Narrative Writing

A narrative nonfiction piece to offer an insightful glimpse into the lives of beef producers in Osage County, Oklahoma.

Beef Producers in Osage County
By Elizabeth Chambers

Many people find it simple to buy beef at their local grocery store. As they drive down the highway, they might see cows grazing peacefully in pastures. However, few understand the realities of being a beef producer in Osage County, Oklahoma. The life of a cattle rancher is filled with challenges and hard work but is richly rewarding, rooted in a deep stewardship of the land and a love for their animals.

In late February, an ice storm strikes Northeast Oklahoma. While children eagerly anticipate snow days filled with snowmen and snowball fights, ranchers and their families know that a day off means a long, demanding effort to care for their animals. Icy conditions can stress cows, often leading to unexpected calving. Ranchers must remain vigilant, especially during these cold spells.

After hours of watching a heifer struggle in labor, a rancher realizes she needs assistance. Confused and in pain, the heifer charges at the rancher, prompting him to saddle his reliable horse, Junior. Roping the heifer, he brings her into the barn, preparing for the delivery with his daughter by his side. As he uses chains to assist the calf's arrival, his daughter rushes in with towels to warm the newborn. Once the calf is stable, they head out to provide hay and water for the new mother and her calf.

As darkness falls, the rancher returns home but knows sleep will come later. With temperatures dropping and calving season in full swing, he frequently checks on the herd throughout the night. Morning arrives with the promise of warmer days ahead.
By late May, the calves born during that icy storm have grown strong and playful. It’s time for vaccinations to ensure their health, so the rancher gathers his cowboy friends for a spring calf dragging. They work together, roping and vaccinating each calf before reuniting them with their mothers, ensuring their well-being as they return to pasture.

In early July, the rancher prepares to ship cattle. After negotiating a sale with a buyer in Kansas, a crew of cowboys gathers before dawn to round up 800-pound yearlings. They weigh the calves to meet contract requirements, and once the semis arrive, they load the cattle for transport to a feedlot, where they will eventually be processed for consumers.

These moments illustrate the year-round dedication of a rancher. Many question why they would choose such a demanding lifestyle, filled with long hours and harsh conditions, for little financial reward. Ranchers aren't driven by fame or fortune; they embrace this lifestyle, aware of their profound impact. There’s nothing like witnessing a calf's first steps or enjoying the serene beauty of dawn as they gather cattle.

It’s easy to overlook the effort of buying beef from a store or enjoying a meal at a restaurant. We should remember the hard work and commitment ranchers invest in raising cattle, caring for the environment, and bolstering the economy. Ultimately, we must recognize that behind every meal lies the unwavering dedication of ranchers who pour their heart and soul into nurturing the land and livestock that sustain us all.