Dirty Jobs (2005) s01e17 Episode Script

1 My name is Mike rowe.
This is my job.
I explore the country looking this is my job.
I explore the country looking for people who aren't afraid to I explore the country looking for people who aren't afraid to get dirty For people who aren't afraid to get dirty What's on the other side of get dirty What's on the other side of the door? What's on the other side of the door? Sewage, raw sewage.
The door? Sewage, raw sewage.
Let's open the door.
Sewage, raw sewage.
Let's open the door.
Hardworking men and women let's open the door.
Hardworking men and women who earn an honest living doing hardworking men and women who earn an honest living doing the kinds of jobs that make who earn an honest living doing the kinds of jobs that make civilized life possible for the the kinds of jobs that make civilized life possible for the rest of us.
Civilized life possible for the rest of us.
Now, get ready Rest of us.
Now, get ready To get dirty.
Now, get ready To get dirty.
Coming up on "dirty jobs" To get dirty.
Coming up on "dirty jobs" Ever feel like you're stuck coming up on "dirty jobs" Ever feel like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place? Ever feel like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place? I'm gonna climb underneath the between a rock and a hard place? I'm gonna climb underneath the 40-ton giant hunk-of-thing and I'm gonna climb underneath the 40-ton giant hunk-of-thing and do something with a cable.
40-ton giant hunk-of-thing and do something with a cable.
Try a marble quarry on the side do something with a cable.
Try a marble quarry on the side of mountain in Colorado.
Try a marble quarry on the side of mountain in Colorado.
This is like a tomb.
Of mountain in Colorado.
This is like a tomb.
The pressure could be enough this is like a tomb.
The pressure could be enough to make you The pressure could be enough to make you I'm not saying anything could to make you I'm not saying anything could possibly go wrong.
I'm not saying anything could possibly go wrong.
Then, to many, the owl is a possibly go wrong.
Then, to many, the owl is a symbol of wisdom, but to this then, to many, the owl is a symbol of wisdom, but to this man, the symbol for owls is a symbol of wisdom, but to this man, the symbol for owls is a dollar sign.
Man, the symbol for owls is a dollar sign.
He collects and sells their dollar sign.
He collects and sells their vomit.
He collects and sells their vomit.
Am I looking at poo-encrusted vomit.
Am I looking at poo-encrusted vomit? Am I looking at poo-encrusted vomit? Those are the good ones.
Vomit? Those are the good ones.
And later, I roam the range those are the good ones.
And later, I roam the range at a Texas ranch blue skies, and later, I roam the range at a Texas ranch blue skies, wide, open spaces, and putting at a Texas ranch blue skies, wide, open spaces, and putting my arm where the sun don't shine wide, open spaces, and putting my arm where the sun don't shine in a cow to check for pregnancy.
My arm where the sun don't shine in a cow to check for pregnancy.
It's called palpating.
In a cow to check for pregnancy.
It's called palpating.
I feel something squishy.
It's called palpating.
I feel something squishy.
Oh, that's what I felt.
I feel something squishy.
Oh, that's what I felt.
[ Cow mooing .]
Oh, god! It's a dirty job, but someone's go to do it agh! Oh! [ Coughing .]
It's a dirty job but someone's got to do it whoa-oh-oh those are the Colorado rocky mountains.
People come from all over the mountains.
People come from all over the world just to look at them.
People come from all over the world just to look at them.
Other people have written songs world just to look at them.
Other people have written songs about them, but I haven't come other people have written songs about them, but I haven't come to marvel Colorado, to sing about them, but I haven't come to marvel Colorado, to sing songs, or take in the to marvel Colorado, to sing songs, or take in the magnificent views.
Songs, or take in the magnificent views.
I've come here today Magnificent views.
I've come here today To go inside a great big dirty I've come here today To go inside a great big dirty hole.
To go inside a great big dirty hole.
Inside this hole is the hole.
Inside this hole is the Colorado yule quarry, where they inside this hole is the Colorado yule quarry, where they carve out immense slabs of Colorado yule quarry, where they carve out immense slabs of flawless white marble.
Carve out immense slabs of flawless white marble.
It's cold down here.
Flawless white marble.
It's cold down here.
Temperatures drop 40 below zero it's cold down here.
Temperatures drop 40 below zero in the winter.
Temperatures drop 40 below zero in the winter.
Surprisingly, it's wet because in the winter.
Surprisingly, it's wet because in sub-zero weather, the water surprisingly, it's wet because in sub-zero weather, the water used to cool the saws is heated in sub-zero weather, the water used to cool the saws is heated to just above freezing.
Used to cool the saws is heated to just above freezing.
It's also dangerous with to just above freezing.
It's also dangerous with enormous machines moving giant it's also dangerous with enormous machines moving giant blocks of stone.
Enormous machines moving giant blocks of stone.
But, fortunately, I have veteran blocks of stone.
But, fortunately, I have veteran quarryman Mike masters to show but, fortunately, I have veteran quarryman Mike masters to show me the ropes.
Quarryman Mike masters to show me the ropes.
