Des Moines Golf & Country Club’s Post

We branded our last big groups of calves over the weekend, and I took a bit of a video of the gather the second morning. Gathering cows first thing has always been one of my favorite things to do--the air is cool, the horses are fresh, and it's a pretty way to start the day. As all of us were trotting out, I was reflecting that we don't always do things the most efficiently, but that efficiency isn't always the best measure. For instance, we likely could have gathered this pasture with four-wheelers, branded all these calves on a table and we would have needed a lot fewer people. So, why do we do it the way we do? (Here's your disclaimer that every ranch/farm is different, one method is not necessarily better than the other.) On many big ranches in the West, we often use horses because our cattle handle better with horses (they're not as gentle as cattle that live in smaller acreages, generally) and a lot of our country doesn't work for vehicles of any sort. For instance, if we tried to just use four-wheelers at headquarters in the mountains, we'd only be able to access a small portion of our grass and wouldn't be able to move cattle around or doctor them effectively. We also appreciate how quiet horses are vs. the roar of ATVs. So, while it may *seem* less efficient to use horses, it's actually the better choice for us to handle our cattle and steward our grass well. Branding-wise, it works much better for us to rope and drag than brand calves on a table or in the chute. Branding in a chute works great when they're weanlings or yearlings, but when they're calves, it's like herding cats that also weigh a couple hundred pounds and like to kick. Since we're lucky to have plenty of good ropers around, roping and dragging works the best for us. And there's also the social aspect--it's really fun to do stuff with friends! Getting a big crew together to gather and work cows has always been one of my favorite things, and while we could get by with fewer people, this is one time when we really don't need to, or want to. We had friends at this last branding that we haven't seen in over a year, and it was so, so lovely to catch up. TL;DR: Sometimes efficiency is the most important thing. Sometimes, what seems less efficient is actually more so. Sometimes, we don't give a hoot about efficiency and do things for enjoyment alone. Also, per the request on a previous video, I didn't put music over this one, so I hope you enjoy this little bit of ranchy ASMR. Also also, how cute is Wacey. He's 9, so too cool to be cute now, but it's so neat to do stuff like this with him.

The Hildebrandt’s starling is a vibrant species of starling found in the family Sturnidae. Here’s a summary of its characteristics: Distribution and Habitat: This bird is native to Kenya and Tanzania, thriving in open woodlands and thornbrush country at elevations between 500 and 2,200 meters Appearance: An adult Hildebrandt’s starling is about 18 cm in length and weighs between 50 to 69 grams. It boasts iridescent plumage with a blue head, bronze-green wings with blue primaries, and a glossy blue-green tail. The throat and upper breast are glossy purple, transitioning to orange-buff in the middle breast and upper belly, and finally to rufous on the lower belly. The iris is orange-red, complementing its black bill and legs Diet: Its diet consists mainly of insects and fruit, with a preference for beetles, grasshoppers, and flying termites. It also consumes seeds from various fruits Behavior: The Hildebrandt’s starling is known for its various calls and songs, including a distinctive slow, low “ch-rak ch-rak chee-chee-wee chee-wee rak rak rak” song. It also has an alarm call “chu-ee” and a contact call "chule"1. Breeding: It is a seasonal nester, with breeding seasons varying across regions but generally occurring between March to May and October to December in some parts of Kenya Conservation Status: The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not considered threatened at this time The Hildebrandt’s starling is a remarkable bird with a dazzling appearance and an interesting behavioral repertoire, making it a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and ornithologists alike. follow for more for inquiries and bookings visit our website https://lnkd.in/dMxKb5BK

Last year, I spent several days in the Highlands of Scotland, enjoying the glorious scenery, getting up close to reindeer, and encountering the occasional wild stag and Highland cattle. After posting some of the best images on social media (you always show the best side online), I ended up having a conversation with someone local to me who advised on where I could see Highland cattle much closer to home. This Sunday, looking for something to do, we decided to go cattle hunting. Our local farm shop has a few, but that felt like cheating. Just in case we didn't have a successful visit, we swung by the farm shop first, then made our way to Dartmoor. A few miles later, we stumbled across a small herd right by the side of the road. We hopped out, took a few pictures, and got back in the car. Not 100 yards down the road, we found another herd. Same routine. Back in the car, we headed to the location I had been advised to check. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to see any, as I had driven down this lane many times and had never seen a Highland cow. Around a corner we went, and there they were—a whole ranch worth of Highland cattle and wild horses. But what's this got to do with IT? Let's break it down into business terms. I visited a place I hadn't been before. I researched my trip, planned my route, and set a destination. After discussing my success with others, they shared their experiences and successes with me, and I learned new information I could use later. In business this could either be a new client, niche or even just an event you've attended. Before heading out on Sunday, I re-checked the information to ensure it was still current by revisiting the source and looking at other relevant information, such as social media posts about sightings in the same area. Maybe you've been looking at a new vendor, wouldn't you check that their product is still relevant or their pricing as agreed. There are lots of areas in business where you may revisit some information to make sure that you are upto date on the latest data To be certain, I also made sure to have a backup plan in case something went wrong. Nothing is 100% certain, and you are only as good as your response to your last mistake. Finally, something that I had done plenty of times, I had expected to get the same outcome. This time though, I wasn't just travelling down a road, I was actively looking for opportunity. I wasn't just zooming past, focusing what was directly Infront of me, I slowed down and took in the opportunity to look in directions that I would of normally missed and ignored. Business can be hard and lonely, so take time to get back to nature, spend time with loved ones, or do what you enjoy, because you can't get time back. Like any win though, we like to celebrate, so here is my win from the weekend.

