Rancher’s Prayer - Branding 2025

Lord,

We come to you with our hats in hand and on our knees in humble accord. Today, we ask for your blessing and the safety of all involved in this traditional, annual event held each year with our beautiful herd. We request that you look over our crew, both veteran and new, as they work diligently and hard to quickly care after our livestock and return them to their mamas in an expeditious manner.

We ask that you look over our beautiful red-hided babies during and after today’s branding to ensure their health and safety, both here in the pens and, eventually, out in summer pasture.

Next, we ask that you bless us as our ancestors look down from above while we continue this deep heritage we love so much. This year will be our final year of six generations working this beloved ranch. We look forward to generation seven joining us in festivities next year and likely riding our smallest calf on its way out the chute.

Finally, we are not the only ones branding this year nor the only family continuing a long history of loving, nurturing, and maintaining the hard work laid before us by tough men and women who left us this opportunity long ago. Please bless our brothers and sisters out there also continuing this beautiful way of life and ensuring food remains on the table for families across the globe as only American Cattlemen and women can do.

In your name, Amen.