Great video Mike, the shot of you walking into the prairie in the snow was perfect. Alone but not lonely. My father died in 1989 at the age of 85. In hospital. I know he wanted to die alone on the land. He knew so much about grass, horses, cows, wildlife and weather it always amazed me. Even now, I miss him every day. I think the love of ranching comes from the special moments, a calf taking its first breath, a stormy sky after the animals are fed and taken care of for bad weather. The smell of new cut hay. A sale ring full of good calves that you raised. Your children playing in mud or with barn cats.....the list is endless. God bless and keep you safe.
Mike, you can not understand the inspiration you offer with every video! On February 1st at 50 years old I quit my job of ten years and opened my own company with one goal in mind! To own one square mile (640 acres) and have my own Wyoming Life! Thank you Mike Thank you Erin for creating this Family!👍
Mike I asked my Dad why he was a farmer he said he he liked being alone on his tractor and nobody bothering him. I thought he was just being cranky but I think he just loved the freedom and doing what he loved.He could drive into his 90s and look at the fields and visit my brothers farm until he passed a couple years ago.
Hi Mike, I will give you an idea of why Gilbert was mad towards the end. I am in my mid 50's now but at 40 I was hurt and spent two years trying to get back to myself and go back to work and finally at 42 the doctors basically said it will never happen and I was forced into early retirement. For the first 4 or 5 years I was frustrated, bitter, short tempered and miserable, due to being frustrated and embarrassed. Frustrated at my body for not working like it should and giving out on me, and embarrassed about needing to ask for help from others to do things that I could have done before without even thinking about it. And bitter because why me! Basically feeling sorry for myself over my predicament. Slowly after a lot of time I started looking at life differently when I found things I could still do and found different ways to do many things I did before basically built a new life for myself. The biggest thing I learned was patience, something I never had much of before. I will never be able to do most things like before and what I can do takes 10x longer than it used too but at least I still am doing them myself and not needing help which makes me feel useful once again. I am 6'4" tall and #200 being a burden and suddenly needing to ask for help to do even the simplest tasks. Well it was an extremely tough pill to swallow and took a long time to get over. Even today there are times when frustration takes over and my temper will boil over, but fortunately that don't happen like it use too. Going from being a big, strong, strapping man who did everything for himself. To a hunched over walking with a cane in pain most all the time man, changes you inside. I should have gone to a counselor to get help with the mental part of my battle. But like all men I was stubborn and worked it out myself. It took years too long and it caused a lot of heartache that could have been avoided. But at least I know now, how not to deal with it😉 So please don't hold ill feelings from any thing Gilbert may have said or done because I know from my own experience that illness causes a person to lash out from pure frustration. It is no excuse but it is what happens. Oh I didn't even mention the depression that comes along with it all because it would take hours to type out that whole saga and this comment is long enough. God Bless and I hope this will help explain some things for you all
Thank you very much Craig, to be honest, there were times I held some of the things Gilbert said against him, but over time I have come to realize exactly what you explained. And even in his hardest times, I think he knew what was important. Thank you very much - Mike
I'm so thankful I found your page, my dad was a farmer his whole life, other then his time in ww2, out in Nebraska. His younger days it was cattle and whatever else gets was to do in the 20's and 30's. As a kid I remember him bring a pig farmer, along with my uncles who were Kansas farmers, the memories are wonderful. In 1972 he couldn't do it anymore due to what happened to him in the war, he was a young man, around 50, he wanted better for us kids, five of us, and we lived in a small farm town, Chester , of about 400 people at the time, now about 200. We moved to New York State, an entire different life, he loved it so much, he only made it another ten years and died at 60. I think of him everyday and at 56, I think how great it would have been to carry on the tradition of farming, yes knowing how tough it is, so, yes, I have great respect for you and all farmers/ranchers, thank you for what you do, take care
My husband and I love our farm here in VA. He is 5th generation to work this land! We built here and raised our 3 girls here! We could have never seen ourselves doing anything else. We still raise a large garden for our family and put up vegetables, we have chickens and we hunt our land for meat. Farming is not very profitable and unpredictable. We have always been rich in everything else that mattered!! Great from the heart video!
Hard work and folk that work hard make this country great and Mike, you’re a great example of that! Proud of you and Erin for keeping a promise and taking us along. 💪🏻🇺🇸 God Bless you both and your family. ❤️
One thing about working on a ranch or farm that others don't realize, you work for yourself and your family. Everything you do is towards bettering your way of life and the life of the farm. In the corporate world you're working to make somebody else rich, and rarely will you reap any type of rewards. Sure, you might get a year end bonus, or some type of stock dividend program, but in the end, the lions share of everything goes to one individual so they can buy that mansion, luxury sports car or yacht. And with farming/ranching, you are pretty much guaranteed not to starve. Can't say that about the corporate world when you unexpectedly lose your job. Let's look at some similarities and differences. Farm/Ranch - Corporate 1) You work for yourself - You work to make somebody else rich 2) You can't get fired - You can get fired for virtually no reason 3) You answer to yourself (unless you're married) - You answer to any boss/manager which may change on any given day. 4) You don't have to put up with intolerable people (just the occasional disgruntled cow/pig) - A-Holes abound 5) Nobody wants your job. - Lot's of folks willing to backstab to get ahead because nobody cares 6) You have a heck of a support group - See number 5 above 7) You can wear whatever you want - Dress codes to impress,,,,uhm,,,, yer colleagues? 8) No long lines at the manure dump - They live in it (metaphorically) 9) You eat better and healthier - Fast Food abounds 10) Unless you're on "Corn Wars", you're not competing with anyone - See number 5 again, not to mention just getting a job. And, the reason you're mostly all alone on the tractor? Well, farming/ranching is very dangerous work. Everything can kill you, so why increase the possibilities. Love your videos Mate!