This thing weighs almost me the ropes.
This thing weighs almost 2 1/2 tons? This thing weighs almost 2 1/2 tons? Right.
2 1/2 tons? Right.
Well, Mike, well, what is right.
Well, Mike, well, what is marble chemically calcium? Well, Mike, well, what is marble chemically calcium? Calcium carbonate, which is marble chemically calcium? Calcium carbonate, which is fish bones.
Calcium carbonate, which is fish bones.
How did that happen? Fish bones.
How did that happen? This must be millions of years how did that happen? This must be millions of years old.
This must be millions of years old.
This was an inland sea old.
This was an inland sea millions of years ago, and as this was an inland sea millions of years ago, and as the water dried up, it stranded millions of years ago, and as the water dried up, it stranded all the fish, and this the water dried up, it stranded all the fish, and this concentrated them in this area, all the fish, and this concentrated them in this area, and then it got covered over.
Concentrated them in this area, and then it got covered over.
So when I see beautiful and then it got covered over.
So when I see beautiful sculptures of marble, it's so when I see beautiful sculptures of marble, it's basically dead fish? Sculptures of marble, it's basically dead fish? Right.
Basically dead fish? Right.
Now, what am I looking at right.
Now, what am I looking at here? Now, what am I looking at here? Is this a whole another shaft? Here? Is this a whole another shaft? This area here, this is where is this a whole another shaft? This area here, this is where the pillars came out for the this area here, this is where the pillars came out for the Lincoln memorial, and almost the pillars came out for the Lincoln memorial, and almost directly in front of us about Lincoln memorial, and almost directly in front of us about 20 feet above our head is where directly in front of us about 20 feet above our head is where the original block for the 20 feet above our head is where the original block for the tomb of the unknown soldier came the original block for the tomb of the unknown soldier came out.
Tomb of the unknown soldier came out.
That's amazing.
Out.
That's amazing.
And these look at those that's amazing.
And these look at those stairs running up.
And these look at those stairs running up.
That's got to be 100 years old.
Stairs running up.
That's got to be 100 years old.
No, we put those in in 1991.
That's got to be 100 years old.
No, we put those in in 1991.
That's our current emergency no, we put those in in 1991.
That's our current emergency escape way.
That's our current emergency escape way.
Mike told me that all escape way.
Mike told me that all underground quarries and mines Mike told me that all underground quarries and mines need to have an emergency exit underground quarries and mines need to have an emergency exit in case of a fire or cave-in at need to have an emergency exit in case of a fire or cave-in at the main entrance.
In case of a fire or cave-in at the main entrance.
[ Machinery echoing .]
The main entrance.
[ Machinery echoing .]
This is where we're going [ machinery echoing .]
This is where we're going back in here, right? This is where we're going back in here, right? Right, that's where all the back in here, right? Right, that's where all the work takes place.
Right, that's where all the work takes place.
Where the ungodly sounds are work takes place.
Where the ungodly sounds are coming from? Where the ungodly sounds are coming from? Right.
Coming from? Right.
The main chamber of the right.
The main chamber of the quarry is 250 feet high and the main chamber of the quarry is 250 feet high and about the size of a football quarry is 250 feet high and about the size of a football field.
About the size of a football field.
This is where they cut out the field.
This is where they cut out the largest pieces of marble.
This is where they cut out the largest pieces of marble.
So we're still not to where largest pieces of marble.
So we're still not to where we're actually going? So we're still not to where we're actually going? No, we need to go up another we're actually going? No, we need to go up another 10 feet.
No, we need to go up another 10 feet.
After you.
10 feet.
After you.
To produce the big blocks After you.
To produce the big blocks It's always another 10 feet.
To produce the big blocks It's always another 10 feet.
They first cut out smaller it's always another 10 feet.
They first cut out smaller blocks at the top of the cavern, they first cut out smaller blocks at the top of the cavern, creating a 10-foot work space.
Blocks at the top of the cavern, creating a 10-foot work space.
That's where we're headed right creating a 10-foot work space.
That's where we're headed right now.
That's where we're headed right now.
So Now.
So This is, uh So This is, uh This is where the mountain this is, uh This is where the mountain begins, I guess, huh? This is where the mountain begins, I guess, huh? Right.
Begins, I guess, huh? Right.
Basically Right.
Basically Basically, this is as far as you basically Basically, this is as far as you can go.
Basically, this is as far as you can go.
Right, this is the end.
Can go.
Right, this is the end.
What we have here, this is our right, this is the end.
What we have here, this is our development area.
What we have here, this is our development area.
In order to have production with development area.
In order to have production with what we are doing down below, we in order to have production with what we are doing down below, we got to have development working what we are doing down below, we got to have development working ahead of it.
Got to have development working ahead of it.
So, basically, you need Ahead of it.
So, basically, you need I mean, the first thing you need so, basically, you need I mean, the first thing you need is room to work.
I mean, the first thing you need is room to work.
Right.
Is room to work.
Right.
So you got to cut to make the right.
So you got to cut to make the room, and then you got to what? So you got to cut to make the room, and then you got to what? Drag this stuff out.
