but her horns were large & I didn’t want to get horned.  I moved out of the way. Both Carl and & JR yelled, telling me not to move…..But the horns were SO BIG!”  – Vickie

“You gave my daughter her first horse.” – Sue

“When God created you, he blessed a whole lot of other people.” – Dr. Bill

“It’s not a matter of the years a man has been around, or the trail in life he chose to take…but it’s the things he does for everyone that make a man so great!” – Janice

Thank you family and friends for making Carl’s Grieb’s 90th Birthday such a special day!

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Learning the Cowboy Way

“The Cowboy Way might be best described as several large volumes of information, mostly tried and tested procedure and methodology, that’s accumulated through the years. The information’s origin might be obscure at times, but the many contributors span centuries, oceans and cultures. The Cowboy Way is about recognizing right from wrong, and establishing relationships with live animals that depend on the cowboy for almost everything. Working horseback is a key part of this philosophy.” – The Western Horseman – Reclaiming The Cowboy Way

Here’s to a day of Leaning the Cowboy Way

Learning the Cowboy Way | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Follow the Leader

Learning the Cowboy Way | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Learning the Cowboy Way

Like Father, Like Son

Mr. P helping in the chute

Mamma wants her boys to be Cowboys

Photo Credit: Shelby Caitlin Photography

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Thankful for Mom’s Example

Thankful for Mom's Example | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Thanks Mom for blessing our lives with your Godly example. You demonstrated the value of God’s word as you guided us to His truth. Without fail, each morning after breakfast we, “received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11.

One of the biggest highlights of my life is fitting in a quick trip to see my parents, who live in another state.  I am so blessed to still have both of my parents!

Although Mom is  getting more and more forgetful, she still loves the Lord with all her heart. For years, every morning after breakfast Mom would read her Bible and a devotional to whoever happened to be at her table.

The other day when I was visiting, Dad reminded me to “get your Mother’s Bible, so she can read to us.”

Thankful for Mom's Example | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Even though I live hours away, I love to picture in my mind my Mom and Dad sitting at the breakfast table reading God’s Word and enjoying each other’s company.

Along with the breakfast and devotions we enjoyed a table graced with fresh flowers (like one of her favorites-baby pink roses) from her yard.

– Margie Grieb Runels

Proverbs 31:28 “Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:”

Thankful for Mom's Example | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

When great grandson “A” visited Grieb Ranch he loved to sit and listen to his Great Grandma and jabber through the morning devotions.

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What is a Jersey Cow doing on the Grieb Ranch?

What is a Jersey Cow doing on the Grieb Ranch? | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Milky Way, a Jersey cow, came to live on the Grieb Ranch in February.  She belongs to the O family who come out and play and work with her to get her ready for Ag Adventure Camp. She is a bottle calf, meaning at this stage of life she is fed only from a bottle.

What is a Jersey Cow doing on the Grieb Ranch? | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

 

Raising a Bottle Calf

So what does it take to raise a bottle calf? A lot of time and energy.  The first weeks of life are the most crucial.  She was fed a bottle of milk twice a day 6am and 6pm.  The milk bottle is made with non-water-softened water (to reduce salt intake) heated to 100 degrees. Snowflake Milk Replacer (a dry milk substitute) is added to the bottle and we shake the bottle up.

To keep her warm each night, Milky Way is blanketed with the adorable pink calf blanket to reduce the loss of body heat.  On the coldest February nights a heat lamp was used to warm the environment.

At a few weeks old she was introduced to some solids including good alfalfa hay, calf manna grain and she always has free choice of fresh water.

What is a Jersey Cow doing on the Grieb Ranch? | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

The O Family Helps Take Care of Her

Tom, Jocelyn, and Levi, members of the O family, come out to help take care of her.  Milky Way loves the extra attention they give her and she especially loves when they take her on walks to get her halter broke.

She has had her first round of shots to keep her healthy and soon she will need to be de-horned.

Hopefully in 2 years she will be a milk cow, providing milk for the family.  We are enjoying having Milky Way around and the O family’s frequent visits. We will keep you posted about Milky Way’s progress.

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Grandma Grieb’s Dreamy Cream Puffs

Grandma Grieb’s Dreamy Cream Puffs

Grandma Grieb's Dreamy Cream Puffs | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Grandma Grieb’s grandchildren always looked forward to these dreamy cream puffs for dessert on special occasions.  They were generously filled with real heavy cream whipped that was made with sugar and the real vanilla.  These are great to make in the spring when the hens are laying lots of eggs.

Grandma Grieb's Dreamy Cream Puffs | The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

From the Kitchen of:  Gertrude Haven Grieb

Makes 6 to 8 cream puffs

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup of flour
  • Dash of salt
  • 4 eggs
  • Sweetened Whipped Cream
  • Powdered Sugar

Heat oven to 400°F. Heat water and butter in a pan, bring to a boil. Stir in flour. Stir briskly , bring to a boil over low heat about 1 minute, or until it forms a ball. Remove from heat . Beat in eggs, one at a time, continue beating until smooth, drop by scant 1/4 cupfuls 3 inches apart onto an onto an un-greased baking sheet.  Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and  golden. Cool completely away from drafts. Cut off tops. Pull out any filaments of soft dough. Carefully fill puffs with whipped cream. Replace tops, dust with powdered sugar. Refrigerate until serving time.