Cowboys, branding and trail dust.

On a recent trip to Oregon I spent two weeks embedded with ranching families. There is so much to say about these amazing Americans and I’m culling through the photos now, but these two of Clint Casey and Jeff Maupin roping cattle make me smile.

Whew, it was dusty. It was hot. The cattle were bawling and milling around and cowboys on the periphery kept invading bulls at bay. Cow dogs worked, loving every minute of their assignment. They live for this. The crew kept things moving as each calf was brought in, branded and given their shots.

This was a noisy tattoo parlor indeed!

Jeff Maupin ropes cattle high up in the Oregon mountains. (c) Cirina Catania

Jeff Maupin ropes cattle high up in the Oregon mountains. (c) Cirina Catania

Clint Casey ropes cattle on his ranch in Oregon. (c) Cirina Catania

Clint Casey ropes cattle on his ranch in Oregon. (c) Cirina Catania