Room, and then you got to what? Drag this stuff out.
And that's what we're doing drag this stuff out.
And that's what we're doing right now is, we're pulling and that's what we're doing right now is, we're pulling these blocks out to give us more right now is, we're pulling these blocks out to give us more room to work up here.
These blocks out to give us more room to work up here.
Grab that end there.
Room to work up here.
Grab that end there.
We'll need to drag it this way.
Grab that end there.
We'll need to drag it this way.
How much does this hunk of we'll need to drag it this way.
How much does this hunk of marble weigh we're going to how much does this hunk of marble weigh we're going to attempt to drag out of here? Marble weigh we're going to attempt to drag out of here? Say, between 35,000 and attempt to drag out of here? Say, between 35,000 and 40,000 pounds.
Say, between 35,000 and 40,000 pounds.
20 tons.
40,000 pounds.
20 tons.
So, obviously I mean, there's 20 tons.
So, obviously I mean, there's gonna be a lot of tension in so, obviously I mean, there's gonna be a lot of tension in this cable? Gonna be a lot of tension in this cable? Right.
This cable? Right.
Any concerns? Right.
Any concerns? Aw, we got to worry about any concerns? Aw, we got to worry about the cable breaking, but we're aw, we got to worry about the cable breaking, but we're gonna step off to the side of the cable breaking, but we're gonna step off to the side of it.
Gonna step off to the side of it.
All right, good.
It.
All right, good.
And the other end of this cable? All right, good.
And the other end of this cable? We're gonna hook that up to and the other end of this cable? We're gonna hook that up to the bucket on the track-o.
We're gonna hook that up to the bucket on the track-o.
Where's it go, Mike, up here? The bucket on the track-o.
Where's it go, Mike, up here? Yeah.
Where's it go, Mike, up here? Yeah.
Whoa.
Yeah.
Whoa.
Okay? Whoa, whoa.
Okay, now we need to move over to the other side.
Okay, now we need to move over to the other side.
All right.
To the other side.
All right.
That means you.
All right.
That means you.
This is a 35-pound, 50-pound that means you.
This is a 35-pound, 50-pound piece of marble.
This is a 35-pound, 50-pound piece of marble.
Right.
Piece of marble.
Right.
The last block we pulled out, right.
The last block we pulled out, it shot out of the wall and the last block we pulled out, it shot out of the wall and landed right about here.
It shot out of the wall and landed right about here.
So give you an idea of why we landed right about here.
So give you an idea of why we need to get out of the way.
So give you an idea of why we need to get out of the way.
This used to be the corner of need to get out of the way.
This used to be the corner of the piece we're pulling out? This used to be the corner of the piece we're pulling out? Right.
The piece we're pulling out? Right.
Lovely.
[ Laughs .]
Unbelievable! Are you kidding?! I'm not saying anything could Possibly go wrong.
How unusual is this? Uh, it's not very unusual.
We have that break quite a bit.
Uh, it's not very unusual.
We have that break quite a bit.
These blocks are heavy, so We have that break quite a bit.
These blocks are heavy, so This is, what, galvanized these blocks are heavy, so This is, what, galvanized steel? This is, what, galvanized steel? Steel cable.
Steel? Steel cable.
Just snapped like it was a steel cable.
Just snapped like it was a piece of twine.
Just snapped like it was a piece of twine.
Like it was a rubber band.
Piece of twine.
Like it was a rubber band.
What it did, it got wedged over like it was a rubber band.
What it did, it got wedged over here in this corner What it did, it got wedged over here in this corner And at the time when the cable here in this corner And at the time when the cable broke, it pulled away.
And at the time when the cable broke, it pulled away.
What we're gonna try to do is broke, it pulled away.
What we're gonna try to do is pry this smaller rock away from what we're gonna try to do is pry this smaller rock away from the big one Pry this smaller rock away from the big one Right.
The big one Right.
Wide enough so I can get a right.
Wide enough so I can get a cable back behind that.
wide enough so I can get a cable back behind that.
How are you gonna get it cable back behind that.
How are you gonna get it through the middle? How are you gonna get it through the middle? Okay, what we're gonna do, through the middle? Okay, what we're gonna do, we're gonna take the cable, put okay, what we're gonna do, we're gonna take the cable, put it up on top of the block.
We're gonna take the cable, put it up on top of the block.
There's a hole back there in it up on top of the block.
There's a hole back there in that corner.
There's a hole back there in that corner.
We'll climb down inside, I'll that corner.
We'll climb down inside, I'll feed the cable to you, we'll we'll climb down inside, I'll feed the cable to you, we'll wrap it around the block.
Feed the cable to you, we'll wrap it around the block.
It sounded like you said i'm wrap it around the block.
It sounded like you said i'm gonna climb underneath the it sounded like you said i'm gonna climb underneath the 40-ton giant hunk-of-thing and gonna climb underneath the 40-ton giant hunk-of-thing and do something with the cable.
40-ton giant hunk-of-thing and do something with the cable.
