Cattle Return

Smoky conditions are giving way to dusty conditions as a Owyhee cattleman continue the search and roundup of cattle in the aftermath of the Soda Fire. Rancher Ted Blackstock says grazing cattle are getting hungry and headed for home. “ We are getting all the cows rounded up. We are out some bulls and a few cows I think but they are getting hungry so they are showing up down here along the road.” Blackstock and neighbor Chris Johnstone have rounded up over 500 head in the last week and both are pleased to find minimal loss in the herds. “Between me and the guy I run with your we are up to 23 right now that we know of. That is very good out of 550 that is very good. When the fire was raging and it was everywhere, it burned everything but just to see cows stringing out of those creeks with no singe marks or anything, they’re acting like a normal day.” Cattle behavior during the fire was a key factor in survival. “They don’t panic. It looks like they are just meandering. You think they're all going to die when you’re watching it. You are better off leaving them alone I think. They get along pretty good.” Outreach from the public continues to help the rescue efforts. “I had one guy who had room for 35 and I think he has taken just the cows that got burned but not burnt very badly. He’s going to leave them there. He said he would doctor them for nothing. He wants to get them healthy again. So even a little deal like that is helpful.” Feed and pasture remains concern number one. Idaho Farm Bureau Pres. Frank Priestly: “ We need to surround these guys and help them with some hay. We need to go out and look for pastures for them. So let’s say, if any of you have pasture that we can put some cows in, please let us know because these guys are needing it.”