Sale Day 2020 - Calves go to Auction

After 90 extra days of no pay on the ranch, its time to get the one paycheck of the year and take calves to auction. We look at the cattle auction, loading, unloading and the process and find out if a big gamble paid off.
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Our Wyoming Life
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Join us on our journey as we leave a life in corporate america to come back to Wyoming and help on the family ranch.
Our Wyoming Life features our Wyoming ranch and our ranch family. Giving you a look into the workings of ranching from raising cattle to raising and harvesting crops. Erin will join you weekly out of the garden, showing you how she helps provide for our family through growing produce and selling at local farmers markets, and Mike will take you along as he tends to the animals and land of ranch, from calving to fencing to planting and harvesting hay.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you all for coming along with us for another year on the ranch. 2020 will be a year of new adventures and we are so happy to have you along with us. If you would like to take home a piece of the ranch, check out our jerky selection, raised right her on the ranch, just for you ourwyominglife.com/product-category/jerky/ Thank you!

[@mickoostingh5777]

Our Wyoming Life do you send beef jerky to the Nederlands

[@williamorr5102]

Does your USDA processor cure, smoke and package your jerky for you to then sell or do you have another third party create the jerky for you (separate from the USDA processor)? I'm not sure on your laws in Wyoming but I'm considering creating value added products with my beef in Alabama.

[@williamorr5102]

I enjoy the videos by the way. Keep them coming. It's nice to see farmers telling it like it is especially with the war on Beef going on right now from consumer advocacy groups and our own USDA selling us out the American Rancher to the Multi-National Corporations.

[@lloydholt324]

I have a lot of respect for what you do dau every god bless you and your family

[@lloydholt324]

Every day

[@stewartstewart2693]

I fill your pain friend. I to am a small business man. Every year it seem harder to pay all the bills. I’m in construction, I love what I do just like you love what you do on the ranch. In 08 I lost my wife of 22 years then I lost everything I owned. At 48 I was starting over. My 12 year old daughter came to me and said, I need you to be strong for me Daddy. Then the wind blow my sail open in my heart. It was not about what I lost , but what I still have. It like a reset button just got pushed. Going forward regardless of what life throws at you. I know my late wife is In Jesus hands. A far better place then here. Almost 12 years have past and my daughter is married and I found love again. God said I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you , to give you a future and a hope. Don’t let someone take your joy and hope from you. Remember life is more then gain, its who you share the life with that makes it worth living. Your place is amazing. Handed down from a good man who believed in you. What a blessing you must have been to your father-in-law.

[@ronaldsmith871]

Stewart Campbell I do believe you my have just changed my life’s direction.

[@Yourplumbingsolution]

I am with Ronald you just changed my lifes derection as well and I am pushing the reset button

[@meanwhileatrussellranch9986]

Trying to read through the end with tears in my eyes. Powerful words, my friend!!!

[@mopeman440]

😍

[@TheSnakeman3]

Very well felt and said. Thanks.

[@markgundry9331]

That was the most polite "pissed off" I've seen.

[@OurWyomingLife]

It’s amazing what a camera in your face will do. You should have been in the car on the way home. :) -Mike

[@WaterburnerActual]

Lol... Agree. But you could see his jaws were tight! Take Care

[@arvilpollard7026]

Lol!!!

[@FOMAHsince2014]

Wonder how many unloaded AFTER he did, but sold a lot earlier than he did. We see this in our area all the dang time.

[@arvilpollard7026]

Sadly, even farming and ranching have become a popularity contest.... The more people you hang out with, or kiss up to, the better you get treated at everyday functions. I've noticed regular folk get passed over in line at feed stores and auctions many times when a "Big spender" (large operation) walk in the room. I've seen them tell a small farmer they are sold out of a certain item, then overhear them tell another person they held some back in case they needed it. Not all people do these things, but there are plenty who do. Never thought farming and ranching would follow the same path as politicians and Hollywood types.

