Jadie Marshall, left, and Kristin Schuler work on forage measurements.
facilities created a wonderful laboratory for the cadets to experience natural resource management, animal care and handling, nutrition and basic ranch skills. Simple observation wasn’t allowed. Whether they
were collecting grass specimens to determine stocking rates, vaccinating, branding, milking, administering implants or digging post holes, each cadet’s immer- sion in the activities of ranching gave them invaluable experiences. Time to relax and decompress was also necessary,
and cadets were able to shoot a few hoops or rope a roping dummy periodically. The fact that cadets were not allowed to carry their smart phones created a re- freshing camp dynamic and kept them focused on their purpose and one another.
The total picture The scope of Ranch Brigade truly goes from pas-
ture to plate. Cadets learned the dollars and cents side of ranching and the challenges cattle producers face competing in a global marketplace. Time was also spent in a commercial meat cooler.
A trip to a local plant allowed cadets to experience the fabrication of a beef carcass and learn about wholesale and retail cuts. Keeping beef demand strong amid the
tscra.org
onslaught of attacks by activists was also discussed. Cadets were challenged to become advocates for beef and to use social media, public presentations and other means to dispel myths about ranching and tell the true beef story to the public. By the time day 5 dawned, there was little about
ranching that the battalion had not seen and experi- enced. Cattle nutrition, genetics, forage management, low-stress livestock handling, ranch economics and even digging post holes — the cadets had seen almost every aspect of ranching. Moreover, they had become beef and ranching advocates. A considerable effort is necessary to develop, organize and execute a success- ful Ranch Brigade. More than 30 individuals served as instructors, adult leaders, cooks and support staff — all serving in unpaid roles. It is a labor of love for Farley and his crew. “All our instructors share their true passion for
teaching the next generation of resource managers that sustainable ranching must be ecologically sound and economically sound, as well as enjoyable and fulfi lling for the future generations,” said Farley. “The awesome part was seeing their passion inspire the cadets to want to be a part of the future of this wonderful industry we call ranching.”
December 2014 The Cattleman 83
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