Welcome to the Ranch!

Kids of Cross Creek Cattle Company

Most people do not live in rural areas anymore.  A complete switch has taken place.  More people now live in urban areas.  Living in the country has its advantages.  It also has disadvantages.  Like everything in life, you have to weigh both.

My five children have lived on Cross Creek Cattle Company for most if not all of their lives.  They have chores that most kids their age do not have.  They take turns milking our goats.  They feed our chickens, sheep, goats, rabbits, dogs, and cats.  They can grow and harvest vegetables.  They can catch and clean a fish.  They can work cattle.  Depending on their ages, my children are either quite experienced in these areas or they are in training.

All of them are raised to avoid cow patties as they stroll through the pasture.  They know to watch for snakes.  They know where the barbed wire fences are even if the sun makes the wires seem invisible.  They can identify poison ivy regardless of the season.

When people visit the ranch, they are quickly given a crash course in the potential hazards.  Likewise when we travel to urban areas, my children receive a much different training.  Don’t talk to strangers.  Look both ways before crossing the street.

I thought it would be interesting to hear from my children today.  I asked each of them, “What is your favorite thing about living on a ranch?”  The following are their answers.

Clayton said, “I love hunting deer in December.”  He is a great shot.  Clayton also loves observing the plentiful wildlife throughout the year.  Watching the deer is his favorite.

China Berry tree in autumn.

Kyla said, “I love watching the colors change on the leaves.”  About the only trees that change from green to brilliant color are the China Berry trees.  She went on to say that she loves being able to observe God’s creation everyday.

Jake responded, “I love being able to work with the horses all the time.”  He loves horses.  He even writes his own blog about horses called Cross Creek Horsemanship.

Isaac said, “Riding horses!”  He sure loves to ride.

Andrew is too little to answer, but he also loves to ride a horse.  My guess is that he enjoys tractor rides even more.

Well, the kids have spoken.  They love living on Cross Creek Cattle Company.  And, they have different reasons.  I love the fact that they are growing up on a working ranch.  They have so many opportunities to learn skills and enjoy the outdoors.  Living in a rural area has its perks.

Yesterday, Lane and I had the pleasure of  giving a tour of the ranch to some prospective grassfed beef buyers.  We really enjoyed being able to show the herd, facilities, and pastures to this family.  Both the parents and their four children enjoyed themselves.

It is funny how you can live here most of your life, but it is not until someone comes to visit that you see your home in a different way.  You see it through the eyes of the guest.  You see the green pastures.  You see the lake and tanks filled with fresh water and fish.  You see the fat, docile cattle resting in the shade of tall pine trees.  You see the tall Bahia grass waiting for the blade of the cutter to make unfertilized hay bales for your cattle in the winter.  You see horses sleek and graceful in their pens waiting for you to stretch out your hand and rub their faces and necks.  You see your ranch and home as it is.

We love it here at Cross Creek Cattle Company.  If anyone has questions and/or concerns about show cows or grassfed beef, please feel free to contact us here.   If you would like to see the ranch and what we do, we will schedule a tour.    Our herd is raised on pasture grasses, water, and sunshine.  We raise beef the all-natural way.  Seeing is believing!  Consider this your invitation; here you can be our guest.