[@SonneFarms]

This is one of the very few videos out there that show the large amount of stress and the importance of sale day. I hope many people outside of the farming/ranching community see this video so they can learn what farming is like. Great video Mike!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much!!!!

[@xoangeles7251]

I'm a 23 year old biracial woman with a bachelor's in computer science living in Cincinnati. I've never felt so inspired by your lifestyle. This is genius what you and your family have done to honor your father in law. The land in Wyoming is beautiful. I wish you all the best and I'm happy to have found this channel. Stay well and stay strong.

[@nicolewilkin4696]

​OWL - as a former farm/ranch kid -Massive thank you - for showing actual day to day farm life & creating a bridge between farmers and so many-non-farmers with your videos, commentary and unique perspective.

[@keithtowles4550]

My sentiments exactly!

[@marvinmiller66]

Mike hang in there you will survive

[@OurWyomingLife]

Your welcome, and Thank You for watching Nicole Wilkin. -Mike

[@ronnchase4872]

Want a know what I like the most about your channel? Your honesty and the matter of fact way you show us ranching. More of us (City slickers) need to know how our meat gets to the grocery and the hardships of the rancher along that journey. Thanks, good luck this year I’m riding along side you all the way.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks Ronn!! - Mike

[@sawdustandsweat1750]

Mike I am a dairy farmer. I can appreciate your struggles sir. Keep your head up. It will all work out

[@jbweld6193]

Kudos to you sir. Dairy farming seems like the most difficult type of operation out there. No rest, ever. I dont know how you guys do it!

[@stephendunford3430]

Hey partner I feel ya pain. 4th generation dairy farmer here. Milking 350 holsteins in Va. There is a small beacon of light at the end of the tunnel for milk prices but it dim. But we keep going. United we farm partner

[@sawdustandsweat1750]

@@stephendunford3430 it's rough. Actually looking into processing my milk and selling it local

[@woolybuck6852]

You hit the nail on the head when you said "and someone is making to much money somewhere else" cause it's sure not going into my pocket. My moto has always been "share the wealth". Cheers....

[@jimsgardensandrabbitry]

I pent many years managing dairy farms here in the great state of Maine. I saw many government restrictions, increase of grain cost, increase of fuel, parts, insurance, milk transport cost increased, yet the base price for milk was the same in the early 2000s as it was in the late 70s. There is a problem with that picture and I saw many a farm sell out and now lies barns deteriorating, fields that used to produce timothy and clover hay and corn are growing ragweed, wild apple and poplar trees. My hats off to you and your family for not giving up. There are ways to keep going, but you have to look beyond traditions. I gladly will support your channel here and my prayers are with you. Love and blessings, Jim

[@dazie1245]

That's exactly how government wiped out farming threwout America in late 70s early 80s I don't remember the exact year but it didn't take long = farmer's either singed up to go corporate or got whipped out = I know a few that just shut down there farms & got job's in town but most of us had to move to town cuz of gas prices LOL town folk still don't like my country ways they think my burn barrel attracts mice LOL

[@jimsgardensandrabbitry]

@@dazie1245 Remember the dairy cow buy out the government did? What a disaster that was.

[@user-bm8vc6bu8n]

Brother... you got a whole family in Upstate New York willing to come give ya hand any time. Our family been up and down that windy road. You're honorable and I hope you never feel like you have failed. I had the worst season ever, this yr. 3 of us in the hospital one with cancer. Thinned the herd to get through. But... it's going to be ok. Cause everyone is doing good now and this yr we can shift gears and get going again. Y'all done good starting this KZbin page. Key to success - make money while you're sleeping. Online sales do just that. Thank you and your family for making our days a little better with your videos. Here's to a great 2020.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much. Appreciate it

[@Joesfosterdogs]

GREAT data...never knew a calf could lose THAT much wait in a day!!! WOW...this is a great reality check to dreamers...you're in the game! Wisdom...RIP Gilbert. God bless...prayer to you and your family.