Yes, this 40-ton giant do something with the cable.
Yes, this 40-ton giant hunk-of-thing is supported still yes, this 40-ton giant hunk-of-thing is supported still by this block, so it's hunk-of-thing is supported still by this block, so it's completely safe.
By this block, so it's completely safe.
Utterly safe.
Completely safe.
Utterly safe.
What could possibly go wrong? Utterly safe.
What could possibly go wrong? Hard hat.
What could possibly go wrong? Hard hat.
You're thinking I'm gonna fit hard hat.
You're thinking I'm gonna fit down that hole, huh? You're thinking I'm gonna fit down that hole, huh? Yeah.
I'm pretty sure the floor is down here.
[ Grunts .]
Down here.
[ Grunts .]
Oh, man! [ Grunts .]
Oh, man! This is like a tomb.
Oh, man! This is like a tomb.
All right, I think I'm ready for this is like a tomb.
All right, I think I'm ready for the cable.
All right, I think I'm ready for the cable.
That's probably good.
The cable.
That's probably good.
I'll come around the side, and that's probably good.
I'll come around the side, and you can hand that to me.
I'll come around the side, and you can hand that to me.
Stupid job.
You can hand that to me.
Stupid job.
There you go.
Stupid job.
There you go.
That's probably good enough.
There you go.
That's probably good enough.
All right, then I'm coming that's probably good enough.
All right, then I'm coming out.
All right, then I'm coming out.
Yeah.
This is what you do every day? Yeah.
Day? Yeah.
Great.
Yeah.
Great.
[ Sighs .]
Great.
[ Sighs .]
All right.
[ Sighs .]
All right.
Oh, man.
All right.
Oh, man.
[ Laughing .]
Oh, man.
[ Laughing .]
That's a really big rock.
Why is it so much fun to watch a 30-ton rock move? Where do we stand, Mike? I think we're gonna call this good for the day.
I think we're gonna call this good for the day.
We accomplished our mission.
Good for the day.
We accomplished our mission.
We pulled that out of the wall.
We accomplished our mission.
We pulled that out of the wall.
So we're set up for our next we pulled that out of the wall.
So we're set up for our next cuts.
So we're set up for our next cuts.
Dragging 20-ton blocks of cuts.
Dragging 20-ton blocks of marble out of the wall is fun.
Dragging 20-ton blocks of marble out of the wall is fun.
But the real action is in the marble out of the wall is fun.
But the real action is in the big pit where they knock down but the real action is in the big pit where they knock down mammoth slabs that can weigh big pit where they knock down mammoth slabs that can weigh 250 tons and more.
Mammoth slabs that can weigh 250 tons and more.
But in order to remove the big 250 tons and more.
But in order to remove the big blocks, you first have to cut but in order to remove the big blocks, you first have to cut them out with a diamond-edged blocks, you first have to cut them out with a diamond-edged wire saw.
Them out with a diamond-edged wire saw.
What's with the hole? Wire saw.
What's with the hole? We drilled it.
What's with the hole? We drilled it.
First of all, we did a bottom we drilled it.
First of all, we did a bottom cut underneath on the floor.
First of all, we did a bottom cut underneath on the floor.
So we got an inch-and-a-half cut underneath on the floor.
So we got an inch-and-a-half wide cut at the bottom.
So we got an inch-and-a-half wide cut at the bottom.
We drilled this hole down to the wide cut at the bottom.
We drilled this hole down to the cut.
We drilled this hole down to the cut.
And what we need to do is, we cut.
And what we need to do is, we need to make a vertical cut and what we need to do is, we need to make a vertical cut here.
Need to make a vertical cut here.
So what we're gonna do is wash here.
So what we're gonna do is wash this string down, go down below, so what we're gonna do is wash this string down, go down below, hook it with the rod, pull the this string down, go down below, hook it with the rod, pull the string through.
Hook it with the rod, pull the string through.
We'll tie our diamond wire onto string through.
We'll tie our diamond wire onto the string and pull our diamond we'll tie our diamond wire onto the string and pull our diamond wire through.
The string and pull our diamond wire through.
Drop her in.
Wire through.
Drop her in.
I'll let you pay the string drop her in.
I'll let you pay the string out while I wash it down.
I'll let you pay the string out while I wash it down.
All right.
Out while I wash it down.
All right.
I found they use a lot of all right.
I found they use a lot of water in a marble quarry.
I found they use a lot of water in a marble quarry.
In fact, it's so vital, that in water in a marble quarry.
In fact, it's so vital, that in the winter, they heat the water in fact, it's so vital, that in the winter, they heat the water to a temperature of 32.
1 degrees the winter, they heat the water to a temperature of 32.
1 degrees to keep it from freezing in the to a temperature of 32.
1 degrees to keep it from freezing in the hoses.
To keep it from freezing in the hoses.
I'm going down there to fish a hoses.
I'm going down there to fish a string out of a hole with a rod.
I'm going down there to fish a string out of a hole with a rod.
I'll just be a minute.
String out of a hole with a rod.
I'll just be a minute.
