Branding pen essentials
The brisk, cool morning air nips the tip of your nose and cheekbones as you admire the dark, glowing sky as the world is still very much at peace long before the anticipation of the hot sun will soon beat down on your branding crew. You take a deep breath in to soak in this monumental moment in every ranching business - branding season.
In efforts to keep a rancher’s processing time efficient as possible with a quick turn out, run through your branding essentials list that will be vital for your crew in order to crank out 400 calves all in a morning's work.
Primary branding tools:
The equipment for traditional brandings has changed little over the decades. Every ranch has their own preferred branding method and required materials. Let these tools serve as a reminder of what you may want to stock your own branding pen with this year.
Band registration
If this step is needed, don’t forget to register your brand! Check with your county or state livestock association on the legal requirements to follow when registering a brand.
Branding irons
Pack the branding irons first but, don’t forget what you’ll need to start your branding fire.
Herd ID
In addition to brands, many ranchers like to incorporate further ID methods like ear tags and notches. If you prefer to do it his, be sure to pack all those supplies as well! Keep in mind with ear tags, that many require certain
Needles and syringes
Unused needles and syringes are must-haves when administering your selected vaccine protocol along with the required vaccine coolers.
Vaccines, Vitamins, Etc.
Whatever brand you prefer, be sure to pack a cooler full of vaccines. Every operation differs, but if you want to give
A sharp knife
As simple as it may sound, a knife may be of need for simple tasks, but pack a dedicated knife for castration purposes if needed. Pack along a knife sharpener, too!
Good help
A good crew can make or break your success in the branding pen. You’ll need a crew that can rope, drag calves (or run them in the chute, if that’s your preference), give shots, and apply the brand. If you have a big set of calves, you may consider hiring extra crew members so they can rotate through different roles. If you are dragging calves, be sure you have plenty of good horses, too!
NutriGel Plus
Every calf represents a rancher’s life line. In today’s production agriculture, bottom lines struggle to maintain a profit with razor-thin margins. Every calf’s health and safety during branding is essential during this time.
NutriGel Plus is essential to replenish nutrients lost during stress in calves especially after the branding process is complete. With the necessary vitamins and minerals, it’s a protection for the calf’s health and ultimately, a rancher’s bottom line. Contact your Nutrition Plus representative today to order your NutriGel Plus for branding season!
Community
While the work may be intense and focused, it also comes with the united community of fellow ranchers enjoying an amazing lifestyle they are proud to be a part of. The laughter and jokes make light of the strenuous work each branding crew endures.
After the celebratory branding festivities have concluded, take note from each crew member of - what processes worked, what didn’t work, and what can be improved on for next season’s branding event. As ranchers, we are committed to perfecting animal welfare and livestock profitability each and every day.