[@manuelborralloalcaide2119]

Hi Mike, I fully understand your situation as a farmer since the same thing happens to me. I follow several farmers in other countries and we are all in the same situation, there is a world market of speculators who become millionaires with the misfortunes and work of all farmers. It is a huge problem worldwide since there is no union between farmers, we are satisfied with the alms given by all those intermediaries associated with certain politicians who only look at their bank account despising the rural world. We need more union between farmers and to show the citizen that we are the ones who really supply the markets. Cheer up and good luck by 2020. Greetings from a farmer in southern Spain.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much. A union would help.

[@jmschoba]

Well, to help ease the pain of the sale, i watched the 1:30 worth of ads! Always enjoy the videos and checkins, keep it up Mike & Erin.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks for sitting thru the ads JimShu1989. Glad you enjoy the videos.- Mike

[@arvilpollard7026]

I understand your frustrations with the sale barns. Many times I have waited up to 10 hours for my cattle to go thru the sale, yet at the same time watch somebody else's go straight from the truck to the sales ring. I guess it pays to be buddies with the auctioneer!!! Keep fighting the good fight! I'm sure Gilbert is proud of you and your family. Most people these days don't keep their promises past the funeral! I admire the way you not only keep your word, but bend over backwards against all odds to honor Gilbert, the ranch and your way of life. God bless and good luck moving forward.

[@FOMAHsince2014]

I feel like we get this deal every damn time we take cattle. We can drop them off the evening before and STILL be in the last 10 to go through.

[@davehughesfarm7983]

In Missouri we are lucky to have lots and lots of options..St.Joe stockyards for example still has has 5 commission company's that rotate weekly...And I am buddies with the local barn that has just as good of prices as anywhere in the heartland..,,,,Good luck 2020

[@tonywoolums9673]

Just order some jerky and beef sticks from Kentucky! My way of saying thanks for your channel and the honest way you present the ranching lifestyle! I can’t imagine the many challenges that you don’t show! Keep reinventing the wheel in honor of Gilbert!

[@munenex]

Hello Mike and the OWL family. You made me start appreciating cows. I was at my moms during Christmas and assisted with the cows. It felt so rewarding.

[@jamesjohnson5640]

Just got the chance to watch this one. I feel your pain. I grew up in the seventies on a livestock and grain farm in Minnesota. Wanted to be a cowboy/ farmer all the time growing up. Then my father passed and the early eighties were terrible for both industries. Even with family and freinds help there was no profit. So sold the cattle, hogs and equipment. Paid off the loans and finished school. Went into the service and did 22 years. But each time I watch your videos it reminds me how much I loved it and miss it. Keep plugging away. You're doing things right and your kids will be better for. As well as you two. It makes a family grow closer and stronger. Jim

[@davidgonzales7255]

Mike, please do not get discouraged. You and you family are doing a great job. As a rancher myself, we have good years and bad years. Yes it seem like we have more bad years than good years but like my grandfather said. It a challenge we can't run from. Keep you head up and keep moving forward.

[@ivanparks7345]

Farming and ranching it's not about the money it's about the love of the fruit of your labor you Produce

[@ranchlifelogic1991]

Mike, I understand exactly where you are as I ranch myself. I’ve tried several new approaches and it seems to be getting more difficult each year. Hopefully we can all make it.

[@WPRJersey]

I have a friend who I work with who constantly asks the question, "So what have you learned?" I think as long as there is an answer to that you can move forward in the right directions. The past year I've been following you I've seen you learn more and more. Your going in the right direction because it's a forward direction. 2020 will be even better and you will learn more for 2021, 2022, and so on. Keep faith, keep positive, and learn something every day.

[@geofftaylor934]

My Jerky and Coffee Cup arrived the other day...I LOVE IT!!! thank you for what you do and I am proud to offer any support that you may need!!! Loved the jerky by the way...good stuff!!!

