Rafter W Ranch

Next recap...Fort Worth. With an overlap of County Show - logistics were planned ahead of time. I headed down with cattle, Ryan and Tana stayed for the sale. Many thanks to the Flowers family for delivering bedding. Lulu arrived early and prepared tieouts. Late arrival of cattle and unloading. Lulu made another trip to meet Ryan with Tana. All the while negative wind chills happening at the ranch with Ryan putting out lots of hay and feed and making sure everything had water.

Future posts to wrap up Fort Worth success and cattle for sale.

There are so many things to share over the last week so a few posts coming. It was our County Show on Friday. Tana earned a spot on the junior board and enjoyed visiting with members of the community about the sale. She exhibited two steers (one bred and raised by her) and a heifer she bred and raised. She also jumped off in a new project and had a beautiful little ewe lamb named Dolly. With new things come a lot of learning. Hours of online research and new clipping and showmanship skills. While the cattle did okay, star of the show was Dolly.

Above all the animal related awards, Tana was presented the first ever OCJLA Top Hand award. Both of our kids naturally have skills and qualities but we have high expectations. We are proud of Tana and her role in the livestock industry.

2025 OCJLA Show
Steers - 3rd and 3rd
Heifer - 1st
Reserve Senior Cattle Showman
Sheep - 1st, Breed Reserve, Reserve Champion
Champion Senior Sheep Showman
Top Hand Recipient

We are thankful for the board, members, exhibitors and most importantly sale supporters that allow these kids to invest in their future projects.

What some may not have known was our county show and Braunvieh breed show in Fort Worth overlapped. More posts and pictures coming!

You don't choose this life...it chooses you.

Lots of hay going out during the snow and several critters sneaking around. While we love the stock show life...their mommas make it all possible! Keeping those cows fed.

Squeezing in as much ranch work as possible into a busy few days. Another pasture sorted and calves hauled to the house. A few more loads tomorrow and on to another set.