Oh, jeez.
I'll just be a minute.
Oh, jeez.
So, um Oh, jeez.
So, um Mike? So, um Mike? This is the rod? Mike? This is the rod? Right.
This is the rod? Right.
Go ahead, pull that out.
Right.
Go ahead, pull that out.
Okay, see that wire on the end? Go ahead, pull that out.
Okay, see that wire on the end? This little guy? Okay, see that wire on the end? This little guy? Yep.
This little guy? Yep.
Yeah.
Yep.
Yeah.
What you want to do, with a yeah.
What you want to do, with a sweeping motion, try to hook what you want to do, with a sweeping motion, try to hook your string and pull your string sweeping motion, try to hook your string and pull your string out through the bottom of that your string and pull your string out through the bottom of that cut.
Okay, kind of sweep it towards me.
Uh, nothing.
Me.
Uh, nothing.
Bring your rod all the way to uh, nothing.
Bring your rod all the way to the end of this track.
Bring your rod all the way to the end of this track.
Okay, I feel good about this the end of this track.
Okay, I feel good about this one.
Okay, I feel good about this one.
I didn't hit any resistance one.
I didn't hit any resistance that time.
I didn't hit any resistance that time.
I feel like I'm in the pocket.
That time.
I feel like I'm in the pocket.
Ugh.
I feel like I'm in the pocket.
Ugh.
[ Sighs .]
Ugh.
[ Sighs .]
Disappointing.
[ Sighs .]
Disappointing.
[ Sighs .]
Disappointing.
[ Sighs .]
Let's try it one more time.
[ Sighs .]
Let's try it one more time.
Oh, I'll try it until I get let's try it one more time.
Oh, I'll try it until I get it or until I freeze to death.
Oh, I'll try it until I get it or until I freeze to death.
Okay.
It or until I freeze to death.
Okay.
Swept and dragged.
Okay.
Swept and dragged.
That's good.
Swept and dragged.
That's good.
[ Sighs .]
That's good.
[ Sighs .]
Rats.
[ Sighs .]
Rats.
Let me try my technique one more rats.
Let me try my technique one more time.
Let me try my technique one more time.
Sure.
Time.
Sure.
I feel pretty good about this sure.
I feel pretty good about this one, but if it doesn't work out, I feel pretty good about this one, but if it doesn't work out, we're gonna have to come up one, but if it doesn't work out, we're gonna have to come up with something new.
We're gonna have to come up with something new.
[ Grunts .]
With something new.
[ Grunts .]
Please be a string.
[ Grunts .]
Please be a string.
Please have a string.
Please be a string.
Please have a string.
You got it.
You got it.
Please have a string.
You got it.
You got it.
Yes.
You got it.
You got it.
Yes.
[ Laughs .]
Yes.
[ Laughs .]
[ Laughs .]
We have string.
[ Laughs .]
[ Laughs .]
We have string.
Good job! [ Laughs .]
We have string.
Good job! [ Laughs .]
Good job! [ Laughs .]
So, I'm pulling through the wire [ laughs .]
So, I'm pulling through the wire that I snagged, and he's tied so, I'm pulling through the wire that I snagged, and he's tied off this wire, which ultimately that I snagged, and he's tied off this wire, which ultimately is gonna cut the marble.
Off this wire, which ultimately is gonna cut the marble.
[ Bell ringing .]
So, the wire that I snagged underneath is now being pulled through this, and it's cutting underneath is now being pulled through this, and it's cutting our slab? Through this, and it's cutting our slab? Right.
Our slab? Right.
We've got it attached to our right.
We've got it attached to our wire saw, and the saw's pulling we've got it attached to our wire saw, and the saw's pulling it around Wire saw, and the saw's pulling it around Around the block and making the it around Around the block and making the cut.
Around the block and making the cut.
It'll take 10 to 12 hours for cut.
It'll take 10 to 12 hours for the wire saw to make this cut.
It'll take 10 to 12 hours for the wire saw to make this cut.
When it's finished, we'll have a the wire saw to make this cut.
When it's finished, we'll have a slab 20 feet high by 20 feet when it's finished, we'll have a slab 20 feet high by 20 feet wide by 5 feet thick and slab 20 feet high by 20 feet wide by 5 feet thick and weighing about 170 tons.
Wide by 5 feet thick and weighing about 170 tons.
These are water bags, basically.
Weighing about 170 tons.
These are water bags, basically.
One or two of these has been these are water bags, basically.
One or two of these has been dropped in already, right, Mike? One or two of these has been dropped in already, right, Mike? And they are filled with water, dropped in already, right, Mike? And they are filled with water, so they've helped create space and they are filled with water, so they've helped create space in the crevice.
So they've helped create space in the crevice.
These are air bags, correct? In the crevice.
These are air bags, correct? Correct.
These are air bags, correct? Correct.
The air bags also go into the correct.
The air bags also go into the crevice, and we're gonna pump the air bags also go into the crevice, and we're gonna pump those with air and gently try crevice, and we're gonna pump those with air and gently try and coax the marble away from those with air and gently try and coax the marble away from the marble.
