Ranchers deal with a lot of variables that are unpredictable. The weather is a major one — It seems like it’s either too wet or too dry, too hot or too cold. The markets are usually unpredictable, although cattle prices seem to be holding steady. One of the most destructive things we’re faced with is fire. All through the western half of the US, we’ve seen wildfires destroy millions of acres in the past couple years. In our part of the world, a lightning strike, a downed power line, or a careless spark can grow out of control in a jiffy. A wildfire driven by the wind can move quickly and change directions, destroying homes, equipment, or an entire year’s feed supply.

This week we are watching the Gold Mountain Fire that started near Ouray, CO. It is raging about 15 miles SE of us near Ridgway. Our friends live on the North side of Baldy Peak where constant high winds have turned this wildfire into a national news story. Last Sunday evening they were told to evacuate their cattle off the mountain pasture. Friends and neighbors jumped into action and got the cow/calf pairs pushed down into a green valley near the ranch headquarters. Thankfully the cows were super cooperative and we finished about dark, much sooner than I imagined. These are the times when you pay special attention to the direction of the wind as well as your friends and neighbors.

We’ll keep praying for rain, and I’ll see you next time on the Herd Quitter® Minute.