Improving the Herd NEAL WILKINS

NOVEMBER 2020

We promote the advancement of land stewardship through ranching, science, and education. © Wyman Meinzer

FROM THE CEO Improving the Herd NEAL WILKINS

The idea of improving a herd – a maintenance through reasonable Now, back to the comparison with deer herd or a cattle herd – is health protocols. So, without white-tailed deer management. familiar to both wildlife managers regulated stocking rates and good When it comes to improving a and cattle ranchers. Many of the grazing management, the influence white-tailed deer herd, it is a buck’s concepts and terms used for both of improved genetics can make little antler characteristics that are of deer and cattle management are difference in herd performance. interest to most managers. Because similar, so it might seem reasonable Improving the performance of East superior antler characteristics do to conclude that the two pursuits Foundation’s cattle herd includes tend to be influenced by genetics, have some parallel when put into these good management practices, improving future antler size and practice. Because it is increasingly but we are also working to improve quality ought to be a matter of common for ranchers and wildlife performance by introducing bulls simply making sure that the managers to be one and the same, with favorable genetic traits. bigger-antlered bucks do most it’s important to figure out just Zane Herrin’s report, later in this of the breeding, right? This has how far the parallel applies. Take newsletter, describes some of our traditionally been attempted for instance the fact that selecting recent work on this. through removing what appear to genetically superior sires is likely be genetically inferior bucks. As to be the most efficient means for it turns out, in this case, what improving the desirable traits in a appears to make sense on the cattle herd. surface, does not seem to work Put simply, because one bull can when put into practice. breed a lot of cows, a good bull can In wild and free-ranging white- really help the performance of your tailed deer, it is increasingly next group of calves. Technologies clear that genetic improvement like Expected Progeny Differences of offspring through selectively (EPDs) can help cattle managers culling bucks is impractical, choose bulls that are likely to or it just simply does not pass on important traits such as work. Attempts at genetic longevity, fertility, growth rate, © Wyman Meinzer and carcass merit. To realize any improvement have commonly of these inherited traits depends, “Our goal is to improve the efficiency and longevity of our included culling of bucks however, on the degree to which cows. We need cows that are heat and insect tolerant, able judged as genetically inferior, to hustle in large pastures, docile to handle frequently, and cattle have proper forage, water, and able to raise a desirable calf and rebreed annually.” thus leaving genetically -Zane Herrin, East Foundation’s Cattle Operations Manager superior bucks to sire the next expression of antler characteristics. generation of deer. Scientists with Adding further to this, the breeding Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research behavior of deer is such that Institute have, for 13 years, individual bucks cannot effectively researched this specific issue on monopolize breeding. So, in any the 113,000-acre Comanche Ranch one year, the number of fawns sired by any one buck is small. Thus, an BOARD OF DIRECTORS in Maverick and Dimmit counties. individual buck, no matter how What they found was that intensive Dick Evans great his genetics, cannot have a culling – removing young bucks Dan Kinsel large effect. This is essentially what Tio Kleberg with small antlers while retaining the results of the Comanche Ranch Bryan Wagner, Chair young bucks with larger antlers – study tell us.2 had no effect on the antler quality of the offspring. No effect!1 DEER #25 PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS She was first captured on November These results were from a well- 16, 2011, on the Agua Dulce pasture Lynn Drawe, PhD. designed study that had a lot of in the north-central part of the San David Hewitt, PhD. detail. When added to similar results Antonio Viejo Ranch. She was 4 ½ Clay Hilton, DVM. from previous work by scientists in years old, weighed 97 lbs., and she Tio Kleberg, Chair Texas, Mississippi, and elsewhere, was not lactating – the latter fact Roel Lopez, PhD. the evidence becomes convincing. indicating she did not produce a Rick Machen, PhD. This is not to say that antler fawn that year. In her right ear, she was fitted with ear tag number 24 Clay Mathis, PhD. characteristics are not heritable. To the contrary, there is clear evidence – tag 25 went in her left ear. Blood Fred Bryant, PhD. (Emeritus) from captive breeding that antler samples and measurements were Lisa Flowers, PhD. (Emeritus) characteristics can be selected taken and then she was released. Nine years later she was recaptured and bred into offspring. But a on November 8, 2020. She was INVESTMENT COMMITTEE confined breeding facility is a very 13 ½ years old and weighed 104 lbs. different environment that includes She was lactating and in reasonably Dick Evans controls over nutrition, mate choice, good condition – she had produced Harry Flavin breeding conditions, and other a fawn (or fawns) this year. She was Phil Plant variables. recaptured within three-quarters of a mile of where she was LOCATIONS captured nine years earlier. At 13 ½ years, this deer has Hebbronville thus far survived at least three 310 East Galbraith Street extreme droughts – one of them being the worst of the Hebbronville, Texas 78361 last century. She has thrived San Antonio Viejo Ranch in some of the harshest 474 East Ranch Road conditions that could be faced by any white-tailed deer. She Hebbronville, Texas 78361 was extremely advanced in El Sauz Ranch age – while rare, deer this old 37216 Highway 186 © Wyman Meinzer are not unheard of. She is an example of the myth of the “old Port Mansfield, Texas 78598 While the concepts are similar, the practicalities of barren doe” being just that – a improving the genetics of a cattle herd are quite different San Antonio than that of improving the genetics of a deer herd, myth. For wild, free-ranging 200 Concord Plaza Drive, Suite 410 and knowing these limitations is key to making good white-tailed deer, it turns out management decisions. that there is little evidence for San Antonio, Texas 78216 “reproductive senescence.” (210) 447-0126 In the wild, a buck’s antlers simply In one study published in 2007, are not a reliable measure of his researchers in Minnesota found breeding value. The cumulative EASTFOUNDATION.NET that does up to 15 ½ years old were influence of nutrition, drought, still as reproductively successful as stress, and age outweighs genetic were younger deer.3 In fact, they potential when it comes to the suggested that these older does

