04/20/07 Granddad's knife

Granddad's Knife We just branded the calves last week but it's not just a job, it's something more. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be back right after this to tell you what it is. Branding day is a day of work with gathering the cattle, sorting the cows from the calves, branding, vaccinating and castrating the young bulls. But, this day of work is easier than some because lots of friends and neighbors are invited to help. What makes this day even more unique is the tradition associated with the event. Tradition is a big part of ranch life and branding day is one of the best examples. First, the tradition of those friends and neighbors I already told you about coming to help. The actual work is a tradition at our place since we still rope the calves from horses and take them to a time proven wood fire that heats the branding irons. The calves are vaccinated, worked and branded then let out the gate to the cows. The most important tradition of the day is the different generations who come together to work, offer advice, and learn together. All ages from two years to 80 plus are represented. Mom is there, my brother, his wife and kids, my wife, our son and daughter-in-law, grandkids and Buck, our honored friend and stockman. My brother, Dane has a special way to remember Dad and our granddad. He uses a knife Dad gave him for castrating the bull calves and uses Mom's dad's knife to work one bull calf and then it is put away and kept with his neat stuff until next year. Family remembered and tradition upheld. I'm Jeff Keane.