A Lively Day in the Life on Our Ranch
Life on a ranch is anything but predictable. Each day brings new tasks, challenges, and rewards. Some mornings start with peaceful sunrises, while others kick off with a stubborn cow breaking through a fence or a chicken deciding to lay eggs in the most inconvenient spot. No matter what the day holds, ranch life is a labor of love—one that keeps us grounded, grateful, and always on our toes.
Let me take you through a typical day here on our ranch, where the rhythm of nature and the needs of our animals dictate the schedule.
Early Morning: Feeding Time & Daily Checks
The day begins early, usually before the sun has fully risen. As soon as I step outside, I’m greeted by the crisp morning air and the sounds of the ranch waking up. The cows are already stirring, eager for their morning feed, and the chickens are clucking impatiently in their coop, waiting to be let out.
The first task is feeding the cows. We load up hay and grain, making sure each one gets their fair share. Some of them are friendlier than others, nudging me as if to say, Hurry up! After the cows are settled, I head over to the chicken coop. Opening the door, the hens rush out, stretching their wings and scratching at the dirt, looking for bugs and leftover feed. I check the nesting boxes for eggs, a task that never gets old—there’s something so rewarding about collecting fresh eggs straight from the coop.
Next, it’s time to check the fences. A good, sturdy fence is essential on a ranch, especially when you have livestock. If a section of the fence is weak or broken, it’s a priority to fix it before an escape happens. Trust me—chasing down a runaway cow first thing in the morning is NOT the way I want to start my day!
Mid-Morning: Tending to the Land & Special Projects
Once the animals are fed and the fences are secure, I shift my attention to other tasks. Ranch work is more than just caring for livestock—it’s about maintaining the land, making improvements, and keeping everything running smoothly.
Some days, that means mending fences or repairing equipment. On other days, it involves working in the garden, checking on crops, and preparing for the next season. If it’s been raining, the ponds will be full, and I’ll head over to feed the fish. They’ve learned to recognize me, and the moment the food hits the water, they swarm to the surface, creating ripples that shimmer in the sunlight.
During deer season, I also take time to add feed to the feeders we’ve set up around the property. Deer are a big part of the ecosystem here, and keeping them well-fed encourages a healthy population. Plus, watching them come in at dawn and dusk is one of the simple pleasures of ranch life.
Afternoon: Checking on the Animals & Prepping for Evening
By mid-afternoon, the sun is high, and the animals are usually resting. The cows will be lounging under shade trees, and the chickens will be dust-bathing or pecking around the yard. This is a good time for a second round of checks—making sure everyone is healthy and has plenty of water.
Some afternoons are spent working on long-term projects, like expanding the chicken run, improving drainage, or organizing the barn. Ranch life requires constant adaptation—there’s always something that needs fixing, updating, or tweaking to make things run more efficiently.
If the weather is nice, I might take a quiet moment to sit on the porch with a cold drink, watching the land stretch out before me. It’s a time to reflect on the work that’s been done and mentally prepare for the evening routine.
Evening: Wrapping Up the Day
As the sun starts to set, it’s time for the evening feeding. The cows gather at the fence, ready for another meal, while the chickens make their way back to the coop. I make sure they’re all safely inside before shutting the door to protect them from nighttime predators.
After the animals are settled, I take one last walk around the property. This is my favorite time of day—the sky turns golden, the air cools, and everything slows down. The deer start to appear at the feeders, cautiously stepping out of the woods, their ears twitching as they listen for any sign of danger. The fish in the pond leave small ripples as they make their final rounds before nightfall.
By the time I head inside, I’m covered in dust, tired but satisfied. Ranch life isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling. Each day is a mix of hard work, unexpected challenges, and small victories.
Living this way teaches patience, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the land and the animals that call it home. There are no shortcuts, no days off—but there’s also nothing I’d rather be doing.
As I finally sit down for the evening, I know that tomorrow will bring a whole new set of tasks, surprises, and rewards. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I sang along with the fish eating, lol. How awesome to be able to see how fun it is to live a pioneer lifestyle. I love seeing your photos and videos. It’s the next best thing to being there. The deer are just beautiful. I wish I had some here but I’m too close to town.