2 NOVEMBER 2020 might be making stronger genetic 1. Colleen Schreiber with contributions to their offspring Livestock Weekly recently for surviving through tough highlighted this work as environments. These scientists presented by Comanche concluded “…a significant value Ranch Manager Donnie of these long-lived, reproductive Draeger. You can access individuals may be their notable Colleen’s article here. potential to contribute to the 2. Thanks to Dr. Dave variation of phenotypic qualities Hewitt for fact-checking upon which natural selection acts this. through inheritance of associated genetic factors.” In other words, 3. DelGuidice, G.D., M. older does are survivors, and they © Wyman Meinzer Lenarz, and MC Powell. give birth to offspring with tougher 2007. Age-specific fertility Since 2011, we have collected information from over 3,200 and fecundity in northern genetic traits. Or, simply stated, they white-tailed deer in order to support the science that are just good mamas. informs wildlife managers. With one of the largest known free-ranging white- populations of wild, unmanaged, and unhunted white- tailed deer: evidence for tailed deer, East Foundation’s ranches serve as a valuable reproductive senescence? resource for our science partners at Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Journal of Mammalogy Research Institute and elsewhere. 88(2): 427-435

PROJECT PROFILE The Next Generation of Science-Minded Managers and Management-Minded Scientists LANDON SCHOFIELD

Cattle herd performance is livestock production, wildlife gain experience in proper animal measured and quantified using a management, and the land. I am handling techniques, data collection, variety of different metrics including the product of a variety of “inputs” collecting and storing biological weaning weights, breed up rates, that have influenced my view on samples, and other methods. and other measures. Each of these wildlife management and land metrics are driven by different stewardship. inputs and management practices A major “input” led by the that, when applied appropriately, East Foundation is known as can produce a desired outcome. the deer capture project. Since The same approach can be used to 2011, undergraduate students, create a lasting impact on the next faculty, and volunteers from generation of managers, biologists, around the state have traveled and industry leaders. But what are to South Texas to help on our the inputs that can be applied and annual deer captures which how do we measure our progress? are conducted across our four For most every wildlifer there was largest ranches. Through the an “aha” moment, because of decade-long project, nearly 800 cumulative “inputs” a point when students have helped in the Dr. Clayton Hilton, of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research it all just clicked, and they realized captures and data collection on Institute, shows how to measure body length of a captured white-tailed deer to students from Texas A&M-College this field was where they wanted more than 3,200 deer. Station. to dedicate their time and energies In an age of virtual classrooms as a vocation. For me, those inputs and online degrees, the deer capture These data also allow the East came while growing up in south- project provides up-and-coming Foundation to answer important central Idaho, where family and wildlife professionals with critical, questions South Texas landowners friends ranched sheep and cattle hands-on experiences that are often ask about, including the effect across the semi-arid alpine desert. needed to get wildlife jobs or to of drought and lactation on animal It was there that I began to learn of thrive in graduate school. Students stress, the influence of soil type on the dynamic relationships among antler size and body mass, the effect