[@claney61]

I grew up a farm girl and I have always wanted a ranch but problems with my health have made that a dream that won't come true but you guys definitely deserve a pat on the back for the way you do things good job

[@CashisKingtrucking]

Thank you and all the other ranchers and Farmers out there

[@lynnroberge1886]

You really make me proud to come from a family of farmers.

[@garyzehr4445]

Hi Mike, I haven't commented I awhile but still watch all your videos. Started when you were at 2000 subs and you have grown fantastic! The changes in the ranch are amazing. Few years ago when I was still farming I sold cull dairy cow's and would get 1.40/lb on a 1300/lb animal it's a nice check. Not anymore so I know how it goes. You're pretty diversified so keep your head up and plug along things will work out. Biggest thing is to watch out for the emenies oops enemies!!!!! Thank you for your time and experience on your ranch!!!!!!

[@bradatkeisson2583]

Mike keep on, keeping on. As long as you can pay the bill's, the value of the experiences with your own family, kids specifically, will see you through the lean times. The farming and ranching lifestyle is a marathon, not a sprint and there is no finish line... but it sure is one hell of a ride!! You can't really measure the successes, it's a feeling of personal pride we all cherish.

[@JeepTJ1999]

What an AWESOME video in a weird way. Awesome in the fact that you raised awareness to supporting local farmers & ranchers. I have seen this with my grandfather, uncles, & other family members time & time again. My uncle Ray sold his dairy cows & went to beef about 5-6 years ago due to the huge dairies putting small dairies out of business. Thank you for raising awareness. I pray that many take this seriously.

[@edwardkesock216]

Just found your site I live in northern Virginia 30 miles south of D.C looks like a hard life but a beautiful life thumbs up buddy

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much Edward!

[@alittletexasingeorgia]

As with most things when you try to live off the land, you will never get rich in the bank. But in the long run, your soul gets richer and your feet get attached to the land. But it is always the farmer or rancher that thinks ahead and does it differently that seems to always get ahead. Good luck with the ranch and never settle with just getting by.

[@joeybeasley4741]

Just found YOUR channel few weeks ago AND i am addicted! THANK YOU and YOUR family FOR WAT y'all do AND GOOD LUCK IN 2020 And ther is NO doubt YOU'LL KEEP this ranch FOR future generations! GBU

[@thefishtankguy5066]

this episode brought tears to my eyes

[@kimmcdougal827]

Love your commitment and the integrity of your family ! 🤠

[@artbingham5738]

Keep working and moving forward! It's not the distance you cover but the direction your headed.

[@danielsmith4090]

I never would have thought about calves losing weight on the way to auction, costing you money. God bless you, Mike & the ranch.

[@mruthcowboy4991]

Hey Mike, Thanks for the fighting spirit. Ive always believed and practice buying local. For what it’s worth, A bad day ranching has to be better than a good day in the office. “Keep your stick on the ice, I’m pulling for you, we’re all I’m this together”- Red Green

[@kathymedlin2073]

Yall are America's backbone!! Don't ever give up and let big business ruin it for everyone...nothing like grass fed, grain finished beef from the family farms! Great job Mike and family, keep up the excellent work!

[@Isablanca]

Great video! We buy(in the Netherlands) our chicken, cheese, milk and eggs from local farmers. We do not often eat cow/pig meat. But when we do we also buy them from local farmers. Our veggies we grow our self, in our garden en in the garden of my partner his parents. Always nice to see this series

[@keepinitcountry4401]

You're a good man Mike, and you have a wonderful partner in Erin. Keep hangin' tuff my friend, I wish you and your family good health & great fortune. -from a West TX fan of your vlog 👍

[@mattsteitzer1457]

You are the spirit of our great country...thanks for sharing this with us.

[@aaronia1]

Keep your chin up bud. I support my local farmers when I buy meat, and I will encourage others to do so.

[@jaclynnarwold864]

Welcome back, Mike and Erin! Hope you had a great vacation! Another great video. I haven't found a local farmer from whom to get my meat, since we moved to Ohio (south of Columbus). If any of your subscribers farm around here. please let me know.

