The main event in the ranching work cycle was the round-up. The spring round-up was generally the largest and consisted of several stages, first riders gathered at a central point with each large ranch sending a team of riders. Some riders were hired extra and paid on a daily basis to help with the round-up alongside the full time, year round ranch hands. Once the cattle had been rounded up, cowboys sorted them by owner for branding, earmarks and medical attention. Smaller round-ups were also held in September to collect late calves and remove spring calves from their mothers for weaning. Mature animals were also taken from the range for slaughter in the fall. Roundup customs and techniques were passed from Mexico to the United States to Canada. If you rent an old western movie chances are you’ll see a round-up in action.
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