My life took me to a factory job, one that started at the bottom and ended at a top managers position. For those who say a factory job is evil or a waste of life, well, I took what farmers grew and made potato products for almost 35 years. I admire the freedoms you have on your ranch but I do not fail to realize the dedication and perseverance your family have and will continue to execute to maintain the levels of growth of your ranch. It will surely be worth the ride. Thanks for sharing your side of the equation and why you choose to give ranching a memory for so many.
Hi Mike, I agree wholeheartedly! There is just something about farming or ranching lifestyle you can't explain. My favorite day of farming was Christmas morning milking cows. What better place to be. Unfortunately with my back problems that is long gone. Thanks for the great video!!!
Why? Because there's no where else I'd rather be. This video made me cry. We quite often ask the same thing. But it isn't like we could ever quit. We would be miserable.
There is no BSing around and no big talks because your field will always tell you the truth. Something hard to come by today with all the hot air flying around. And my customers always appreciate what we bring to the market. Best job in the world. Its not easy but then again growing up I was always told that if it was easy, everyone and their cousin would be doing it.
Another great video. With every video I see your true passion to keep a promise. And it seems you and your family is meant to be here on the ranch. Look forward to many more special moments of the ranch.
Another great episode Mike. I get it from where Gilbert was coming from. He was a man of passion for his work, he was used to being in charge of his own destiny except the one thing he couldn't control and that was the ageing process. I witnessed my Dad do the same thing. Life goes by so fast. I am coming up on 60 years old this July. I still wonder how this happened so fast. I hope for me that I still have a good run left in me. Yet I know the day will come. I keep telling myself that I will go out gracefully and not angry and bitter. That now is one of my goals. Until then full speed ahead it's just my full speed aint what it used to be. Thanks for your Videos and as usual 2 Thumbs Up.
I have the resolve now but I won't know until I am facing it. You know how it can be easy to say but unless you have walked in someone else's Boots you just don't know. I hope that I didn't come across as being judgemental towards your Father in Law. I didn't know him but he seemed to be a very hard working good determined man.
Very well said Mike !! I appreciate your honesty and compassion !! I pray God gives you many productive years ! You have a great story and again thank you for sharing it !!! God bless you and your family my friend !!!! EDDY
Mike, I often hear from people who didn't grow around or don't understand agriculture why anyone would want to do it for a living. But honestly I don't know of any other vocation where the people who work in an industry are so passionate and care so much about what they do. Agriculture is not just a way to make a living but it is a lifestyle in itself. The dedication of US farmers and ranchers are the reason people in this country can go into a grocery store and spend only a small percentage of income on the most nutritious and safest food supply on the planet. Thanks for continuing to tell the amazing story of US agriculture.
Exceptional video today. I found OWL 3 months ago while looking at Angus ranch videos. You do a great job presenting your ranch and educating about ranching, breeding & raising cattle, other animals, gardening, being responsible land and water stewards and the huge responsibility that goes with it all. I grew up on a ranch and would not have traded the hard work, long hours and fun for anything. Yes, there were the greatest joys and the deepest sorrows but it taught me the reality of life, honosty, integrity, responsibility and accountability preparing me for life on my own. We had berry crops that were the major income source for the ranch. I was out there with my Dad all year rain or shine wraping berry vines on wire, caining after harvest, planting new berry plants, and everything in between including out in the field picking berries at 5 am during harvest since the fields started 50 feet out the back door. We also had all the farm animals to take care of 24/7/365. Fence broke cause bull wanted to go to the next field, he got respectfully ushered back, fence fixed and reinforced, water line broke, anything else broke it got fixed right then, light or dark. There was something peaceful and settling milking cows twice a day after calves weened, and while bottle feeding calves who were happy to see you with tails up and jumping around then sucking and butting away. Loved the low quiet mooing at night between cows like they were telling the other a secret. We also had beef cattle that yearlings were marketed and saved a few back for us and 1 a year for my 4H / FFA project. Yep, pulled and swung my share of calves too in addition to dousing the occasional one with cold water to make it breathe. Nothing more memorable than the 1st time my arm was up a cows ass while standing on a bucket learning how to preg check while under the supervision of the Veterinarian. I was so very glad cow did not kick said bucket and send me flying. As an adult I have been farming for 26 years, raising farm slaughter hogs and steers. Also bred, raised and raced Arabian horses. Grow a garden and put up harvest every year and earned Master Gardner last year. Have done it mostly on my own which is tiring after working 8 to 12 hours at my job, full time for many years, part time now after back injuries requiring surgery. Between that and not getting any younger (35 and holding for many years :-) ) Had to change the way I do a lot of things and nothing gets done as fast as it use to. But, if I did not like it I would not be doing it. Farming on any scale gets into and stays in the soul and it is hard to "retire". All the best to You and family. T shirt weather will be here before we know it and well deserved after the winter we have all had all over the USA & Canada.
Hi Mike & Erin I’m a partime cattle farmer in north east Ohio with 30 head of Miniature Herefords. This video was excellent you do an amazing job on getting the word out on the cattle business. My operation I sometimes call it therapeutic, neighbors, coworkers and friends say why you do it, all them long hours, worrying about the cattle and all that work.I tell you what, I would not exchange it for anything. Even on my worst days at work or personal problems,the cattle always perk me up and make me feel better. Thanks again for the videos keep up the good work, I am going to wash and clip a heifer of a show that’s coming up. Jeff G
As the saying goes Mike. You may not have gone where you wanted to go. But you are there where you are most needed. I think that's probably the best life lesson to go by. Stay safe and I'll see ya Thursday.
Great story brother, thanks for keeping that promise. You may be a transplant into agriculture but we're proud to have you as a fellow spokesperson and advocate. God Bless you and your family.
I'm from Wisconsin and I have always wondered about Ranch Life. I also sell at a Farmer's Market and appreciate learning from you. Thanks for your videos.
It's a deep spiritual connection to the land and the animals. Something far more challenging than any other regular job. The most difficult part is not being in complete control. The will of the animals and Mother Nature will always have the final say. On the best days, it's the greatest job in the world. But on the worst days........sigh......P.S. I knew you had to have worked in Radio.....that voice, man that voice!
