Greetings!
Wow! This blog business is all new to me and I am so excited about sharing a bit of the life I experience here at Music Meadows with you. I hope that one day you will see your way to join me at the ranch for a piece of the unfolding saga…but if not, perhaps being connected through this blog will give you a small break from the dailiness of your own life and let your imagination roam for a bit.
This is a unique life from the perspective of sheer numbers. Less than 2% of the population are engaged in production agriculture of any kind. Those raising cattle on ranches are a small fraction of that number. The number of those operations run by a single woman is yet another fraction.
Ranching life is a unique occupation due to the fact that creation is the work place where nature has a mind of it’s own. Weather, land, water, cattle and horses are the raw ingredients I have to work with to produce a profit each year. The key word is “work with” as working against these elements and creatures would only produce frustration and failure. The truly “wild card” in this business is the market…but that’s another story.
I would be remiss if I failed to speak of the importance of the human element in the success of the ranch. It is critical to have reliable help when needed and I am fortunate to have a full time hired man by the name of Bud. We work like a team of good horses to ‘git er done’. In addition, I have a few local ‘volunteer’ hands who come on board when needed with their own horses. My guests though provide the most interesting and rewarding “ranch help”.
The learning curve is steep and not to be had from a “how to” book. Still, the most important element is a good attitude…the rest falls into place as my helpers learn and grow with every project completed.
Happy Trails…Elin
About The Author
Thanks for the note Arthur. Have a good summer!
Great post! Just wanted to let you know you have a new subscriber- me!
I have been looking looking around for this kind of information. Will you post some more in future? I’ll be grateful if you will.
Hi Elin,
Hope things are going well for you and you are in a good, positive place. I have had much adventure since I left Westcliffe. In 2003, I contacted an engineering consultant I worked for years ago in Alaska and they sent me a plane ticket. I supervised a remote materials testing lab on Bristol Bay on Department of Aviation Projects building bush airports. While I was out there I noticed some wierd brands on the cattle – looked like Z’s on their flanks. Turned out to be where the brown bears grabbed them. It reminded me of the bad bear noises Katlin and I heard at Music Meadows.
I worked on the Navajo Nation managing and inspecting heavy highway projects. When I left there I loaded up my Bar N horses and brought them with me. I will email photos. They are Ute Mountain/Andalusian crosses.
Even though I was clearing over $10,000.00 a month, I’m just not interested anymore. I’m sure it’s hard to believe I have that capability. I live in northern New Mexico on a cattle ranch with my 4 unemployed cow horses now. My dog (same one) died a couple of weeks ago and I am going to adopt two Border Collies – hopefully to train for mountain search and rescue if they have the aptitude.
I have fixed a lot of fences throughout the years to feed us all. I really have never stopped liking fixing fences in remote places and raking hay. No matter how much college I finished, I always just want to be sitting on a horse or a tractor. Both my daughters have graduated from college and are well employed so I can do whatever I want forever!
Best wishes to you and your children, Jane Sheridan
near Chama, New MExico
augustina1@windstream.net
Ok, this is fairly new to me also. I am attempting to get on as many blogs as possible. Ron and I always enjoy our visits to Music Meadows Ranch. Elin is more than a friend she is in our eyes “family”.
When we can help with whatever she needs we will. Although we are not cattlemen we are good stewards of livestock.
Our focus is on horses, and good horses should be able to be around cattle. So for us to be able to bring our horses and help is wonderful
Hi Elin,
Thanks for the blog. I look forward to visiting and lending my help. Do dirt bikes work well with cattle?
Just kidding. Make it a great day!
Sincerely yours,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Glad you like the blog. I have another post started so check back in a week or so. A visit and help is a good thing. This time of year weather dictates all. I have never tried a dirt bike with the cattle so can’t knock the question…some ranchers do use dirt bikes but it is with cows that already know where to go and what to do. The bikes sound like fun for an adventure though. I’ve never ridden one. I do make every day great, tyvm!
Happy Trails,
Elin
I am really enjoying reading your well written articles. It looks like you spend allot of effort and time on you blog.I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!