[@Iseeuandwatch79]

Love this format and the whole family was in this one. Plus your wife gave her insight and feels. That was very good.

[@janepecor5155]

Welcome back to the new year. Thank you for being honest and getting your thoughts and views out to the public thru KZbin. The farmers and ranchers are about the biggest gamblers of all. My husband was once asked to go to Las Vegas for a weekend with some guy friends. He told them no that he gambled every day, he didnt need to leave home to do it. Buying seed and fertilizer and spreading it on the fields was his gamble. Sometimes we won a little a couple times we won a lot, but most of the time it was a lose or break even deal. We stuck with it until he had to retire because of health problems. Good luck in 2020 and keep spreading the word.

[@marknasatka1891]

Good to have you back. Keep fighting. We need to get a movement going to end big business control of our food supply.

[@ernestdougherty3162]

Damn welcome to 2020 on the ranch on our Wyoming life are great Channel I'm glad I'm here for another year you had me emotional Mike I'm pissed and I'm not even a farmer anymore but I do support support my local farmers we don't buy beef or anything from Walmart I've never liked Walmart and never will buy a few clothes from there but that's about it keep up the great work

[@14Marathons]

Thanks again, Mike for an excellent video and for your channels. I feel for you and your wife...Ranching/farming is a tough business. Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and trying to keep it going (and keeping your father in law's wish alive, through diversification, etc... I appreciate your honesty, and I can understand the frustration and disappointment after so much hard work...I wish you and your family nothing but the best...God bless!

[@sergiomarin1793]

Something thatd helps a calf to gain weight faster In the winter is to keep them under a roof. They spend a lot less energy staying warm

[@MichaelSmith-hs5iu]

Buildings cost money to erect and then you pay taxes on them. Plus buildings make work, which has to be done by labor, then that too has to be paid for. There is no easy solution for the farmer.

[@jeremyprovence4942]

Thanks for your promise, I want to eat tomorrow, and big Ag. doesn't care, smaller producers are where it's at. What I hear from you is poetry, thanks.

[@dochaulerday34]

Amen. Your channel is great. Keep on keeping on. Your passion is an inspiration.

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

Mike, You, and Erin have done an amazing job on the Ranch. Your FIL would be proud!!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks Sandy!

[@davidsmith6762]

We wish you could be there to help! We will support local farmers and ranchers more because of your influence and shared information. I don't know the solution, but I do know you have to take every day and run with it...squeeze every moment out of it and for sure, spend time with your beautiful family! We'll be watching and try to give you more direct support thru your webstore.

[@stevemccoy8138]

Hi Mike, Maybe you should check out selling the calves on the video sale, weigh them at the ranch,buyer is responsible for the transportation. Really Good video. Have a great 2020! Thanks.🐂

[@SMiller5488]

He looked into it, I still think that is the direction he needs to go but needs to find the right service, a lot of new services coming online so only a matter of time before he finds a good fit. Selling at the market sucks and should be used as last resort.

[@nebraskafarmer9015]

Video auction is a good way to sell your calves. The buyer likes it because the calves aren't stressed at the sale barn and they aren't mixed with other cattle at the sale barn. You got a good price for your calves though. You may want to pre-condition your calves for thirty days next fall. Pre-conditioned calves usually bring more money. We'll get rich next year, right?

[@carloswhitmer9439]

Thank you for the video and showing what real life is like on a ranch. I have a small operation and watching what you guys are going through really helps us out to get the most out of it.

[@benreiling1092]

Mike you folks need to keep it going for the family stay positive

[@roberto.peterson9917]

Lived it growing up until graduation and getting married started family life happens Joined the Navy (Sea Bees) as i needed to support family I eventually had career away from farm and ranch life missing each and every day Now retirement still missing ranh and farm have many memories about good old days

[@tiffanyguynn8852]

I have my calves still. Hopefully going next week! New ones on the ground now!