My parents are in their sixties and still ranching in Southeast Wyoming. When we first moved to Wyoming I didn't appreciate it, because the first ten years of my life I was an army brat who had lived in nothing but moderately warm cities! Now I realize what a wonderful gift I was given in late childhood/adolescence.
What an amazing story. It wasn't your intention at all to get into ranching, but it seems that Erin's stepfather gave your family a gift that can keep going through generations. It looks like the life fits you well.
the answer is not so quick and short, and this is something that younger generations fail to grasp and are not taught how to be open to grap. the urgent need for quick satisfaction and to have an immediate and short answer for why doing something make people value things that might have a lower purpose in life. we see in your answer that there is an objective reason, but there is also a higher reason, a higher purpose that is not so simple and easy to express in words. we kind of feel part of that by listening and seeing those images, and it's this higher thing that adds to the beauty of all of this. thanks for sharing your wyoming life and cheers from brazil.
Thanks for all you do to feed the world. (so to speak) farmers and farming is under appreciated and not understood by most people in this country nowadays, but not by me.
Mike we are bombarded by information that people give us as they act as a person in the know. But what I am seeing is Politicians and instructors that have never, never been out in the real world working and boots on the ground as you are in this farming ranching business, Please keep up the great work teaching the reality of what it takes, I am proud to call you my friend. And wish you and your family the very best, be blessed. So thank you again in truth and true reality.
I'm fairly new her and I always thought you grew up on this ranch. I give you and your wife a lot of credit giving up your jobs to do this. Good luck to you and your family. I'm from Connecticut.
To me it is worth it Mike. From now on every time I munch down on a ribeye or a hamburger or even a pork chop I'll think of you and Erin. I'll remember the time I spent on a tractor pulling a dump rake or pushing windrows up to the slide to be pushed up a big ramp to become a haystack as a teenager. I am also sure that you have endeared yourself to Erin as well :-) :-) As far as I am concerned you have a much better life now than then, I hate big cities!!! They are where all of our woes come from. Happy Spring, arriving at 3:58 pm MAR 20. Happy ST Patty's day too.
Thank you so much, it works both ways. I think of you when I am out working cattle and everyone who benefits from the ranch- now in so many ways - Mike
There is something special going on in the shot with the mom and her new calf......you can’t buy that energy! Keep embracing the struggle on the ranch...and don’t stop creating these awesome videos!
Well I hope to become the first gen farmer in the UK and start doing an agricultural course. Happy to see this video and other peoples historical stories and that.
thank you mike for this video. The job you did before is different then the one you have now, this one is hard job and you just cant say I dont want to work cause you want to make money for the future. I know my relative had 5 kids and none of them went into farming, their dad still has the farm but the no longer have any animals. He hired another relative to farm the land. thanks again for the video.
Mike that was a great video. It explained the feelings and reasons most of us do what we do to keep our farms and ranches and not let the big corporations buy us up. I do feel bad for city people, most have no idea what a pleasure it can be to be a farmer or rancher. Thanks to you and Erin you are able to transmit those feelings and desires every week to the people. I hope you and Erin can continue for a long time ,it would be a shame to not have these great videos. Your friend Rob.
Beautifully said! My dad wouldn't have had any other life, and now my brother and his son continue to farm and enjoy the home place in Iowa. There's certainly no better place to grow up, in my opinion.
Hi Mike. Has anyone ever introduced intensive rotaional grazing? Or mob grazing? Holistic management? Have you ever tried that type of grazing? Saves feed costs, ads forage and soil health, water retention I never seen you mention of it. Love your videos. Keep up the great work.
Your a great person your videos motivate me.At the end of the day when I'm done working I smile and dust off the dirt on my pants and remember you great videos.
I work in the Corporate world and i would love to work on a Ranch even knowing that its hard work and tough at times. Thank for sharing your life with us!
Thanks for sharing this. Can hardly wait for Thursday evening. MN farrm is another utube we like to watch. Wonder how it will be to have our two favorite TH-camrs together 👍👍👍 Safe farming. You are doing a great job
Hi again! Such a happy and wonderful thing you've got it figured out and why. I do believe your past is what really prepared you to take the ranch life on and then you had the best possible teacher not only for the practicals but also to see and relate the depth of his love for all that was ranch to him. Leading by example for sure. For Erin also! Your education has been a step by step process and with all.of that in place you both are wonderfully prepared with the knowledge of what it takes to diversify into the future. Its really exciting to watch as you continue on your journey in your ranch life. Thx as ways for sharing and giving your insight and the history. Til next time...
@@OurWyomingLife You both deserve any such comments along the way and most certainly any positive support and encouragement. My pleasure to share any/all of that along the way. Is it all worth it? You bet. And I've always said don't make a promise unless youre going to keep it. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt you both will keep yours!!!!!!
Great video. I loved being on the ranch. I was never bored or lonely. When I was riding my horse checking calves, I was at my best. It was wonderful. The reason Gilbert got so angry at the end was because he could no longer do the work and did not want to be a burden to his family. I became a R.N. later in life and worked with older farmers and ranchers in the Hospice program and they were all the same stories. Sad but true. But I would rather be on a ranch somewhere that in a big city. Never did like city life. The saying is true, you can take the person out of the country, but you never get the country out of you. Stay strong and God bless you and yours
Hey Mike , another great video. It sounds like thing's are fixing to get busy on the ranch. It takes a special kind of people to make a go of it, with the weather and prices , thing's you can't control. But I think your father in law knew you guy's could pull it off.
It is curious that even being in a country so far from you there are many things that we share in ranch life. Of course, i would be lying if i said that i do even a quarter of all the hard work you full time farmers and ranchers do but i can relate because of what i have seen of my family experiences (as they are full time farmers too). I am very interested on the different methods you guys use in america for raising cattle (i am from Colombia in South America) and i must say i have learnt a lot by watching these videos. Thank you for sharing them.
Mike, now would be a good time to put your chute together & back the stock trailer up to the pig pen. Start feeding the pigs in the trailer and when the day comes to take them to "freezer camp" there'll be no problem loading them up. Have a great day and try to stay warm.
It so good to have people for broad casting background in farming getting that message you just sent ,take look at Meredith Bernard farm wife in north Carolina she does great job also ,stay blessed
GOOD NEWS Tell Erin we are having heavy rain up here in Ontario, Canada Spring is just around the corner U can see the snow melting Its positively balmy High of 8 degrees celsius today and warmer tomorrow Not sure what that is in Farenheit but I think about 48 so well above freezing Good video today I might add All the best
I am totally understanding you and I proud of you and I respect all you do not to mention your beautiful children and of course don’t forget to mention the jewel of your kingdom Erin God bless you
Mike as well as being one hell of a cowman,husband and father you are such a fine artist at making these videos! Erin didn't pay me to say this either!😁 God did!
I think he had tons of stories but he was a pretty quiet man. Knowing what I know now, I wish I would have pulled alot more out of him. Thanks John - Mike
God bless you Mike and Erin for the work that you do as a farmer most people we'll never know what it's like unless they've been there done that those that have like me know what it takes and it takes a lot but it's very rewarding in the end Farmers run this country without farmers the people would have nothing so once again God bless you for what you're doing hopefully short sleeves shown it's already warming up here in Florida but I know that don't make you know warmer lots of laughs once again thanks great video be safe
Ranching on that scale is not something I'd try to start at this point in my life, but if I were in your situation and basically inherited a ranch like that, I'd jump in with both feet.
🌟🌟👍👍👍🌟🌟Hallo there Mike; I would like to thank you, for through your videos I "we" who watch you and your Family in the Ranch, get to live a little the beautifull life of a modern day Rancher. I'm probabbly to old for a life like yours. Nevertheless I feel at home in the land or a Farm. So to experience this life through you & fam. Give me strength to go on for my life in a hopefully similar situation. From the other side of the Planet thank you. Bless you and your Family. Sincerely: David Love Light and Wisdom 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
Fencing the perimeter has made me question my religion a time or two, but then the next weekend rolls around and I'm eager to head on out to the farm, again.
My husband and I have branched 40 years. We downsized from 1000 acres to 65 over 7 yrs ago. We love the life but we are in our middle 60's. So we know how your father in law feels. This is how we plan to go. We do it by ourselves none of the 5 kids want this life so this is why we downsized.
Aspiring first generation rancher here. Freshman in highschool. Any tips for getting started? If everything goes to plan, I'm about to be working for a stable a few miles away. Any tips for a beginner are GREATLY appreciated. I grew up on a small farm, but after selling, I haven't been too involved with agriculture.
Great video Mike, the shot of you walking into the prairie in the snow was perfect. Alone but not lonely.
My father died in 1989 at the age of 85. In hospital. I know he wanted to die alone on the land. He knew so much about grass, horses, cows, wildlife and weather it always amazed me. Even now, I miss him every day.
I think the love of ranching comes from the special moments, a calf taking its first breath, a stormy sky after the animals are fed and taken care of for bad weather. The smell of new cut hay. A sale ring full of good calves that you raised. Your children playing in mud or with barn cats.....the list is endless.
God bless and keep you safe.
Thank you Fiona, very touching - Mike
Honestly probably one of your greatest videos in my opinion. Keep after it.
Thank you
Mike, you can not understand the inspiration you offer with every video! On February 1st at 50 years old I quit my job of ten years and opened my own company with one goal in mind! To own one square mile (640 acres) and have my own Wyoming Life! Thank you Mike Thank you Erin for creating this Family!👍
That is awesome! Thank you for sharing it with us - Mike
Mike I asked my Dad why he was a farmer he said he he liked being alone on his tractor and nobody bothering him. I thought he was just being cranky but I think he just loved the freedom and doing what he loved.He could drive into his 90s and look at the fields and visit my brothers farm until he passed a couple years ago.
Sorry to hear that, thanks Dean - Mike
I’m a cowgirl I have 12 cows 1 bull 4 calves and 7 heifers
Very cool, thanks Bri - Mike
BECAUSE ITS THE GREATEST JOB IN THE WORLD!!!
very true, thanks - MIke
Hi Mike,
I will give you an idea of why Gilbert was mad towards the end. I am in my mid 50's now but at 40 I was hurt and spent two years trying to get back to myself and go back to work and finally at 42 the doctors basically said it will never happen and I was forced into early retirement. For the first 4 or 5 years I was frustrated, bitter, short tempered and miserable, due to being frustrated and embarrassed. Frustrated at my body for not working like it should and giving out on me, and embarrassed about needing to ask for help from others to do things that I could have done before without even thinking about it. And bitter because why me! Basically feeling sorry for myself over my predicament.
Slowly after a lot of time I started looking at life differently when I found things I could still do and found different ways to do many things I did before basically built a new life for myself. The biggest thing I learned was patience, something I never had much of before. I will never be able to do most things like before and what I can do takes 10x longer than it used too but at least I still am doing them myself and not needing help which makes me feel useful once again.
I am 6'4" tall and #200 being a burden and suddenly needing to ask for help to do even the simplest tasks. Well it was an extremely tough pill to swallow and took a long time to get over.
Even today there are times when frustration takes over and my temper will boil over, but fortunately that don't happen like it use too.
Going from being a big, strong, strapping man who did everything for himself. To a hunched over walking with a cane in pain most all the time man, changes you inside.
I should have gone to a counselor to get help with the mental part of my battle. But like all men I was stubborn and worked it out myself. It took years too long and it caused a lot of heartache that could have been avoided. But at least I know now, how not to deal with it😉
So please don't hold ill feelings from any thing Gilbert may have said or done because I know from my own experience that illness causes a person to lash out from pure frustration. It is no excuse but it is what happens. Oh I didn't even mention the depression that comes along with it all because it would take hours to type out that whole saga and this comment is long enough.