EASTFOUNDATION.NET 3 of rainfall on fawn recruitment, and we are exposed to on campus in are convinced that our “input” into how forage quality and quantity our coursework. We look forward students of wild things and natural influence deer populations. to these captures every year, and resources will help produce future During captures, students learn everyone who participates walks generations of science-minded from and network with faculty, away with quality, long-lasting managers and management- wildlife professionals, and current experiences.” minded scientists who have a leaders in the field. One such While we can measure the number deeper appreciation for land student is Ethan Tepara, a wildlife of students that participate, the stewardship. student at Texas A&M University, number of deer that are captured, Research Partner: Caesar Kleberg who volunteered on a deer capture and the data that is collected, the Wildlife Research Institute at in October. Tepara noted, “The influence of the deer capture project Texas A&M University-Kingsville deer captures held by the East on student education is more Foundation are unlike anything difficult to quantify. However, we

EDUCATION EXPORT Teaching in a Virtual World MASI MEJIA

As a natural resource educator, this year. East Foundation staff have found in Texas and Florida. Our joint I have always recognized how done the same. We have taken our Facebook Live event reached more exciting it is to take students out field lessons – virtual. than 1,500 views. We are now in the on the land. Fast forward to fall We decided the best way to process of creating a similar event 2020 and educators in formal and implement virtual field lessons with Bamberger Ranch Preserve. informal settings have, by necessity, would be to capture and share To date, we have conducted ten changed the way they connect with prerecorded content of our virtual field lessons and have students. Admittedly, I joined many professionals that normally join our had more than 2,000 registered education conferences, webinars, in-person field lessons but utilize a participants. Teachers are grateful and Zoom meetings this summer, live host for a more engaging viewer for these virtual field lessons as and I watched many YouTube and experience. We have developed five they are TEKS aligned and allow TikTok videos to fully verse myself field lessons that highlight the work students to learn from the experts. in how we could best deploy our own that we do alongside our partners. Educators across the state realize education programs. If you’re interested, you can sign up students perform better when they Many school districts and grade for upcoming lessons here. The field are engaged in the classroom. At levels are utilizing different lessons we offer are: the East Foundation, we believe educational platforms to educate • A Look into Our Past: How South students perform better when they their students in this new virtual Texas Ranchlands Were Settled are inspired by the outdoors. As world. As I learned about the soon as we are able, we plan on many platforms available, I was • Who’s Eating Who? getting students back on the land overwhelmed as I thought about Predator and Prey but will continue to use our new accessibility for students in Relationships on the San virtual platform to expand our reach South Texas. At the beginning of Antonio Viejo Ranch beyond south Texas. quarantine, many families found • Elusive Ocelots We are grateful for Archbold themselves utilizing tablets and cell • Land to Sea Stewardship Biological Station, Ceasar Kleberg phones to complete schoolwork, • Behind the Gates of a Working Wildlife Research Institute, Museum as well as sharing limited internet of South Texas History, Texas A&M bandwidth. I too found myself Cattle Ranch - Coming in December! Carnivore Ecology Lab, The Texas asking my teenage brother to “Get Zoo, and the University of Texas- Rio off the wi-fi!” We even partnered with the Grande Valley Coastal Studies Lab, Despite these challenges, educators Archbold Biological Station in along with our East Foundation have been quick to adapt to their Florida to create a onetime event staff, for taking the time to visit and surroundings and be extremely fluid where we compared three species record content. (green jay, caracara, and tortoise)