[@antongorillo7715]

Mike your life and your journey are an inspiration. "Hobby Farming" may be the next Great Adventure" in my life. Till then I look forward to following your adventures. I live in Northern California in a County trying to change its name to "Jefferson State". Thank you for sharing.

[@jwedel1777]

Mike, you're doing awesome, keep it up! I deal with about the same amount of cows that you have, and we always keep the calves and turn them out to get bigger after they get weaned. All other things being equal, a long time weaned calf will bring a premium amount vs a freshly weaned calf. Also, figure out who buys your cattle at the sale barn and sell directly to the buyer! My dad is a cattle buyer and he does it quite often. Saves stress on the calves, plus the sale barn won't be able to take $20/hd commission on every one of your calves!

[@crazychickenladyhomestead6918]

You guys will figure it out!!! Keep experimenting! I'm sorry this one didn't work out as planned. BUT, you and Erin are strong and will find a way ❤❤❤

[@carlwood5469]

Well said Mike--you stated very clearly the struggles us ranchers face--as well as why we continue on. Thank You

[@UllahMohd]

Incredible story! I've deep respect for you! All my best wishes are with you and your family! Keep pushing! One day, you will shine and make your loving dad-in-law proud in heaven! ❤ from Bangladesh!

[@rockyrunangusranch-wieszracing]

Great Video Mike! I feel your pain, we just sold our calves also with the same identical outcome of frustration. I guess all we can do is dig our heels in and push forward looking for ways to make ends meet. Best of luck to you and your family in 2020, I look forward to following along.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much, its frustrating, thats for sure. - Mike

[@flytarget45]

Glad your back! Crazing how much is lost just waiting for the auction.

[@Beaverslayer84]

Hey buddy u all do great love your videos. Am proud of ya all do what ya do . I understand how hard it is . Till u loss it. I miss it so much. I hope some day I can get back to it. It's a drive like no other . Threw thick and thin . Thanks brother. . And keep that faith.

[@wykeishacraft6820]

Happy New year to you and your lovely family. I'm happy to see you and your family again with that beautiful ranch those beautiful animals. Happy New year

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you so very much - Mike

[@sandibeu2259]

I'm all caught up on your videos! Don't think I've seen every single one but I know what's going on 😁. Y'all inspire me, I'm not a farmer or rancher but I really enjoy your videos. You always have a message that can be applied to all lifes adventures regardless what we do. Love your drone shots, I'd miss all our trees (Washington State). I hope y'all have a blessed 2020!

[@dazie1245]

Ya I'm in Oregon & packing to move to Wyoming = I'm wining every step about losing the Oregon trees & weather = my garden is still growing

[@kenbryant2570]

I understand what you go though to make your ranch work. Blood, Sweat and Tears is only part of it. The rest of it is making smart decisions. I am very honored to follow along with your day to day work to keep the ranch going. I will be with you though out the new year. Hoping for the best for you and your family Mike.

[@Californiansurfer]

I respect what you do. Man, its a lot of work. I work in Midwest which my friends told me about your website they think it’s easy. Wait till you feel the cold and the hardship of caring for your animals and having water and shelter etccc. I respect your work ethic.. Downey California

[@terribethreed8464]

Hi! From Merced CA. I was raised in Tuolumne County & my step family were ranchers & had apple orchards. I'm 66 & disabled now & I miss it so much. Watching OWL is my way of staying involved even if only via watching on my phone lol. Nice to see another person from CA.

[@candicechristensen1753]

Great video. It was a very good aid to help me explain some of the problems with our food systems in America. 👍👍 Good luck this year.

[@davehughesfarm7983]

You have a great set up when it comes to your lots, gates, alleyways, chutes, load outs and paddocks .... By the way I boycotted Wal-Mart a year and a half ago...They bought out a small dairy co-op in Kentucky and it ran about 70 small dairies out of business.....That was it for me..

[@judy3460]

God bless you guys for what you do. And yes supporting local ranchers is the best!!