God Bless and I hope this will help explain some things for you all
Thank you very much Craig, to be honest, there were times I held some of the things Gilbert said against him, but over time I have come to realize exactly what you explained. And even in his hardest times, I think he knew what was important. Thank you very much - Mike
I'm so thankful I found your page, my dad was a farmer his whole life, other then his time in ww2, out in Nebraska. His younger days it was cattle and whatever else gets was to do in the 20's and 30's. As a kid I remember him bring a pig farmer, along with my uncles who were Kansas farmers, the memories are wonderful. In 1972 he couldn't do it anymore due to what happened to him in the war, he was a young man, around 50, he wanted better for us kids, five of us, and we lived in a small farm town, Chester , of about 400 people at the time, now about 200. We moved to New York State, an entire different life, he loved it so much, he only made it another ten years and died at 60. I think of him everyday and at 56, I think how great it would have been to carry on the tradition of farming, yes knowing how tough it is, so, yes, I have great respect for you and all farmers/ranchers, thank you for what you do, take care
Thank you Wes and thanks for sharing your story - Mike
My husband and I love our farm here in VA. He is 5th generation to work this land! We built here and raised our 3 girls here! We could have never seen ourselves doing anything else. We still raise a large garden for our family and put up vegetables, we have chickens and we hunt our land for meat. Farming is not very profitable and unpredictable. We have always been rich in everything else that mattered!! Great from the heart video!
Thank you Debbie and thanks for sharing - Mike
Hard work and folk that work hard make this country great and Mike, you’re a great example of that! Proud of you and Erin for keeping a promise and taking us along. 💪🏻🇺🇸
God Bless you both and your family. ❤️
Thank you Kirk and thanks for watching - Mike
One thing about working on a ranch or farm that others don't realize, you work for yourself and your family. Everything you do is towards bettering your way of life and the life of the farm.
In the corporate world you're working to make somebody else rich, and rarely will you reap any type of rewards. Sure, you might get a year end bonus, or some type of stock dividend program, but in the end, the lions share of everything goes to one individual so they can buy that mansion, luxury sports car or yacht.
And with farming/ranching, you are pretty much guaranteed not to starve. Can't say that about the corporate world when you unexpectedly lose your job.
Let's look at some similarities and differences. Farm/Ranch - Corporate
1) You work for yourself - You work to make somebody else rich
2) You can't get fired - You can get fired for virtually no reason
3) You answer to yourself (unless you're married) - You answer to any boss/manager which may change on any given day.
4) You don't have to put up with intolerable people (just the occasional disgruntled cow/pig) - A-Holes abound
5) Nobody wants your job. - Lot's of folks willing to backstab to get ahead because nobody cares
6) You have a heck of a support group - See number 5 above
7) You can wear whatever you want - Dress codes to impress,,,,uhm,,,, yer colleagues?
8) No long lines at the manure dump - They live in it (metaphorically)
9) You eat better and healthier - Fast Food abounds
10) Unless you're on "Corn Wars", you're not competing with anyone - See number 5 again, not to mention just getting a job.
And, the reason you're mostly all alone on the tractor? Well, farming/ranching is very dangerous work. Everything can kill you, so why increase the possibilities.
Love your videos Mate!
My life took me to a factory job, one that started at the bottom and ended at a top managers position. For those who say a factory job is evil or a waste of life, well, I took what farmers grew and made potato products for almost 35 years. I admire the freedoms you have on your ranch but I do not fail to realize the dedication and perseverance your family have and will continue to execute to maintain the levels of growth of your ranch. It will surely be worth the ride. Thanks for sharing your side of the equation and why you choose to give ranching a memory for so many.
Thank you so much for all your work you put in, and thanks for sharing your story - Mike
Hi Mike, I agree wholeheartedly! There is just something about farming or ranching lifestyle you can't explain. My favorite day of farming was Christmas morning milking cows. What better place to be. Unfortunately with my back problems that is long gone. Thanks for the great video!!!
Thanks Gary, it is odd but I like the holidays with the cows too. Sometime very tranquil about them - Mike
Why? Because there's no where else I'd rather be. This video made me cry. We quite often ask the same thing. But it isn't like we could ever quit. We would be miserable.
You can't quit thats for sure. Thanks - Mike
There is no BSing around and no big talks because your field will always tell you the truth. Something hard to come by today with all the hot air flying around. And my customers always appreciate what we bring to the market. Best job in the world. Its not easy but then again growing up I was always told that if it was easy, everyone and their cousin would be doing it.
for sure, if it was easy you are right - Mike
Another great video. With every video I see your true passion to keep a promise. And it seems you and your family is meant to be here on the ranch. Look forward to many more special moments of the ranch.
Thank you so much - MIke
Another great episode Mike. I get it from where Gilbert was coming from. He was a man of passion for his work, he was used to being in charge of his own destiny except the one thing he couldn't control and that was the ageing process. I witnessed my Dad do the same thing. Life goes by so fast. I am coming up on 60 years old this July. I still wonder how this happened so fast. I hope for me that I still have a good run left in me. Yet I know the day will come. I keep telling myself that I will go out gracefully and not angry and bitter. That now is one of my goals. Until then full speed ahead it's just my full speed aint what it used to be. Thanks for your Videos and as usual 2 Thumbs Up.
Thank yo so much, I get it, its not easy but I admire your resolution. Thank you -Mike
I have the resolve now but I won't know until I am facing it. You know how it can be easy to say but unless you have walked in someone else's Boots you just don't know. I hope that I didn't come across as being judgemental towards your Father in Law. I didn't know him but he seemed to be a very hard working good determined man.
