Focus Updates - 2009 In Review & A Look Ahead to 2010

Again, a new year is approaching and the planning for 2010 is underway. As we look ahead, we also look back to see where we have been. Here are some thoughts about 2009.

• The winter snow pack was well above normal this year and filled our ponds and reservoir with adequate water. With an abundance of water and warm temperatures, the grass finally took off and was plentiful for our 1200 head of yearling heifers.
  
  
  
• Our spring was fairly typical….snow melting and water everywhere keeping the irrigators busy. Our mother cows began calving in early April and provided us with 31 healthy calves, which remained healthy until we sold all but 7 replacement heifers this fall.
  
  
  
• In June, we held our 2nd Yoga Week at the ranch. The 9 women from Denver enjoyed horseback riding and hiking. Yoga was offered twice, daily after the women returned from their activities of choice. The feedback was very positive so we will offer it again. Who would have thought that yoga and a ranch stay would be so complimentary!
  
  
  
• In July, Cliff Watts held his annual fly fishing clinic. We anxiously awaited his critique of the river restoration project we completed last fall. To refresh your memory, the work began in the middle of August and ended in mid- October, 2008. Ten structures-either cross veins or j-hooks were built on a 1.5 mile stretch of the river, requiring 110 tons of large rocks. The goals of the project included stabilization of the banks and improvement of the fish habitat. We were pleased to hear the positive comments from Cliff and the other pro fishermen who came throughout the season.
  
  
  
• The yearling cattle did quite well this summer. We were fortunate to have plenty of grass and water to keep them content. Shipping began in early August and ended in mid-September, encompassing 3 different shipping times according to the weight of the cattle. No need to elaborate on the economy and its impact on the cattle business….selling price was ok but not enough to make up for the expenses of buying and pasturing them. We were grateful to come out about even.
  
  
  
• The economy negatively affected the European traveler in 2009 and we along with everyone else in the guest business had to adjust to their absence. Most of our repeat guests planning to visit were successful. We had very few new bookings and so again we fit right in with the other guest ranches with a 40-50% decline in reservations. It is too soon to tell what will happen in 2010 but we remain optimistic and have begun making plans.
  
  
  
• In October, we hosted a men’s weekend religious retreat affiliated with the Catholic Church in Steamboat Springs. They also held a retreat here in 2008 and so it was wonderful to have them return. The weather was beautiful and allowed 18 men to enjoy the natural beauty that the ranch offers while tending to spiritual matters.
  
  
  
• Fall was short lived as far as weather goes but we managed to get the most critical work done before the subzero temperatures and snow became a hindrance. The cows were pregnancy tested and those not bred were shipped. We are pleased to announce that our 2 new Brown Swiss milk cow heifers are expecting! Horses had their shoes pulled and feet trimmed. Both cattle and horses are now at Kelly’s, 8 miles down the road, for the winter. Ditches have been overhauled and new ones made. The leaves from the cottonwoods have been raked.

A look ahead to 2010:

• We plan to run around the same number of yearlings as last year. The cattle from California will be trucked here in the spring.
  
  
  
• The river restoration project will continue as money is available to finish the remaining stretch (from the steak fry area to below the new bridge). This will be scheduled for sometime in the late summer or early fall.
  
  
  
• Planning for summer activities has begun but still in the early stages. Workshops/clinics that are being scheduled include: horseback riding & yoga week; fly fishing with Cliff Watts; photography with Karen Schulman; and birding. Details pending so check back to the website.

A year ago we fretted the uncertainty in the economy as the melt down was shaking up our financial institutions and impacting many lives. While the trickle down affect is still leaving its mark, we at least are hearing the word “recovery” more often than depression. We are grateful for this and with renewed optimism look forward to the 2010 season. We send all of you our best wishes for a peaceful, healthy holiday season and prosperous New Year. As always, we enjoy hearing from you and would enjoy even more, seeing you when the snow melts and the ground opens up.