4 NOVEMBER 2020 RANCH REPORT Improving Efficiency and Longevity Upcoming Events ZANE HERRIN DECEMBER 1 American Ocelot Premiere at the This fiscal year we turned a new the number of pounds weaned per Paramount Theater in Austin page in cowherd improvement – cow exposed. Management and purchasing bred heifers and single- environment also play a role, but breed English bulls. To appreciate when metrics are consistently lower where we are going, we need to than industry averages despite DECEMBER 1 remember where we came from. drought or rain, we believe it is time Land Stewardship Ambassador The bull battery once consisted to make genetic improvements. Application Deadline entirely of ranch-raised bulls, Genetics also affect performance maverick and branded, and heifers off the ranch. Feedyard and carcass were kept as replacements with performance have improved over DECEMBER 8 little selection criteria. Once the the last several years, but we still Investment Committee Meeting Foundation was established, bulls have room for improvement. We in San Antonio were both purchased and raised on continue to lose potential revenue, the ranch. The bull battery since directly and indirectly, due to quality 2007 has consisted of Braford, grades below plant averages. DECEMBER 10-11 Hereford cross, paint Beefmasters, Professional Advisors Meeting at and ranch-raised bulls. San Antonio Viejo Ranch In 2015, ranch-raised bulls were phased out and solid- colored Beefmasters and Santa DECEMBER 15 Gertrudis were purchased. We Land Stewardship Ambassador continued raising our own Selection Notification heifers, so we know they are a percentage Beefmaster or Santa Gertrudis. JANUARY 19-20 Historically, bulls were with the Board of Directors Meeting in cows year-round, so we could Hebbronville not accurately measure annual reproductive performance. It So, why red cows? We hope Red Angus influence will was a long and hard-fought improve the efficiency and longevity of our herd. battle to plan and implement a new breeding program, but we Improved traits in a hybrid have now had six years of defined offspring, orheterosis , and breed breeding seasons. We won the war, complementarity are a focus of and now pull bulls with relative our program as we move forward. efficiency. It is a much-improved A three-way cross maximizes herd today, thanks to those who heterosis, so we assume we have fought the fight. given up heterosis due to multiple generations of breeding crossbred Breeding seasons allow us to cows with crossbred bulls. The Red monitor reproductive performance Angus breed is a great complement more accurately, and as a result, to our cowherd, and we purchased we have recognized the need for bulls with strong maternal and continued improvement. We track solid carcass expected progeny pregnancy rates, weaning rates, differences (EPDs). and weaning weights, combining all three measures to determine Our hope is the Red Angus influence will improve carcass merit of our

EASTFOUNDATION.NET 5 calves and optimize maternal heterosis with our cowherd. Using a Foundation’s El Sauz Ranch. His single-breed bull allows us to “clean dissertation research combined up” our own replacement heifers, camera traps and collar data to allowing us to estimate at least 50% understand the factors related to of her breed composition. This is ocelot occupancy in South Texas. valuable moving forward so we can This project sheds new light on better select a complementary bull how coyotes, ocelots, and bobcats to rebreed her and create a more interact in space and time, desirable calf. We also purchased and how the spatial structure bred first-calf Santa Gertrudis X of woody plant communities Hereford replacement heifers, which influences ocelot habitat use over will result in moderately sized, well- time. Jason is now an Assistant adapted cows. Professor of Research at CKWRI. Ultimately, our goal is to improve JASON LOMBARDI His primary research focuses on the efficiency and longevity of our the landscape ecology of ocelots cows. We need cows that are heat Jason grew up in Nutley, New to identify suitable habitat for and insect tolerant, able to hustle Jersey, 12 miles from New wildlife crossing structures and in large pastures, docile to handle York City in the most densely recovery goals in South Texas. populated part of the U.S. He frequently, and can raise a desirable In his own words: calf and rebreed annually. These graduated in 2010 with a B.S. “Studying ocelot ecology on characteristics point to a red-hided in Conservation and Wildlife private ranchlands in South cowherd with about 25% Brahman Management from Delaware Texas was a dream opportunity. influence. We see Santa Gertrudis, Valley College in Doylestown, Studying ocelots is not easy by Red Angus, and occasionally Santa Pennsylvania. Following his any stretch of the imagination. Gertrudis X Hereford as the breeds undergraduate degree, Jason The amount of effort to capture most suited to meet our goals. began his career with predatory animals by assisting on a one photo of an ocelot, or to behavioral study of captive red capture one ocelot to fit it with a wolves in Florida, conducting GPS collar, is beyond fathom. presence/absence surveys The El Sauz Ranch will forever for northern Spotted Owls in hold a special place in my heart. Washington, and tracking urban I am forever grateful for being coyotes on Cape Cod. Jason able to play my part in helping went on to earn an M.S. degree recovery efforts with ocelots in forestry with an emphasis on private lands with the East on forest wildlife management Foundation leading the charge. from the Arthur Temple College Their commitment to recovering of Forestry and Agriculture ocelots in Texas and doing so at Stephen F. Austin State in a way that balances good University. His thesis research science, land stewardship, and examined the response of management is a formula for coyotes, bobcats, red foxes, grey success.” foxes, and raccoons to natural and anthropogenic features within the city of Nacogdoches, Texas. Jason began his Ph.D. in Wildlife Science at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2016, studying ocelots on the East

