Ranch Terms 101

Do you know the difference between a steer and a bull? Or why a group of "cows" might not technically be "cows"? Let's break it down with a quick guide to ranching terminology!

• Calves: Baby cattle, whether they're boys or girls.

• Cows: Mature females who have had at least one calf.

• Heifers: Young females who have not yet had a calf.

• Bulls: Male cattle who are able to sire calves.

• Steers: Male cattle who have been made unable to sire calves.

When talking about cattle, the term "cows" is often used as a catch-all. However, it's technically only correct for mature females. So what’s the proper term? Cattle! But here on the ranch, since we are professionals we call them “moos”! 😉

For us, bulls are only with the cows for about 50 days a year. Outside of that time, they’re kept separately, in bull-only pastures.

Our Ear Tag Secret
Each of our "moos" has an ear tag for easy identification. Here's our secret code:

• Cows and heifers wear their tags in their left ears (ladies on the left!).

• Steers have their tags on the right ears.

Now, the next time you see a picture of our cattle, you’ll know the "secret language" behind those bright yellow ear tags!

Ladies get a tag in their left ear at our ranch. We try to give everyone a tag within a few days of joining us.