[@enjoyingretirement4846]

Congratulations Mike, You did it! You stepped out and tried something different and learned you do not have to be a follower. It had to be hard but you did it and will do it again to survive. That was what America was built on, hard work and hard decisions, Way to go my fellow American.

[@redcossack245]

Great video. You nail the problem, hands down. It's the entire food industry, as you have pointed out very astutely ... So what is the solution? Wyoming PBS has a great series Food to Fork that goes into this as well. Perhaps part of the solution is there ... :)

[@WaterburnerActual]

Outsquisite OWL Family! I don't do business at WM. They're so cuthroat. Thanks and see ya on...

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks! - Mike

[@azgoprocowboy]

700lb steers are bringing $1.50 plus here in AZ. Were selling steers and holding back heifers hoping they will bring more in the future. Hopefully this China deal will be better for the beef market...

[@ResidentEngineer1]

So happy to see OWL back. Missed you guys and the videos a lot. Great video, so we’ll done, like you’re watching a television show. Can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for the Gillette family.

[@larrychristensen2398]

Thanks for letting me ride along! My calves go next month.

[@MarkTrombly]

Best video yet. It was so nice to see Erin featured in this video. I also really appreciate your recap of your challenges and how things have changed and continue to change on the ranch. Thanks so much for all that you do.

[@marciaartherholt4375]

Thank you for hanging in there! You & your Family are the “BACKBONE” of the Greatest Nation on the face of this Earth! How many Children can claim that they live off the land? That: “THEY & THEIR FAMILIES ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN THEMSELVES?” And that, in itself is YOUR LEGACY. We humbly THANK YOU........MDA (1-14-‘20)

[@georgehebert5681]

Glad to see y'all back in 2020. We missed y'all. Good luck this year. I pray for a prosperous year for you. George from Louisiana.

[@mopeman440]

Happy you guys are back, and I wish you best of luck this coming year! And too think I want to get cattle to add to my little farm!

[@susan3302]

Mike your mil should watch this video you have done an amazing job keeping up the Ranch

[@davidmcguire8093]

Mike, you have such a great work ethic. You inspire me to do more. It may not have worked out like you hoped but I know that you will make some adjustments that will improve your bottom line next year.

[@trcattle2797]

Great Video... I wish you and your family the best this year in all you do...

[@gryhze]

You've got to be a little pissed off to succeed! Your videos have caused me to look at the meat packaging labels at chain stores, COSTCO, and small independent. It's caused me to talk to the butcher behind the counter of an small neighborhood store that's also struggling. Your videos have caused me to look at the tit-for-tat effects of tariffs. Mike, you've made me a more informed and appreciative consumer.

[@amandabilger2235]

It is good that you look at the meat packaging label but there is a problem with that. Not all meat that is labeled product of the U.S.A. is actually American. Let me explain. Back in 2015 the C.O.O.L. (Country of Origin Labeling) was repealed. Because of that the big 4 packers, who basically have the market cornered, can bring in foreign meat, repackage it, and label it a product of the U.S.A.. I know it doesn't sound right, I agree, but it is legal and it is done all of the time. Just because it is labeled product of the U.S.A. doesn't mean that it was born and raised here.

[@davidgay2679]

Awesome first video of 2020, really enjoyed it

[@mikebonge7206]

you do a good job,,, Praying for you and the family,, love how u know exactly where ever penny is spent

[@keithkaden9321]

I feel right with you as a first generation farm/rancher it's tuff. I lost most to all of my pasture this last spring and had to sell most of my herd off I have a few cows left and I am starting to rebuild with my wife by my side I know that I will get there it just takes time. Keep keeping on and looking up may Jesus be with you and God bless.

[@ldtenenoff]

So its 1/19/2020 just bumped into you friday ur video the had hurt its left leg,then got it stuck in the gate i think my reply was wow. today the same wow. we r here in southeastern north carolina its so different in many ways.anyway thank u fer ur time and honesty muchly apprciated.peace

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you!

