Loading Chute News & Bo the Lionheart

The remote ranch we live on was homesteaded over 130 years ago. The original big rock house was finished in 1893. There is a lot of history here, with lots of different inhabitants over the years. The cattle working corrals were in need of attention when my family moved here in 1995. We immediately began upgrading them. Through the years, the old wood has been replaced with drill steel pipe. The last remaining wooden corral structure, was the loading chute. It stood taller than the rest, creating amazing photo opportunities against the desert sunsets. The loading chute has even graced our Christmas photos. It is hard to tell exactly when it was built. Four tall, strong juniper posts supported the front opening, with huge, rough sawn lumber, lining the sides. It has helped countless amounts of cattle onto waiting semi trucks. Time had slowly taken it’s toll. Some boards were reinforced with twine fastenings, others held extra binding nails. The chute swayed side to side as the cattle pushed their way onward. Last fall, the final load of cows, proved more than the old boards could take. The platform floor gave way, signaling it was time to retire.

Our oldest son, Big W, loves all things tools. From shovels to hammers, he knows how to maneuver them despite his small size. Nate finally broke the news to Big W, that the loading chute would need to be replaced this year. Big W immediately gathered the appropriate tools, pocket knife, hammer, pry bar, etc. He set to work one morning after breakfast. With a little parental assistance, Big W had completed his demolition by nightfall. All that remained of the old wooden chute were the posts in the ground. Then began Phase 2.

Cattle handling equipment is a huge asset to any ranching operation. A good setup can take the place of several men. It makes it safer for cattle and humans to efficiently get the task accomplished. I remember as a teenager, touring the livestock handling equipment at the local farm supply store, with envy. Someday maybe we could buy a cattle handling tub, someday maybe some new alley guards. A strange wishlist for a 15 year old girl. Those are now a closer reality.

Nate worked at a wood moulding and window plant while we built our cow herd. He was a metal fabricator, building all the conveyor belts, machines, etc. to process the lumber. Nate was always bringing home scrap metal from the dumpster, hauling bigger loads occasionally from the factory bone yard. He had quite a collection when he “retired”. With all his salvaging, we have been able to do amazing projects.The cattle loading chute is just one of them. It has been a huge blessing.

The engineering phase of the new loading chute was quite involved. Not only would we build a new semi truck loading chute, but also an attached horse trailer chute and cattle handling tub. We inventoried the metal gates on hand, measured the existing corrals and walked circles with a tape measure, marking the ground. Nate gathered supplies with the forklift, categorizing his metal salvage. The chute project began to take form, with the heavy steel pipe uprights welded in place. Next came gate hinges and modifications. Then the sheet metal lined the edges, creating a visual containment. A salvaged flagpole reached towards the sky. Big W checked the flow of the system, riding the swinging gates as though they were an amusement park ride. Everyone was excited for the new system. After many hours of welding and cutting, it was ready to be put in place. With the forklift attached and lifting one side, the new chute was drug into place with the tractor loader. We all stood back, watching the flagpole whip with each movement of the tractor. Phase 3 will consist of leveling, rock with mortar flooring, and concrete pouring. Stay tuned for the future final product update.

We have a large canine family employed here on the ranch. Each dog has it’s own strengths, uniquely suited for his own purpose. Bo is a Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dog. He does his job very well. Bo is the largest dog here, standing 3 feet tall. He has a very intimidating bark, but would rather lick you than bite. Such is not the case if you’re a predator. Bo spends most of the day sleeping, laying flat to the ground. At night, he travels the surrounding fields, patrolling for predators. Coyotes are his sworn enemy. Bo also does a great job deterring the occasional skunk, raccoon or porcupine that meanders down the ditch. We all sleep better knowing Bo is on the job. He is a true sweetheart. Bo loves the little cowboys, always trying to share their popsicle. He will beg attention from any human present. Bo loves his sheep too. The lambs seem to know him as a friend, gathering around him, sleeping in his presence. Bo is an expert face licker, even licking the wounds of other injured animals. Rooster, the Jack Russell and Bo are friends for the most part. They are complete opposites to see running side by side. Bo humors the cow dogs, showing his disapproval as they try to herd “his” sheep. We shaved Bo’s long matted white hair at the beginning of summer. He didn’t like the clippers near his head. Thus he sports a lion’s mane along with a thin tipped tail style. Bo is truly a part of the family, we are so blessed to have him on our crew.