6 NOVEMBER 2020 RANCHER RESOURCES Looking Beyond 2020 TODD SNELGROVE

In the weeks leading up to the the class were wide, ranging from conservation on private lands. Our election there was a satirical “one year,” to “two years,” “five education programs inspire the headline making the rounds on years,” and even “20 years.” We were next generation of leaders and our the internet that said, “Election all wrong. professional development efforts Outcome Predicted to Have No Dr. Milford shared with us that lead to more science-minded Major Effect on Eternity.” This struck more than 100 years later they managers and management- me as particularly fitting to those were still measuring differences minded scientists. 2020 made us of us who have the good fortune of in productivity between the two adjust how we do some of these being land stewards and reminded plots. While certainly a testament things, but it did not change why we me of a lesson I learned more than to the value of compost, the do them. 25 years ago as a student at Texas take home message for land Like most everyone else, we are A&M University. stewards is much more profound. ready to look back and see 2020 in Dr. Murray Milford taught Agronomy Unlike some professions, our our rearview mirror. We started this 301—a general soil science class performance will not be measured year with a clear understanding that several hundred students from in months, quarters, or years. It of what’s important and we will agriculture and natural resources will be measured for decades and start 2021 with the same guiding disciplines took every semester. Dr. generations – long after we no principle—nothing has changed. Milford taught this class for decades longer call this Earth our home. As land stewards, we will continue and was an icon on the Texas A&M With that kind of impact on the to do what’s right by the land and campus known for riding his bike line it is important to have a clear the life that depends on it with the to work, his classic flat top haircut, understanding of what guides conviction that our positive impact and his passion for teaching. He you. At the East Foundation we will be measured in decades and also had the uncanny ability and have made it simple—we do what’s centuries, far outlasting any election commitment, to learn the names of right for the land and the life that cycle, economic downturn, or global all the students in his classes within depends on it. This is our North pandemic. the first couple of weeks of school. Star—a consistent beacon in an ever- He could recall your name and changing world. It helps provide academic prowess—or lack thereof, context for what we do and is for years. Stories abound of his reflected in our mission to advance capacity to even recall your parent’s land stewardship through ranching, name and grade if they too were a science, and education. We stay student of his from their years at true to this guiding principle A&M. with our commitment to support During one of his lectures on soil conservation, impact the future, and organic matter and the important maintain our legacy. role it plays in soil productivity he The principle of doing right by the shared a story of a research farm land and the life that depends on outside of London, England, that it permeates all our programs. We undertook an experiment in the late conduct applied research that is 1800s. They took a field and divided relevant to the needs of landowners it in two. On one half they added and implement responsible land compost every year for ten years. On management practices such as the other half they did nothing. He prescribed fire and rotational posed a question to the class, “How grazing systems that enhance the long were they able to measure productivity of our rangelands. differences in productivity between We ensure public policy is based the two plots?” The answers from on sound science and incentivizes

