Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (March 15, 2017)
A10 Ag Day Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, March 15, 2017 FAMILY Continued from Page A9 “They get a good work ethic out of it,” he said. “It gets them out of the house, and you can turn work into fun if you do it right.” Some of the duties for the older boys include help- ing feed cattle and moving pipes, as well as assisting when tags and vaccinations are done. Ethan likes to practice roping, and he showed a 4-H hog last year for the first time at the Grant County Fair. Brandon said his kids are given their own cows when they earn it and, after car- ing for the animals, enjoy receiving a calf check at the end of the year. Sydney said some of their best times together, and a favorite for her boys, have been being on horseback in the summertime to check on cattle spread over 20,000 acres of land, sometimes having a family campout. The Thompsons have faced their share of challeng- es, along with other Grant County ranchers, including drought conditions, low- er sales prices and a higher death loss with calves. When a winter cold snap hit, the family frequently brought newborn calves in their home to warm up by the wood stove. During haying season, Brandon said it’s not unusual for him to punch in a 20-hour day. “It’s not always gravy train,” he said. “Everything has its challenges. There are a lot of struggles. It’s just a good way of life in my mind.” The Eagle/Angel Carpenter Carson Thompson kicks the hay off the trailer, helping his father, Brandon, feed cows. Brandon Thompson ranches with his family in Dayville. The Thompson boys, from left, Tyler, Ethan and Carson, ride up top on the hay bales for the afternoon feeding at the ranch. Ethan Thompson bottle- feeds a calf an electrolyte mixture while it is recovering from an illness, as his sister McKenzie plays nearby. Three-year-old McKenzie Thompson smiles as she passes by in the tractor with her father, Brandon. North Fork Watershed Council Community Focused, Landscaped Reflected! Licensed in the State of Oregon DO YOU NEED HELP IN THE UPPER JOHN DAY BASIN: • Reducing Fire Hazard • Battling Weed Species • Improving Water Quality and Quantity • Evaluating Range and Timber Resources • Planning and Monitoring Contact the North Fork John Day Watershed Council to see what we can do for you! 541-421-3018 www.nfjdwc.org Lori Hickerson, Principal Broker, GRI • Office: 541-575-2617 • ljh@ortelco.net Sally Knowles, Broker, GRI • Office: 541-932-4493 • sknowles@ortelco.net Babette Larson, Broker, GRI • Office: 541-987-2363 • ddwr@ortelco.net rmls.com • eastoregonrealestate.com • farmseller.com • centraloregonrealtors.com • oregonreanchandhomes.com/dukewarner IT’S A WAY OF LIFE Advertising members on the appropriate investment based on their agricultural needs. Old West Federal Credit Union is the number one USDA guaranteed loan servicer headquartered in Oregon. No one knows more about USDA Farm Service Agency Business and Industry loans than Old West. John Day 650 W Main Baker City 2036 Broadway Burns 937 Oregon Ave La Grande 3 Depot Street Prairie City 162 W Front Pendleton 301 Main Street Hermiston 1739 N First Street 888-575-0264 • www.oldwestfcu.org 3850 10th St. Baker City 62302 Pierce Rd. La Grande 1160 S Egan Burns 86812 Christmas Valley Hwy. Christmas Valley 541-523-6377 541-963-6577 541-573-6377 541-523-6377 05406 530 NW Main St. • Suite 10 • John Day • 541-575-1911 Grant County Extension Growing the next generation of agriculturalists Youth gain knowledge, develop life skills, and form positive attitudes to prepare them to become capable, responsible and compassionate adults.
