cow management :: Nevada County Free Range Beef

How to buy a bull

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Ruth Nunez | 0 Comments

A house. A car. Fencing. Even a tractor. I know how to buy these things; what characteristics to pursue and to avoid. But buying a bull? You know, I’d never really thought about this, but once Jim mentioned he was in the market for a bull or two, I got to wondering… How do you buy a bull? Aren’t they…

About the drought

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Ruth Nunez | 2 Comments

When’s the last time we had rain? Five weeks ago? Six weeks ago? When will our dependable Mediterranean climate finally kick in and scatter raindrops on our upturned cheeks? I’m going to tell this story backwards. Trust me, it’s better this way, albeit illogical. I’m telling it this way because everything is hitched to everything else; and many times, those…

Autumn glory

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Ruth Nunez | 0 Comments

The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and winter’s on its way. It’s good to be here in Nevada County, and great to be outside. Just a few words from Jim here, at the beautiful Personeni ranch, describing the chores and challenges ahead. The summer hay, the decent early rain we received (but we want more), and one of…

Rattlesnake latch

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Ruth Nunez | 2 Comments

Recently, during one of those fogbound, bone-chilling mornings, I rode shotgun with Jim as he checked the cows down south, in rural Lincoln, California. Why Lincoln? Because it’s tough to find enough contiguous acreage within Nevada County proper that suits the exacting requirements of Jim’s expanding herd. So he leases 400 acres from his friend and colleague, Steve Gregory. (That’s…

On the right side of the sun

Posted on January 1, 2011 by Ruth Nunez | 1 Comments

It was a matter of traction. And precipitation. And temperature working on the precipitation, mostly, that kept me, my car without chains or 4WD, and the camera at home today. Plus Jim’s stern admonition: “You stay home today, OK!” Really a command rather than advice. But that’s how it goes with Jim. Sounds gruff but really is all heart. With…

How to buy a bull

About the drought

Autumn glory

Rattlesnake latch

On the right side of the sun

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Adventures with Jim

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