Father and I Were Ranchers

Ralph and his parents attend a cattle auction in search of a good milk cow. Ralph’s mother emphasizes the importance of finding a Jersey cow with a heifer calf, known for its rich milk. While Ralph and his father examine the livestock with Fred Aultland, Ralph’s mother looks for household bargains. The auction is fast-paced, and Ralph becomes captivated by the camaraderie among the ranchers. Mrs. Corcoran tries to outbid Ralph’s father for a Holstein cow. However, thanks to Fred’s secret bribe to the auctioneer, the family secures two cows for below market value, including the Jersey that Ralph’s mother wanted.

The Moody family faces a crisis when the ranch’s irrigation system fails, jeopardizing their crops and raising concerns about the dropping water levels. Amid this crisis, Ralph learns of an ongoing feud over water rights among their neighbors.

In response, Ralph’s father convenes a meeting with local ranchers, aiming for a peaceful resolution. He proposes to negotiate a compromise between the upstream and downstream ranchers, suggesting that all parties settle for 80 percent of their usual water allocation. The meeting becomes heated, with ranchers shouting and accusing each other of unfair practices. Amid the chaos, Ralph observes how his father remains calm, striving for compromise rather than conflict.