RAIN WON'T HURT THE KIDS

It wasn't a lot but it was a lot more than it has been,  that's for sure.  I headed for home early this morning from Great Falls just so I didn't miss out on driving in the rain and snow.  Can you believe it? I enjoyed the drive.  Fell in behind a couple of trucks and just motored along like I had the rest of my life to get home.

 

Yesterday I videoed cattle in the Valier area and let me tell you it was most unusual watching the sky bank up with clouds.  Clouds that looked like they had rain in them!  Even the weather man was pretty sure of himself and his predictions for moisture.  Was glad we started a little early and hustled all day even missing lunch to get done before the storm.  Well, before the storm but not before the wind storm before the storm.  Darn that temperature dropped fast when the front moved through.

 

Sure doesn't take a lot of rain to change attitudes after a summer from hell.  Talked to a couple of  cowmen at the Beef Council office who were grinning from ear to ear.  I offered to send them a bill for the rain and both said they'd gladly pay up.  Hope someone remembered to tell the school teachers to go ahead and let the kids out to plan in it at recess.  Rumor has it that rain won't hurt the kids.  Anyway, it was a refreshing change and darn sure needed to scrub the mud and gunk out of the sky and help soften up what little feed is left.  The ash and dust build up on my paito was about to take over.  Many prayers were answered today!

MONTANA ANGUS TOUR A SUCCESS

Western Montana's 2012 Angus Tour was well attended in spite of smoke filled skys in the West and concern of new fires across the rest of the state.  Attitudes are good considering the summer we've had.  One thing for sure...everyone agrees we need rain! 

 

There  was a lot of talk about the price of bulls this fall and next spring.  My conclusion....it's anybody's guess but the general consensus is they will sell well given current and future cow numbers and demad for replacement females. 

It seems to me we are at a time in the market cycle were the good ones will comand premium pirces.  Quality should rule and buyers could be more selective as we move forward in an uncertian economy.  Quality was certianly the rule of the day at all of the tour stops.  Four busses and lots of cars and trucks in the caravan proved to be a good time with great eats and conversation along the way.  Some had more fun that others but if you weren't on the tour you'll never know who they were.

 
 

SUMMER ENDS WITH A BANG

It's been a busy end of the summer season for me with Montana Fair and getting moved into a new home.  As a Metra Park Advisory Board member it's preferred that one spend time at the fair all ten days.  That's a long time!  Especially when you're makeing plans to move the following week.  You'd be surprised how many friends you can come up with when you have complimentary rodeo and nite show tickets.  I have fun waiting at the front gate for a family who deserves free gate passes.

 

Speaking of the new home, I went from a four level one car garage to a one level four car garage.  A much needed change and I'm looking forward to enjoying it to the fullest.  I bought the old place back in 2001 to live in for a few years until I decided where in Billings I wanted to settle and ended up there for twelve.  I'd say it served me well.  If you're in the market for a really nice condo rental in Billings give me a call.  I'd love to be your landlord! 

 

Labor Day is here and it looks like the fire season is going to stay with us for a few more weeks.  I don't know about you but I'm getting tired of hot and dry and smoke!  We're getting lots of calls and emails to let us know there'll be good numbers cows for sale this fall and some even sooner.  Many are planning to wean earlier than usual and will be cutting herd size due to shortage of pasture and high priced hay.  If you or someone you know will be needing good brood cows let me know.  The list is growing and the quality will be right.