You are a very fortunate man. What you have found many people spend a lifetime searching for.👊🏾
Very well said Mike !! I appreciate your honesty and compassion !! I pray God gives you many productive years ! You have a great story and again thank you for sharing it !!! God bless you and your family my friend !!!! EDDY
Mike, I often hear from people who didn't grow around or don't understand agriculture why anyone would want to do it for a living. But honestly I don't know of any other vocation where the people who work in an industry are so passionate and care so much about what they do. Agriculture is not just a way to make a living but it is a lifestyle in itself. The dedication of US farmers and ranchers are the reason people in this country can go into a grocery store and spend only a small percentage of income on the most nutritious and safest food supply on the planet. Thanks for continuing to tell the amazing story of US agriculture.
Such truth in your words, thanks Jay - Mike
Im so so so sorry for your loss of your father in law keep doin your good work your a good man mate
Exceptional video today. I found OWL 3 months ago while looking at Angus ranch videos. You do a great job presenting your ranch and educating about ranching, breeding & raising cattle, other animals, gardening, being responsible land and water stewards and the huge responsibility that goes with it all.
I grew up on a ranch and would not have traded the hard work, long hours and fun for anything. Yes, there were the greatest joys and the deepest sorrows but it taught me the reality of life, honosty, integrity, responsibility and accountability preparing me for life on my own. We had berry crops that were the major income source for the ranch. I was out there with my Dad all year rain or shine wraping berry vines on wire, caining after harvest, planting new berry plants, and everything in between including out in the field picking berries at 5 am during harvest since the fields started 50 feet out the back door. We also had all the farm animals to take care of 24/7/365. Fence broke cause bull wanted to go to the next field, he got respectfully ushered back, fence fixed and reinforced, water line broke, anything else broke it got fixed right then, light or dark. There was something peaceful and settling milking cows twice a day after calves weened, and while bottle feeding calves who were happy to see you with tails up and jumping around then sucking and butting away. Loved the low quiet mooing at night between cows like they were telling the other a secret. We also had beef cattle that yearlings were marketed and saved a few back for us and 1 a year for my 4H / FFA project. Yep, pulled and swung my share of calves too in addition to dousing the occasional one with cold water to make it breathe. Nothing more memorable than the 1st time my arm was up a cows ass while standing on a bucket learning how to preg check while under the supervision of the Veterinarian. I was so very glad cow did not kick said bucket and send me flying.
As an adult I have been farming for 26 years, raising farm slaughter hogs and steers. Also bred, raised and raced Arabian horses. Grow a garden and put up harvest every year and earned Master Gardner last year. Have done it mostly on my own which is tiring after working 8 to 12 hours at my job, full time for many years, part time now after back injuries requiring surgery. Between that and not getting any younger (35 and holding for many years :-) ) Had to change the way I do a lot of things and nothing gets done as fast as it use to. But, if I did not like it I would not be doing it. Farming on any scale gets into and stays in the soul and it is hard to "retire".
All the best to You and family. T shirt weather will be here before we know it and well deserved after the winter we have all had all over the USA & Canada.
Hi Mike & Erin I’m a partime cattle farmer in north east Ohio with 30 head of Miniature Herefords. This video was excellent you do an amazing job on getting the word out on the cattle business. My operation I sometimes call it therapeutic, neighbors, coworkers and friends say why you do it, all them long hours, worrying about the cattle and all that work.I tell you what, I would not exchange it for anything. Even on my worst days at work or personal problems,the cattle always perk me up and make me feel better. Thanks again for the videos keep up the good work, I am going to wash and clip a heifer of a show that’s coming up. Jeff G
Thanks Jeff. and thanks for taking time from your work to hang out with us. It is very humbling - MIke
As the saying goes Mike. You may not have gone where you wanted to go. But you are there where you are most needed. I think that's probably the best life lesson to go by. Stay safe and I'll see ya Thursday.
Very true, thanks William - Mike
Thank you Mike and Erin. You're the very best.
Thank you very much - Mike
Thanks for the insight and all of the hard work you and your family put in to it to feed America.
Thanks and thanks to all those that do it and recognize it - MIke
Great story brother, thanks for keeping that promise. You may be a transplant into agriculture but we're proud to have you as a fellow spokesperson and advocate. God Bless you and your family.
Thank you very much, not all are as accepting :) We really do appreciate it - Mike
I'm from Wisconsin and I have always wondered about Ranch Life. I also sell at a Farmer's Market and appreciate learning from you. Thanks for your videos.
Thank you very much and thanks for watching -Mike
It's a deep spiritual connection to the land and the animals. Something far more challenging than any other regular job.
The most difficult part is not being in complete control. The will of the animals and Mother Nature will always have the final say. On the best days, it's the greatest job in the world. But on the worst days........sigh......P.S. I knew you had to have worked in Radio.....that voice, man that voice!
Thanks Michael, you speak the truth - Mike
My parents are in their sixties and still ranching in Southeast Wyoming. When we first moved to Wyoming I didn't appreciate it, because the first ten years of my life I was an army brat who had lived in nothing but moderately warm cities! Now I realize what a wonderful gift I was given in late childhood/adolescence.
Very cool. Thank you Gillian - MIke
Danger cuteness overload @ 7:32.
:)
What an amazing story. It wasn't your intention at all to get into ranching, but it seems that Erin's stepfather gave your family a gift that can keep going through generations. It looks like the life fits you well.
the answer is not so quick and short, and this is something that younger generations fail to grasp and are not taught how to be open to grap. the urgent need for quick satisfaction and to have an immediate and short answer for why doing something make people value things that might have a lower purpose in life. we see in your answer that there is an objective reason, but there is also a higher reason, a higher purpose that is not so simple and easy to express in words. we kind of feel part of that by listening and seeing those images, and it's this higher thing that adds to the beauty of all of this. thanks for sharing your wyoming life and cheers from brazil.
Thanks for the video! You just got yourself a new subscriber Mike!
Thanks Preston. I’m out in the tractor now but that makes me happy!
Thanks for all you do to feed the world. (so to speak) farmers and farming is under appreciated and not understood by most people in this country nowadays, but not by me.