And coax the marble away from the marble.
This is Scott.
He's tied off.
The marble.
This is Scott.
He's tied off.
I'm tied off.
Mike's tied off.
This is Scott.
He's tied off.
I'm tied off.
Mike's tied off.
It's about 20 feet straight down I'm tied off.
Mike's tied off.
It's about 20 feet straight down from where we're standing.
It's about 20 feet straight down from where we're standing.
All right, what can I do? From where we're standing.
All right, what can I do? Well, the key point, hold all right, what can I do? Well, the key point, hold onto this rope.
Well, the key point, hold onto this rope.
Right.
Onto this rope.
Right.
We'll lower this down into right.
We'll lower this down into the cut.
We'll lower this down into the cut.
We want to lower it together.
The cut.
We want to lower it together.
We want to keep the bags pretty we want to lower it together.
We want to keep the bags pretty square.
We want to keep the bags pretty square.
Okay.
Square.
Okay.
[ Grunts .]
Okay.
[ Grunts .]
To transport this enormous [ grunts .]
To transport this enormous chunk out of the cavern, they'll to transport this enormous chunk out of the cavern, they'll eventually cut it into smaller chunk out of the cavern, they'll eventually cut it into smaller blocks weighing no more than eventually cut it into smaller blocks weighing no more than 48,000 pounds a piece the blocks weighing no more than 48,000 pounds a piece the federal weight limit on U.
S.
48,000 pounds a piece the federal weight limit on U.
S.
highways.
Federal weight limit on U.
S.
highways.
Should I be able to see it move? Highways.
Should I be able to see it move? Oh, yeah.
Should I be able to see it move? Oh, yeah.
Watch that rock to your left.
Oh, yeah.
Watch that rock to your left.
Rock to my left.
Watch that rock to your left.
Rock to my left.
This guy? Rock to my left.
This guy? Oh, look that.
This guy? Oh, look that.
Oh! Oh, look that.
Oh! Sounds like it's close.
Oh! Sounds like it's close.
No.
Sounds like it's close.
No.
No? No.
No? Not even? No? Not even? No.
Not even? No.
So that's the sticking point no.
So that's the sticking point right now.
So that's the sticking point right now.
It looks like it.
Right now.
It looks like it.
Is this the part where you it looks like it.
Is this the part where you tell me I'm gonna go down there is this the part where you tell me I'm gonna go down there and just kind of push them tell me I'm gonna go down there and just kind of push them apart? And just kind of push them apart? Yeah.
Apart? Yeah.
Yeah, great.
Yeah.
Yeah, great.
That kind of alarmed me a little yeah, great.
That kind of alarmed me a little bit, to be honest with you.
That kind of alarmed me a little bit, to be honest with you.
Obviously, the air's doing the bit, to be honest with you.
Obviously, the air's doing the job.
Obviously, the air's doing the job.
Yeah.
Job.
Yeah.
When this thing actually yeah.
When this thing actually goes, do you yell timber or when this thing actually goes, do you yell timber or something? Goes, do you yell timber or something? Usually we don't have time.
Something? Usually we don't have time.
It goes that fast? Usually we don't have time.
It goes that fast? Yeah.
It goes that fast? Yeah.
Wow.
Yeah.
Wow.
Oh, it wants to go.
Wow.
Oh, it wants to go.
I think I see it moving.
Oh, it wants to go.
I think I see it moving.
But looks can be deceiving.
I think I see it moving.
But looks can be deceiving.
It was going to take more than but looks can be deceiving.
It was going to take more than some air pillows to move this it was going to take more than some air pillows to move this hunk of rock.
Some air pillows to move this hunk of rock.
It's going! Hunk of rock.
It's going! It's going hard.
It's going! It's going hard.
Oh! It's going hard.
Oh! Good god, that's a big piece of oh! Good god, that's a big piece of marble.
Good god, that's a big piece of marble.
[ Laughing .]
That's the first thing a guy does his first day of work here.
Climbs those stairs just so we does his first day of work here.
Climbs those stairs just so we can see if he'll make it or not.
Climbs those stairs just so we can see if he'll make it or not.
[ Chuckles .]
Can see if he'll make it or not.
[ Chuckles .]
Well, that's [clears throat.]
[ Chuckles .]
Well, that's [clears throat.]
that's poetic in a way because well, that's [clears throat.]
that's poetic in a way because this is the last thing this that's poetic in a way because this is the last thing this guy's gonna do on his last day this is the last thing this guy's gonna do on his last day here.
Guy's gonna do on his last day here.
Well, I learned a lot about here.
Well, I learned a lot about marble today.
Well, I learned a lot about marble today.
It's very, very heavy.
Marble today.
It's very, very heavy.
It's very, very hard.
It's very, very heavy.
It's very, very hard.
And even though it's very, very it's very, very hard.
And even though it's very, very white, breaking it into small and even though it's very, very white, breaking it into small pieces is a very, very dirty white, breaking it into small pieces is a very, very dirty job.
Pieces is a very, very dirty job.
