Put to Work on the Homestead: Collegiate Stockgrowers Join Crew
Travis and Tamara Choat of Homestead Cattle Company in Terry, Montana recently hired a temporary work crew of our Collegiate Stockgrowers (CSG) members. To show support for the students, the Choat family offered a donation to the CSG club for their work.
“We were thankful for the opportunity to find a great weekend crew through the Collegiate Stockgrowers. They got the job done well and were a tremendous help, and their energy and ambition were appreciated,” said Tamara.
I think this act of generosity is a fine example of how the Montana ranch community cares for each other and is willing to teach the next generation. Today, we share a glimpse of the work crew’s responsibilities…
By Gwynn Simeniuk, Collegiate Stockgrowers at Montana State University
John Manley, Gwynn Simeniuk, and Chris Hereim
Chris Hereim, John Manley, and I processed about 1000 head of yearling heifers and steers at the feedlot, which consisted of administering vaccines, fly tags, and implants. From my experience, working yearlings tends to be one of the more challenges aspects of cattle operations, especially when they may not be familiar with the facilities, and with only three or four people moving 150-300 head at a time, everyone needs to be on the same page.
What helped us out the most was being able to communicate with one another and create a plan of action to ensure our process of moving, handling, and sorting was efficient, we could determine the best solution when we had breakdowns, and we were able to each others’ spirits up even when we were stuck knee deep in mud.
How are the tasks going around your place this Spring?