Mike we are bombarded by information that people give us as they act as a person in the know. But what I am seeing is Politicians and instructors that have never, never been out in the real world working and boots on the ground as you are in this farming ranching business, Please keep up the great work teaching the reality of what it takes, I am proud to call you my friend. And wish you and your family the very best, be blessed. So thank you again in truth and true reality.
Thank you very much David - Mike
I'm fairly new her and I always thought you grew up on this ranch. I give you and your wife a lot of credit giving up your jobs to do this. Good luck to you and your family. I'm from Connecticut.
Thank you Thomas, thank you very much for watching - Mike
I love living in Wyoming! Are have a farm that’s been in the family for 103 years.
To me it is worth it Mike. From now on every time I munch down on a ribeye or a hamburger or even a pork chop I'll think of you and Erin. I'll remember the time I spent on a tractor pulling a dump rake or pushing windrows up to the slide to be pushed up a big ramp to become a haystack as a teenager. I am also sure that you have endeared yourself to Erin as well :-) :-) As far as I am concerned you have a much better life now than then, I hate big cities!!! They are where all of our woes come from. Happy Spring, arriving at 3:58 pm MAR 20. Happy ST Patty's day too.
Thank you so much, it works both ways. I think of you when I am out working cattle and everyone who benefits from the ranch- now in so many ways - Mike
This best video I seen from y'all so far. Thank you for doing what you do. Good luck on up coming caveing .
Brad Darnell Thank you very much - Mike
Mike, isn't it funny that you're never alone when you pull up on your tractor with a hay bale on each end?
Aint that the truth. All my friends are there waiting :) - MIke
Thank God for Angels like both of you.
There is something special going on in the shot with the mom and her new calf......you can’t buy that energy! Keep embracing the struggle on the ranch...and don’t stop creating these awesome videos!
If no ones never said it, I appreciate your video's, keep them coming!!!!
Thank you James -Mike
Well I hope to become the first gen farmer in the UK and start doing an agricultural course. Happy to see this video and other peoples historical stories and that.
Another great video Mike!!
Thanks! - Mike
thank you mike for this video. The job you did before is different then the one you have now, this one is hard job and you just cant say I dont want to work cause you want to make money for the future. I know my relative had 5 kids and none of them went into farming, their dad still has the farm but the no longer have any animals. He hired another relative to farm the land. thanks again for the video.
wow, thank you linda - Mike
Mike that was a great video. It explained the feelings and reasons most of us do what we do to keep our farms and ranches and not let the big corporations buy us up. I do feel bad for city people, most have no idea what a pleasure it can be to be a farmer or rancher. Thanks to you and Erin you are able to transmit
those feelings and desires every week to the people. I hope you and Erin can continue for a long time ,it would be a shame to not have these great videos. Your friend Rob.
Thank you very much Rob. That really means a lot to us. -Mike
I would say you love what you are doing. It gives your life purpose.
Beautifully said! My dad wouldn't have had any other life, and now my brother and his son continue to farm and enjoy the home place in Iowa. There's certainly no better place to grow up, in my opinion.
That is wonderful, thank you for sharing - Mike
Hi Mike.
Has anyone ever introduced intensive rotaional grazing? Or mob grazing?
Holistic management? Have you ever tried that type of grazing? Saves feed costs, ads forage and soil health, water retention
I never seen you mention of it.
Love your videos. Keep up the great work.
Excellent answer and illustrations, thank you
Thank you Tony - Mike
Your a great person your videos motivate me.At the end of the day when I'm done working I smile and dust off the dirt on my pants and remember you great videos.
God blesses us all with talents and strengths. You all are blessed by him . Thank you
Most people don’t realize that unless you are a rancher or farmer!!, well said.......
Well heres to hoping, thanks Karl - Mike
Our Wyoming Life yes, you speak it well!!!
Great video Mike! Farming / ranching is a honorable all consuming life career. One has to love it, to like it! 🤠
I've learned that life is filled with "why's" and "why nots". You folks have chosen the latter. Good for you and your family!
True, thanks Frank - Mike
I work in the Corporate world and i would love to work on a Ranch even knowing that its hard work and tough at times. Thank for sharing your life with us!
Thanks for sharing this.
Can hardly wait for Thursday evening. MN farrm is another utube we like to watch.
Wonder how it will be to have our two favorite TH-camrs together 👍👍👍
Safe farming. You are doing a great job
Thank you very much - Mike
Good video Mike we all have different reasons for why we love the farm and ranch life its just the way things are and how its in our blood
Aint that the truth, thanks - Mike
Hi again! Such a happy and wonderful thing you've got it figured out and why. I do believe your past is what really prepared you to take the ranch life on and then you had the best possible teacher not only for the practicals but also to see and relate the depth of his love for all that was ranch to him. Leading by example for sure. For Erin also! Your education has been a step by step process and with all.of that in place you both are wonderfully prepared with the knowledge of what it takes to diversify into the future. Its really exciting to watch as you continue on your journey in your ranch life. Thx as ways for sharing and giving your insight and the history. Til next time...
WOW, thank you very much. Your words humble us both :) - Mike
@@OurWyomingLife You both deserve any such comments along the way and most certainly any positive support and encouragement. My pleasure to share any/all of that along the way. Is it all worth it? You bet. And I've always said don't make a promise unless youre going to keep it. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt you both will keep yours!!!!!!
Great video. I loved being on the ranch. I was never bored or lonely. When I was riding my horse checking calves, I was at my best. It was wonderful. The reason Gilbert got so angry at the end was because he could no longer do the work and did not want to be a burden to his family. I became a R.N. later in life and worked with older farmers and ranchers in the Hospice program and they were all the same stories. Sad but true. But I would rather be on a ranch somewhere that in a big city. Never did like city life. The saying is true, you can take the person out of the country, but you never get the country out of you. Stay strong and God bless you and yours
Great video Mike, and you're absolutely right, not very good pay but is rewarding in many ways. Keep those videos coming.
Life is not straightforward. I am still trying to teach myself this. Happy for you.