[ Breathing heavily .]
Job.
[ Breathing heavily .]
The last 2,000 feet [ Breathing heavily .]
The last 2,000 feet Are a killer.
The last 2,000 feet Are a killer.
[ Continues breathing heavily .]
Are a killer.
[ Continues breathing heavily .]
Don cicoletti spends his days [ continues breathing heavily .]
Don cicoletti spends his days riding his electric bicycle up Don cicoletti spends his days riding his electric bicycle up and down country roads, looking riding his electric bicycle up and down country roads, looking for treasure.
And down country roads, looking for treasure.
Today, Don has asked me to meet for treasure.
Today, Don has asked me to meet him here, a place called today, Don has asked me to meet him here, a place called bethel island in front of an old him here, a place called bethel island in front of an old barn, where the two of us are bethel island in front of an old barn, where the two of us are going to pick up owl barf.
Barn, where the two of us are going to pick up owl barf.
I'm thinking Don cicoletti has a going to pick up owl barf.
I'm thinking Don cicoletti has a dirty job.
I'm thinking Don cicoletti has a dirty job.
Well, if ever there were a dirty job.
Well, if ever there were a likely place to find some owls well, if ever there were a likely place to find some owls and their barf, I suppose the likely place to find some owls and their barf, I suppose the silo and the barn behind us and their barf, I suppose the silo and the barn behind us would be it.
Silo and the barn behind us would be it.
I mean, you told me before, would be it.
I mean, you told me before, you're basically hunting for I mean, you told me before, you're basically hunting for treasure, so this is your You're basically hunting for treasure, so this is your Treasure map.
Treasure, so this is your Treasure map.
Your treasure map.
Treasure map.
Your treasure map.
Why are we looking for owl your treasure map.
Why are we looking for owl vomit? Why are we looking for owl vomit? Well, it's for a school vomit? Well, it's for a school project.
Well, it's for a school project.
I collect them and get them all project.
I collect them and get them all set up, and then anywhere from I collect them and get them all set up, and then anywhere from elementary school on up to set up, and then anywhere from elementary school on up to college, they'll take the pellet elementary school on up to college, they'll take the pellet apart.
College, they'll take the pellet apart.
The owl swallows his food whole.
Apart.
The owl swallows his food whole.
Stomach fluids digest the meat.
The owl swallows his food whole.
Stomach fluids digest the meat.
About 12 hours later, they throw stomach fluids digest the meat.
About 12 hours later, they throw up a pellet of hair and bones.
About 12 hours later, they throw up a pellet of hair and bones.
The stuff that their bodies up a pellet of hair and bones.
The stuff that their bodies can't digest? The stuff that their bodies can't digest? Right.
Can't digest? Right.
It's on the wetlands, and right.
It's on the wetlands, and nobody's allowed out here.
It's on the wetlands, and nobody's allowed out here.
Except for us.
Nobody's allowed out here.
Except for us.
Good.
Except for us.
Good.
Well, white stuff Good.
Well, white stuff Is there poo.
Well, white stuff Is there poo.
This black stuff Is there poo.
This black stuff That's vomit.
This black stuff That's vomit.
You can see the teeth sticking that's vomit.
You can see the teeth sticking right out.
You can see the teeth sticking right out.
No kidding.
Right out.
No kidding.
Pull his head out and see.
No kidding.
Pull his head out and see.
What do you mean pull his pull his head out and see.
What do you mean pull his head out? What do you mean pull his head out? Grab his teeth there and head out? Grab his teeth there and pretend you're a dentist.
Grab his teeth there and pretend you're a dentist.
There you go.
Pretend you're a dentist.
There you go.
Oh, yeah.
There you go.
Oh, yeah.
Bones everywhere.
Oh, yeah.
Bones everywhere.
And ants all through this bones everywhere.
And ants all through this thing.
And ants all through this thing.
You can see his little teeth in thing.
You can see his little teeth in there.
You can see his little teeth in there.
And I can tell that the there.
And I can tell that the moths have been in there, too.
And I can tell that the moths have been in there, too.
That's why it's loose and moths have been in there, too.
That's why it's loose and crumbly.
That's why it's loose and crumbly.
Looking for owl puke.
Crumbly.
Looking for owl puke.
Looking for owls, too.
Looking for owl puke.
Looking for owls, too.
You know they're in here looking for owls, too.
You know they're in here somewhere, right? You know they're in here somewhere, right? Oh, yeah.
Somewhere, right? Oh, yeah.
'Cause you can't hear them fly.
Oh, yeah.
'Cause you can't hear them fly.
Is that right? 'Cause you can't hear them fly.
Is that right? Silent flyers.
Is that right? Silent flyers.
How do they manage to be so silent flyers.
How do they manage to be so stealthy in their flight? How do they manage to be so stealthy in their flight? Their flight feathers on stealthy in their flight? Their flight feathers on their wings are serrated like a their flight feathers on their wings are serrated like a serrated knife edge.
Their wings are serrated like a serrated knife edge.
Yeah.
Serrated knife edge.
Yeah.