In the Summer Issue, Modern Clubman takes a more adventurous tack than before, from the sights and attractions of Spokane, Washington to Brazilian barbecues. We also dive deep into the influence of Ernest Hemingway in fashion, *THE HISTORY OF MARKET DUCK HUNTING ON THE CHESAPEAKE BAY, the ins-and-outs of biking to work, the Great Books, the food, wine, gardening, and so much more. Check it out! This issue is jam-packed with contributors such as Cecil Cherry, Richy Harrod Michael Sullivan and others! https://lnkd.in/giC_xuzT

Introduction This video will take you on a journey from the heart of the forest to your dinner table. We'll explore the traditional skills of gathering firewood, catching fresh fish, and preparing a delicious meal using these natural resources. Section 1: Collecting Firewood Equipment: Show the necessary tools like an axe, saw, and a basket or backpack. Forest Exploration: Demonstrate how to choose the right kind of wood for burning, considering factors like dryness, hardness, and availability. Gathering Process: Show the steps involved in safely and responsibly collecting firewood, respecting the environment. Preparing the Firewood: Demonstrate how to cut and split the wood into appropriate sizes for burning. Section 2: Fishing Fishing Gear: Introduce the basic fishing equipment like a rod, reel, line, hooks, and bait. Choosing a Fishing Spot: Explain the factors to consider when selecting a suitable fishing location, such as water depth, current, and fish species. Casting and Baiting: Demonstrate the correct techniques for casting the line and attaching bait. Patience and Skill: Emphasize the importance of patience and observation while fishing. Landing the Catch: Show how to handle the fish carefully once it's caught. Section 3: Preparing the Catch Cleaning the Fish: Demonstrate the proper way to clean and scale the fish. Gutting the Fish: Show how to remove the internal organs carefully. Filleting the Fish: Explain the process of filleting the fish for cooking. Section 4: Cooking the Fish Building a Fire: Demonstrate how to build a campfire using the collected firewood. Cooking Methods: Explore different cooking methods like grilling, baking in foil, or cooking in a makeshift pot. Seasoning and Flavoring: Share ideas for seasoning and flavoring the fish, using herbs and spices found in the wild. Cooking Demonstration: Show the step-by-step process of cooking the fish over the campfire. Conclusion Enjoying the Meal: Highlight the satisfaction of enjoying a meal prepared from scratch using natural resources. Preserving Traditions: Emphasize the importance of preserving traditional skills and connecting with nature. Call to Action: Encourage viewers to try this experience for themselves, respecting the environment and practicing responsible outdoor activities. Additional Tips: Use high-quality visuals to capture the beauty of the forest and the excitement of fishing. Provide clear and concise instructions for each step. Consider adding background music that complements the natural setting. Offer safety tips for handling tools and equipment. Include information about local regulations and permits for fishing and gathering firewood. By following this outline, you can create an engaging and informative video that showcases the rewarding experience of living off the land.

1. Collecting timber in the forest Planning: Before you begin, research the forest area you plan to go to and check the local regulations for timber gathering. Make sure you have the necessary permits if needed. Tool Preparation: Bring the necessary tools such as a hand saw, axe, and protective gloves. Don't forget to bring a bucket or backpack to store the wood. Select Wood: Look for dead or broken branches, as they are drier and more flammable. Avoid cutting down live trees, as this can damage the ecosystem. Thu Go: Cut the wood into moderately short segments that are easy to carry. Make sure you only collect the necessary amount of wood and don't pollute the surrounding environment. 2. Fishing Choose a location: Learn about nearby fishing areas and choose a spot with plenty of fish. It is recommended to check the weather and water conditions for best results. Tool Preparation: Buy basic fishing gear such as fishing rods, fishing machines, fishing lines, and bait. It may be necessary to bring some additional accessories such as fishing hooks and lead beads. Sentence Technique: Learn basic fishing techniques such as throwing bait and pulling fish up. Be patient, as fishing sometimes takes time and skill. Fish Storage: Once you catch fish, store them by keeping them in cold water or freezing them if you can't process them right away. 3. Cooking Fish Fish preparation: Rinse the fish under cold water. If necessary, remove the bones and remove the organs. The fish can be cut into smaller portions for easy cooking. Select Cooking Method: There are many methods of cooking fish, including grilling, frying, or cooking soup. Depending on your personal preferences and available equipment, you can choose the right method. Seasoning and Seasoning: Use spices such as salt, pepper, lemon, and herbs to enhance the flavor of the fish. You can also add vegetables to make the dish richer. Cook the Fish: Heat the fish over medium heat, making sure the fish cooks evenly and does not burn. Monitor the cooking process so that the fish does not dry out. Enjoy: Once the fish is cooked, enjoy the dish together with friends or family. Don't forget to combine it with side dishes such as rice, salad, or grilled vegetables to enrich the meal.

17 Types of Wildflowers Every Home Gardener Should Know

🦋✂️ Pruning butterfly bushes is essential for keeping them healthy and vibrant! Check out our latest video tutorial to learn the best tips and tricks for pruning your butterfly bushes.  #GardeningTips #ButterflyBush #PruningTips

The best part about this time of year? How many different kinds of leaves there are. #illustration #illustrator #botany #botanicals #leaves #nature #gardening #trees #art #digitalart #digitalillustration #digitalillustrator #parks #outdoors #camping

Gardening teaches patience, vision, and the value of nurturing growth—key skills for effective management. Embrace the lessons of tending a garden to cultivate a thriving team, make tough decisions, and celebrate successes. How can you apply gardening principles to grow as a leader? #LeadershipGrowth #TeamDevelopment #PatienceAndVision #CultivatingSuccess