EASTFOUNDATION.NET 7 RAINFALL REPORT Pray for Rain and Gravy ALLIE BIEDENHARN

Spoiled by a wet spring and summer, this fall has been much dryer on East Webb Duval JJiim Wells Kleberg Foundation ranches. The San Antonio Viejo has received only 60 to 80 percent of the average rainfall in the past three JJiim Hogg months, with most of the Brooks ranch catching between Zapata three to six inches of rain in Kenedy the last 90 days. Kenedy In Kenedy County, the Santa Rosa has received only half of the normal rainfall in the past three months, with rainfall accumulation Normal rainfall for 90 dSatya prerriod based on 30-year average: Hiidalgo averaging five inches across Ranchito: 6.42" Gachupin: 6.76" the ranch. SAV: 7.17" Wiillacy Buena Vista: 7.52" El Sauz: 9.98" Since hurricane Hanna over Santa Rosa: 9.39" 90-Day Percent of Average Rainfall Cameron the summer, rain has been scarce on El Sauz and the < 10% 30 - 50% 70 - 90% 100 - 120% 150 - 200% ¯ entire ranch is in abnormally 10 - 30% 50 - 70% 90 - 100% 120 -150% > 200% November 12, 2020 dry conditions. Only three to five accumulated inches JJiim Wells Nueces of rain have been recorded since September. Webb Duval We are heading into this Kleberg Kleberg winter with early signs of drought spreading across the U.S. Drought Monitor map for deep south Texas. JJiim Hogg Brooks With La Niña conditions Zapata developing in the Pacific Kenedy Kenedy that often result in extended periods of warmer temperatures and less rain for Texas, we’ll be keeping a Starr close eye on our rangelands Wiillacy Wiillacy in the coming months. Drought Intensity Hiidalgo None Cameron For more information Abnormally Dry on drought and other Moderate Drought U.S. DCarmoeurognht Monitor- S. Texas weather events or to view Severe Drought Extreme Drought November 12, 2020 information specific to your part of the state please visit: http://climatexas.tamu.edu/© Wyman Meinzer drought/maps/index.html.

8 NOVEMBER 2020 SECURITY REPORT trust Plum Creek (now part of Weyerhaeuser). End of Your Rope A former president of the MATT ROBINSON Professional Outdoor Media Association and member of several professional We had an incident with an communications and unusual trespasser on the Ranchito. conservation organizations, Ranchito borders the south end of James holds a Bachelor of Arts Hebbronville near the Jim Hogg degree in Technical and Scientific County show barn. A prospect show Communication from Texas was being held at the show barn and Tech University, and a Bachelor it was the first show for many of the of Science degree in Wildlife animals. A young heifer got spooked JAMES POWELL Science from New Mexico State and broke free from the young girl University. leading her. She jumped several James Powell is the East fences and ended up trespassing James and his wife Tammie have Foundation’s Director of on East Foundation’s Ranchito in a son, Gage, 17, and daughter Communications and is a 1,906-acre pasture, so this young Caitlin, 13, and enjoy an extended responsible for promoting the heifer had really escaped. We got family of parents, siblings and Foundation’s mission and calls from the owner, ag teachers, others spread across the state. programs to supporters, partners, the sheriff’s office, border patrol, James and family enjoy spending the media, and the general and several others reporting the most of their time outdoors public. “trespass violation.” camping, hunting, shooting, With a professional background fishing, riding horses, and caring It was Saturday and even though I in land and wildlife conservation for their modest and sometimes live on Ranchito, I and everyone else and communications, James chaotic petting zoo comprised of were unable to respond to this major brings senior-level experience miniature horses, chickens, dogs, trespass violation until Monday. You to the East team to guide the and cats. would think it is just 1,900 acres; organization’s promotion of we should be able to easily find this its mission and to expand trespasser, grab the lead rope she is awareness about the cultural, still dragging attached to her halter, ecological, and economic benefits and bring her to justice. Not so. resulting from a strong private land stewardship ethic. Zane and Miguel searched from horseback on Monday and only He has spent his career found her tracks and the drag communicating the importance marks left by the trailing lead of land and wildlife conservation rope. The only cows we had in the on behalf of organizations pasture were four remnants left including Ducks Unlimited, the after the last gathering and she had National Wild Turkey Federation, hooked up with them, undoubtedly the Lower Colorado River learning their bad habits. I spent Authority, and the New Mexico at least a couple of hours the next Department of Game and Fish. few days looking for her and never He also has spent time in saw anything but tracks. She had the outdoor retail industry become one of the renegades. It was marketing for Cabela’s, Inc., quite embarrassing that we could and in the timber industry not find one white, halter broke managing and marketing a heifer named Sweet Pea. It would recreational leasing program for have been much more appropriate if the former real estate investment she were named Jezebel, She-Devil, or even Chaos. I was ready to name her Hamburger.

