03/18/08 Branding time

On the Joyce Ranch in Owyhee County Paul Nettleton took out the branding iron and with the help of friends and neighbors it was branding time for the new livestock. NETTLETON "The old Matt Joyce iron. The oldest iron in Owyhee County. We've used it since the 1860's. We're going to do a little branding. I don't know how to describe that to the city folks or not. . That's for identification. When they're out on the range then you know whose cow they are with the brand on it." VOLUNTEER COWGJRL "But I love to come out here because of the fresh air, it's pretty and green. I enjoy working with Paul and all of his friends and the cows, the fresh air. It's good therapy for me and my horse." VOLUNTEER COWBOY "It's not too bad. I have a fair job in town and this keeps my head on straight. Couple times a year with this and it's all right." Like the ancestors before him Nettleton carries on the ranching tradition, building Joyce Ranch history that's now 143 years old. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott