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2024 Calendar of Events
SPRING
Spring comes slowly to our mountain valley. April arrives with snow still on the ground, usually in patches beneath the trees and in shady spots, and an occasional snowstorm. Late in the month, the meadows begin to turn green with new grass. The sandhill cranes return to nest; their warbling call is a sure sign that winter is over.
By mid-May, we bring our cattle back from winter pasture in California and our ranching operation hits full stride. There is plenty of work in the corrals and on horseback as we get the cows and calves sorted, worked, doctored and out on pasture for the season ahead..
By mid-May, we bring our cattle back from winter pasture in California and our ranching operation hits full stride. There is plenty of work in the corrals and on horseback as we get the cows and calves sorted, worked, doctored and out on pasture for the season ahead..
May 1 – May 20, 2024
Cows return home from California pasture
May 5 – May 25, 2024
Weaned yearling calves return home from California pasture
SUMMER
Summer arrives with a profusion of wildflowers and a burst of good fishing. The resident wildlife population swells to include bald eagles, deer, elk, and small critters and birds too numerous to mention; coyotes serenade almost nightly.
Cow work is now the focus of every day. Early in the season, some of the cattle are pushed to our upper range; the rest are scattered among the meadows of the ranch. Calving season (Mid-July to September) is a period of intense cattle work and horseback riding.
Summer also brings a chance to play. If you come to visit, keep an eye on the roping arena. It is often the site of an impromptu team roping or barrel racing practice; maybe you can even pick up some pointers!
Cow work is now the focus of every day. Early in the season, some of the cattle are pushed to our upper range; the rest are scattered among the meadows of the ranch. Calving season (Mid-July to September) is a period of intense cattle work and horseback riding.
Summer also brings a chance to play. If you come to visit, keep an eye on the roping arena. It is often the site of an impromptu team roping or barrel racing practice; maybe you can even pick up some pointers!
June 1 – June 10, 2024
Turn out cows to Forest Service grazing allotment
July, 2024
Calving season begins mid-month and continues through September. We ride daily, caring for moms and babies; assisting in delivery, mothering-up cows and calves, and bottle feeding calves that need extra help.
Fall
Fall has been referred to as the "secret season" in central Oregon. Pleasant days and cool nights offer leisurely hours for hiking, fishing, and relaxing. Fall colors, as the aspen trees turn, can be spectacular.
September begins with a whirl of activity as the town of Lakeview hosts the Annual Lake County Fair and Round-up. There is always some great rodeo action (you might even know some of the participants) along with lots of small-town fun.
Of course, the ranch work goes on. Yearlings are shipped, cattle are gathered from the forest range, and calves are branded. In mid-October, the final gather begins as we prepare to ship the entire herd to winter pasture in California.
September begins with a whirl of activity as the town of Lakeview hosts the Annual Lake County Fair and Round-up. There is always some great rodeo action (you might even know some of the participants) along with lots of small-town fun.
Of course, the ranch work goes on. Yearlings are shipped, cattle are gathered from the forest range, and calves are branded. In mid-October, the final gather begins as we prepare to ship the entire herd to winter pasture in California.
September 1 – September 15, 2024
Yearling calves are shipped
Labor Day Weekend, 2024
Lake County Fair and Round-up
October 2024
Cattle are sorted and worked in preparation for move to California pasture
November 1 – November 15, 2024
Cow herd shipped to California
WINTER
As the winter snow sets in, we are relieved that our cattle are enjoying green pasture in California. This is the season for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Aspen Ridge is a special place to spend the holidays and we have been flattered to have many guests make it a tradition.
Our restaurant and lodging accommodations are available for private bookings and parties throughout the holidays.
Our restaurant and lodging accommodations are available for private bookings and parties throughout the holidays.