[@martybernier9313]

I've been watching some of your videos for a few nights now. My wife and I started dating in 1979. Her dad was a self employed auto mechanic with a good cliental. Also he worked a 5.5 acre apple orchard that was established by his father in the early 1900's. In 1980 due to situations in my home, I move in with, then my future in-laws. Since then he taught me how to grow apples, peaches and pears. Through the years with the development of Intergrated Pest Management and new chemicals he and I learned and changed the norms of how things were to be done. The wife and I chose to follow different paths and careers but stayed close by to help out when we could with the orchard. To this day I still don't know how he managed it all, working 6 days a week turning a wrench and all day Sunday in the field. He passed away 6 years ago leaving my wife and I the orchard. It pains me to say that I have not been able to keep up with it. As you know, farming is a strenuous battle, and it bugs the hell out of you when someone tries to beat you down on price when you know what goes into the work. I know how you feel when you say you are pissed. I feel the same way for you. Tomorrow is a new day with good and bad. Keep it up.

[@kylemitchell1576]

Love the trucking and sale barn videos the best!

[@adamhiday9822]

To get ahead selling beef you need to find a niche and then think way outside the box to figure out how to fill it. My hat is off to you, from a Michigan beef and dairy farmer.

[@deannamoreton8253]

Bless Gilbert....hope 2020 is successful for u, have missed u both look forward to seeing ur video's xxx

[@mas300]

Stay in it yall n know u have ppl who care.. yur words are true n yur in my prayers...love to see how you are with yur live stock....if i could buy mymears from yas i would...keep the videos coming n give love to yur fam...

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much!!

[@richardheinen1126]

I was lucky enough to ride with a friend of mine to the National City(East St Louis) stockyards to sell a trailer load of hogs once. The whole “auction” was a scam. The buyer and my buddy had agreed on a price days before. So they get to the pen where his hogs were. The auctioneer starts the bidding. The only buyer that raised his hand was the buyer my buddy dealt with. The hogs sold for exactly the price that had been agreed upon and the auctioneer and buyers moved to the next pen. Darndest thing I ever saw!

[@sfc334]

Stay prayed up and go get 'em Kid!

[@194853DodgeTrucks]

Seems most folk start out with a small herd and work their way up. You took on a large family ranch and seem to be expected to succeed without fail. No one could do that in ranching, just like no one could do that in radio. You have a broadcasting background along with your wife, seems that its only natural that you would "do what you know" to help you learn something new. I see it in movies all the time, the guy with the off beat talent, or "goofy" hobby steps in to the "save the day" in a real world situation. You've applied your love of "audio" to the world of ranching. I love this channel. Ranching is unforgiving, but so is everything else. Count your blessings and hug your family while they still call the ranch home. My sons are on the opposite sides of the country and my daughters are north and south....just me and my wife running the place now. I just remember... its money that makes me laugh but its family that makes me smile. .......Good Luck to you my friend, you have my support!

[@DoubleDogDare54]

A dairy farm right behind where I live faced the same sort of problem you are facing 30 years ago when the factory dairies were taking over. While they were wondering what to do, their kids started a little vegetable roadside stand. They sold fresh produce out of a stand made of timber and plywood. They had a scale, plastic bags, a cash box, and if the kids were busy they just put out a wooden box with a slot in the top and put it on the honor system. Went over pretty well, so they enlarged the stand. Then the stand turned into a pole barn. A parking lot got added. From there it went to fresh sweet corn, to pick your own whatevers. Hay rides got added, then music on weekends, Christian worship services on Sundays. They planted an apple orchard a couple of years ago and the place is jumping from April to Christmas, then they shut down for the winter. They still have a few moo cows around for ambience, but the rest of the property is completely turned over to fresh produce and entertainment. It has gone over so big another former dairy farm on the other side of town did the same thing and they are going great guns as well. So, you are correct - diversify. I don't know how close you are to towns of any size, but around here a lot of farmers do farmers markets as well. Very popular and they bring in cash money every week.