Focus Updates - 2007 In Review & A Look Ahead

Again, a new year is here and the planning for 2008 has well begun. As we look ahead, we also look back to see where we have been. Here are some thoughts about 2007.

• The winter snow pack was mostly above normal last year and filled our ponds and reservoir with adequate water. The wildlife was abundant.

• With water, typical spring temperatures and some early spring rains-grass was sufficient for 1200 head of yearling heifers.

• The spring run-off ended early and fly fishing in the Little Snake also began early, providing sport for the June fishermen.

• The first birding workshop was held and over 42 species and 80 sub-species of birds were spotted at this time (late May/early June). We are grateful to know that since record keeping first began in 1963, the recorded number of species observed has increased.

• The summer turned dry and temperatures remained warm, depleting water and slowing re-growth of grass for the short term. Fortunately, the cattle gained well and remained healthy. Shipping began in early August. The last of the cattle were shipped in mid-September. Low death loss, finding all the cattle, an average selling wt. of 825 lbs. and fair cattle prices made for a good season.

• The guest season was good with many new friends made and the returning of old friends….making all this worthwhile and truly a good life.

• The new employee rooms were nearly finished and able to be used for housing. In the fall, work began again and completion is not far off. A new multi-purpose room was also completed and will facilitate offering workshops, meetings, classes and retreats.

• A new used crawler was purchased and so in the fall, several culverts were placed to improve ranch roads and forest access.

• The ranch calves gained well. Our neighbor bought the steer calves and like last year, we will keep the heifers and run them with the yearlings next summer.

• A grant of $100,000 was obtained from the Soil Conservation District for river improvements…too late in the year for work to be done in 2007 so it will carry over into 2008.

• In November, the snow started and hasn’t let up. This reminds us of how winters used to be before the dry spell hit! We love the new crawler, without which we would truly be snowed-in.

• December arrived and the horses and cows departed. We moved them down the road for the winter where the hay is and there they will stay till spring. Christmas arrived and so did many family guests to celebrate the holidays with us. Everyone made it here between storms. Leaving was a little trickier but successful. Terry and I are now in our winter mode.

A look ahead to 2008:

• We plan to run around the same number of yearlings as last year. The cattle from California will be trucked here in the spring. In Feb. /March, we will buy as many as 300 yearlings to be trucked here in the early spring and fed hay which we have already bought from the neighbor. We did this last year and it worked well for us.

• Planning for summer activities has begun but still in the early stages. Workshops/clinics that are being considered include: horsemanship & yoga week; fly fishing; photography, painting, quilting, birding and mountain biking. The final offerings will depend on interest and availability of instructors and timing.

We wish all of you our best wishes for a peaceful, healthy and prosperous 2008. As always, we enjoy hearing from you and would enjoy even more, seeing you when the snow melts and the ground opens up!

Our best to you in 2008,