This part can be dangerous, because he is not going to lie there willingly. For a few moments he is all thrashing hooves and kicking legs, squirming in a futile attempt to get free. It takes two or three strong individuals to hold him down. It's really unpleasant for him, I'm sure, but it's quick. These ranchers do understand that it is in the best interest of all to minimize his stress as much as possible. It's hard physical work - the day to day reality of ranching life...
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© James R. Page - all rights reserved.
Tags: ranch ranching ranch life cowboy calf cows cattle horse roping branding prairie near Val Marie Saskatchewan Canada
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There is certainly some stress. It can't be helped. After these three or four unpleasant minutes, he will get to eat grass all summer, and that is all he will be interested in. After that, of course, it gets even more unpleasant for him. If we're going to eat meat, I think we should be prepared to look him in the eye. Steaks and burgers do not begin life as shrink wrapped packages. Photographed at a community branding on a ranch near Val Marie, Saskatchewan.
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Tags: ranching cattle cow calf square branding roping ranch life prairie near Val Marie Saskatchewan Canada
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Photographically it was a lot like shooting a sports event where you are unfamiliar with the game's rules. It was difficult - especially at first - to anticipate what would happen next. After a while patterns began to emerge from the chaos. I knew this rider would come charging by close to the wall, and positioned myself strategically. All of these photos were made from the safe zone, just outside the corral fence...
Photographed at Rosefield, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2006 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
Tags: cattle branding roping prairie ranch ranching beef Black Angus cow horse cowboy saddle riding corral roundup grassland Saskatchewan Canada
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This is a dangerous moment when you can take a kick from the unhappy calf that doesn't want to get wrestled down. These guys, of course, are good at it - this is their job, their livelihood - and don't often get hurt. A working cattle ranch near Val Marie, Saskatchewan.
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Tags: ranch ranching branding cows calves cowboy wild west prairie near Val Marie Saskatchewan Canada square 4tografie
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A border collie named Duke really wants to go to work. His owner is reassuring and calming him. Near Val Marie, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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Tags: Border Collie dog working dog steer cattle cow pasture green prairie ranch near Val Marie Saskatchewan Canada
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