Imagine a ranch-based reality series; as a fair amount of drama that occurs naturally (spontaneously) in the course of a year-in-the-life of anyone involved daily with the production of livestock.
It could entertain quite a number of viewers. Some of the general chores that go hand-in-hand with the job are often perversely entertaining to the uninitiated.
Take the simple act of shoeing a horse, a task most horse-owners generally hire a specialist to do by way of booking an appointment with a farrier who arrives, trims the feet, put new shoes all around (often without the owners presence-required) and voila, the owner returns to a ready-to-ride horse. Nothing to it!
Now, the bit for reality-TV.
On a large working ranch the afore-mentioned luxury is simply not cost-efficient, therefore the cowboys must shoe their own horses; a process that even the most-experienced cowhand can find somewhat challenging when dealing with a young, never-shod-before prospect or in a battle with an old, cantankerous, shoe-sour mount.
Yep, at times the antics are downright comical, although the air may be blue over there in the barn (expletive-blips may be required).
Part two. Reality.
Most big outfits run two crews and the farmers (some crossover) incur their fair-share of drama, too.
Take the simple process of baling hay.
Film a farmer operating any hay-baling machinery that requires the use of sisal, plastic string or net wrap to secure the finished product and you’ll have a good chance of delivering ample fodder likely of provoking much more black-humour and perverse laughter. Be forewarned (may be unsuitable for all viewers) — if you spot a farm-operator who seems to have parked abruptly mid-field (bale part-made) and he’s bent at the waist (his head apparently swallowed up by machine) — approach with extreme caution as the air over-there is likely pretty rank!
To be continued, sunny skies, happy days ahead!
Liz Twan is a rancher and freelance columnist for the Tribune.