EASTFOUNDATION.NET 9 Friday rolled around. Zane, Timo, were in the area of the tied down Pea. I was running behind with just and Miguel were able to break free cow and since it was so late, they enough speed to keep them in sight. from their normal cowboy duties were going to release her. Timo and Miguel were running to and come look for Sweet Pea – here I returned to the pens and met get the horses that were already in is how Friday went. Timo. I noticed he was riding oddly, the trailer. I do not know how he did A norther had blown in early that and his horse had dirt all over its it but Zane held on, always about morning and it was raining off face. Timo said he had been running half a step from falling face first, and on and chilly. We spread out across an open area when the horse trying to get a wrap on anything he and started our first sweep across stepped in a hole and they went could as he went flying by. Finally, Ranchito, they being on horseback head over heels. Timo, who is near Sweet Pea ran into a mesquite and me on a UTV. After about 30 70 years old, said it only knocked thicket and slowed enough so Zane minutes, we ran across two of the his breath out for a while. He was could get some slack and get a wrap remnant cows. We were not really aggravated that his horse had run around his torso, sit back, and get on a mission to catch them, but they off and he had to walk a good way Sweet Pea turned and stopped. did not know that. to catch it. Luckily, neither were The posse arrived in the form of They took off running across the hurt, although I am not sure Timo Timo and Miguel on horseback. They pasture like the crazy nuts they are, would admit if he were. escorted Sweet Pea to the paddy towards an old raggedy fence that A little while later Zane and Miguel wagon. Zane proved that, even if is mostly laying on the ground. One arrived leading the uncooperative you are at the end of your rope, do of these stupid renegades chose to Sweet Pea. We put her in our not give up hope, keep trying and jump the fence in an area that was holding jail until the owners could eventually you will get enough slack still in fair condition. She got her get there to bail her out. Zane looked to get control of your situation. hind leg hung in it, fell on her side, a little scuffed. He said when he It was just another day for Zane, and could not get out. So now, we untied the cow she jumped up and Timo, and Miguel but I feel sure the had to get her out. We had no tools snorted, which is normal. After they owners of Sweet Pea appreciated and struggled to unwind the wire snort, they usually run off. This cow their efforts. I know East from her hoof. jumped up, snorted, and ran after Foundation appreciates it. Sweet Timo had a rope on her horns to Zane. Zane said he ran until he Pea was sentenced to probation and assist in holding the cow. He was on couldn’t run any more but she was rehabilitation, and is required to the opposite side of the fence from still after him. She knocked him wear a hock bracelet to monitor her the cow and us. We finally got the down, hooked, and trampled him a movements. Good luck at your next hoof out and she jumped up and ran little bit and then ran off. I guess she show Sweet Pea! off with the rope still on her horns. got even. Timo lost his dally. I was on my UTV Since Sweet Pea was now in custody, “horse” on the right side of the fence we upgraded this agressive cow to so I chased her until I could get a our most wanted list. Now we had tire on the rope she was dragging Sweet Pea incarcerated in her cell and get her stopped. The guys soon and the owners showed up to bail arrived and were able to heel her her out. We figured between three and tie her down. We decided after cowboys, a security guy and the all the trouble we may as well keep owners we could lead Sweet Pea into her. We left her tied down to pick up the trailer. We were wrong. later and continued our search for Zane had led her around in the stall Sweet Pea. and she seemed docile. We opened We crisscrossed all of Ranchito and the cell door; she saw freedom and still no Sweet Pea, so we started a she put the bad habits she learned second sweep across the ranch. I from the East Ranch renegades was searching in another portion of to immediate use. She put her the ranch when Zane called my cell head down and took off with Zane phone and advised he had caught holding on to about the last six Sweet Pea and was going to lead inches of lead rope. Zane is young her back with the horse to the pens. and strong, but with only six inches He also advised that he and Miguel of rope, there was no stopping Sweet

10 NOVEMBER 2020