Hey Mike , another great video. It sounds like thing's are fixing to get busy on the ranch. It takes a special kind of people to make a go of it, with the weather and prices , thing's you can't control. But I think your father in law knew you guy's could pull it off.
Thats the plan :) Thanks Ronnie - Mike
Cue the beautiful lil calf. 3-2-1 awwwwwww :) Thanks for the reflection.
Thank you for watching Jennifer - Mike
It is curious that even being in a country so far from you there are many things that we share in ranch life. Of course, i would be lying if i said that i do even a quarter of all the hard work you full time farmers and ranchers do but i can relate because of what i have seen of my family experiences (as they are full time farmers too).
I am very interested on the different methods you guys use in america for raising cattle (i am from Colombia in South America) and i must say i have learnt a lot by watching these videos.
Thank you for sharing them.
Thank you for sharing, great watch!!!
I'm 10 years old I live on a ranch in south Dakota we have a couple hundred cows I love your videos
And l have 1 heifer that is about to have her calf
Awesome, thanks Drake - Mike
Awesome Mike, wish I could be there to help out. Love to ranch life
Thank you Kevin - Mike
great video Mike we choose to farm because we love it
On Our..3..2..1 Wyoming Life. Love that
Thank you Peter -Mike
Farming or ranching in the long run gives gratification! You know exactly what your animals eat, and how your gardens grow.
Thank you for doing these videos.
You are welcome. Thanks for watching - Mike
Mike, now would be a good time to put your chute together & back the stock trailer up to the pig pen. Start feeding the pigs in the trailer and when the day comes to take them to "freezer camp" there'll be no problem loading them up. Have a great day and try to stay warm.
Ha ha! Freezer camp.
Thats the plan, thanks Larry - Mike
It so good to have people for broad casting background in farming getting that message you just sent ,take look at Meredith Bernard farm wife in north Carolina she does great job also ,stay blessed
Thank you Daniel - Mike
GOOD NEWS Tell Erin we are having heavy rain up here in Ontario, Canada Spring is just around the corner U can see the snow melting Its positively balmy High of 8 degrees celsius today and warmer tomorrow Not sure what that is in Farenheit but I think about 48 so well above freezing Good video today I might add All the best
Thanks Larry, send that spring :) - Mike
I am totally understanding you and I proud of you and I respect all you do not to mention your beautiful children and of course don’t forget to mention the jewel of your kingdom Erin God bless you
I think the number one reason is most people grew up on or around a family farm.
And lots havent :). Thanks - Mike
Mike as well as being one hell of a cowman,husband and father you are such a fine artist at making these videos! Erin didn't pay me to say this either!😁 God did!
Erin said she wouldn't pay you to say it either lol Thank you very much - Mike
Great video Mike Gilbert sounds like he was a great Man. I will bet he was a man with many stories of the past I would have like to heard them.
I think he had tons of stories but he was a pretty quiet man. Knowing what I know now, I wish I would have pulled alot more out of him. Thanks John - Mike
Thank you. Excellent video, I love being out on the land.
One of the greatest barriers to entry for those who would like to start ranching and farming is land cost, and at the moment land availability.
This is good one Mike. Thank you for making the video. God Bless Y'all
we have 11 cows & mine just had her first baby & she’s a red angus baby named ginger ♥️
God bless you Mike and Erin for the work that you do as a farmer most people we'll never know what it's like unless they've been there done that those that have like me know what it takes and it takes a lot but it's very rewarding in the end Farmers run this country without farmers the people would have nothing so once again God bless you for what you're doing hopefully short sleeves shown it's already warming up here in Florida but I know that don't make you know warmer lots of laughs once again thanks great video be safe
haha, thanks Ernest. I honestly thought about recording the last part outside with short sleeves. Tried it, and it lasted about 30 seconds. :) - Mike
Tractors only have 1 seat. I love that! Sums it all up!
Ranching on that scale is not something I'd try to start at this point in my life, but if I were in your situation and basically inherited a ranch like that, I'd jump in with both feet.
🌟🌟👍👍👍🌟🌟Hallo there Mike; I would like to thank you, for through your videos I "we" who watch you and your Family in the Ranch, get to live a little the beautifull life of a modern day Rancher. I'm probabbly to old for a life like yours. Nevertheless I feel at home in the land or a Farm. So to experience this life through you & fam. Give me strength to go on for my life in a hopefully similar situation. From the other side of the Planet thank you. Bless you and your Family. Sincerely: David Love Light and Wisdom 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
Thank you very much David! Always amazes me how far and idea can reach - Mike
Love the video mike... Keep up the good work
Thanks Shane - Mike
I love being a dairy farmer born and raised.
Great video bro
Thank you very much - Mike
Very touching!
Thanks Mike. BTW got a 7 county plate for the wall :) - Mike
@@OurWyomingLife do you need a plate or does BTW mean you already got one if not I will send one down.
I have one but I'd still take yours. The one I have came without as note. I thought it might have came from you
@@OurWyomingLife I will mail one asap it has a great history I will include with it. I have held on to it for years but you guys disserve it .
Erin’s step dad would be proud of you . You’re doing an awesome job
Fencing the perimeter has made me question my religion a time or two, but then the next weekend rolls around and I'm eager to head on out to the farm, again.
My husband and I have branched 40 years. We downsized from 1000 acres to 65 over 7 yrs ago. We love the life but we are in our middle 60's. So we know how your father in law feels. This is how we plan to go. We do it by ourselves none of the 5 kids want this life so this is why we downsized.
I'm sorry to hear that. Thank you for sharing your story -Mike
Excellent
Thank you sir - Mike
Today I think it would be near impossible to start. The expenses just for what you need machinery wise is staggering.
Not everyone can start big, thats for sure. Thanks - Mike
Aspiring first generation rancher here. Freshman in highschool. Any tips for getting started? If everything goes to plan, I'm about to be working for a stable a few miles away.
Any tips for a beginner are GREATLY appreciated. I grew up on a small farm, but after selling, I haven't been too involved with agriculture.
Best video yet👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