If you look on the edge real yeah.
If you look on the edge real close, you'll see that it's not if you look on the edge real close, you'll see that it's not a straight line.
Close, you'll see that it's not a straight line.
Oh, yeah.
A straight line.
Oh, yeah.
They're scalloped, almost.
Oh, yeah.
They're scalloped, almost.
Do any other birds They're scalloped, almost.
Do any other birds Hawks.
Do any other birds Hawks.
They vomit like this? Hawks.
They vomit like this? Yep.
They vomit like this? Yep.
If they didn't regurgitate, yep.
If they didn't regurgitate, they'd die.
If they didn't regurgitate, they'd die.
The hawk would die? They'd die.
The hawk would die? Yeah.
The hawk would die? Yeah.
What about the owl? Yeah.
What about the owl? Sure.
What about the owl? Sure.
Without puking, what would sure.
Without puking, what would happen? Without puking, what would happen? I guess they would blow up.
Happen? I guess they would blow up.
Yeah, they wouldn't have any I guess they would blow up.
Yeah, they wouldn't have any room in their stomach for any yeah, they wouldn't have any room in their stomach for any food.
Room in their stomach for any food.
They'd starve.
Food.
They'd starve.
Is there a technical name for they'd starve.
Is there a technical name for the owl vomit? Is there a technical name for the owl vomit? I mean, it seems like it should the owl vomit? I mean, it seems like it should be called something.
I mean, it seems like it should be called something.
It is.
Be called something.
It is.
It's pretty technical.
It is.
It's pretty technical.
They call them owl pellets.
It's pretty technical.
They call them owl pellets.
That's it? They call them owl pellets.
That's it? That's it.
That's it? That's it.
Walk me through what likely that's it.
Walk me through what likely happened here.
Walk me through what likely happened here.
This gopher was just hanging out happened here.
This gopher was just hanging out being a gopher.
This gopher was just hanging out being a gopher.
They don't even need any being a gopher.
They don't even need any light to catch their prey.
They don't even need any light to catch their prey.
They can catch them just with light to catch their prey.
They can catch them just with their ears.
They can catch them just with their ears.
One ear is up and forward, and their ears.
One ear is up and forward, and the other ear is down and back.
One ear is up and forward, and the other ear is down and back.
And it's kind of like a bat with the other ear is down and back.
And it's kind of like a bat with their echolocation as they're and it's kind of like a bat with their echolocation as they're coming in.
Their echolocation as they're coming in.
Matter of fact, when the owl coming in.
Matter of fact, when the owl hits that mouse, his wings go matter of fact, when the owl hits that mouse, his wings go back, and his eyes are closed hits that mouse, his wings go back, and his eyes are closed about this high off the ground back, and his eyes are closed about this high off the ground before it actually hits it.
About this high off the ground before it actually hits it.
From the protects his eyes before it actually hits it.
From the protects his eyes from the bushes that it might be from the protects his eyes from the bushes that it might be going into.
From the bushes that it might be going into.
So the owl hears the mouse going into.
So the owl hears the mouse rustling or the gopher rustling, so the owl hears the mouse rustling or the gopher rustling, cocks his head, spins it around rustling or the gopher rustling, cocks his head, spins it around in that Linda Blair way they do, cocks his head, spins it around in that Linda Blair way they do, and then just comes swooping in, in that Linda Blair way they do, and then just comes swooping in, talons out, eyes shut, ears all and then just comes swooping in, talons out, eyes shut, ears all jacked up, and the mouse never talons out, eyes shut, ears all jacked up, and the mouse never knows what hit it? Jacked up, and the mouse never knows what hit it? Right.
Knows what hit it? Right.
Picking up owl vomit.
Right.
Picking up owl vomit.
It's a dirty job.
Picking up owl vomit.
It's a dirty job.
In elementary school, they it's a dirty job.
In elementary school, they just take it apart to see the in elementary school, they just take it apart to see the oddity of it all.
Just take it apart to see the oddity of it all.
By the time it gets up to oddity of it all.
By the time it gets up to college, they got to take all by the time it gets up to college, they got to take all the bones out and articulate college, they got to take all the bones out and articulate them The bones out and articulate them Mm-hmm.
Them Mm-hmm.
And identify what was in mm-hmm.
And identify what was in there.
and identify what was in there.
Oh, so it's sort of like a there.
Oh, so it's sort of like a crime scene.
Oh, so it's sort of like a crime scene.
I mean, it's like a "CSI" thing.
Crime scene.
I mean, it's like a "CSI" thing.
You're going backwards.
I mean, it's like a "CSI" thing.
You're going backwards.
The evidence in this case is you're going backwards.
The evidence in this case is vomit, and we're telling a story the evidence in this case is vomit, and we're telling a story by going backwards through the vomit, and we're telling a story by going backwards through the lower g.
I.
Tract of an owl.
By going backwards through the lower g.
I.
Tract of an owl.
Our next owl-vomit collection lower g.
I.
Tract of an owl.
Our next owl-vomit collection site was a form dairy barn next our next owl-vomit collection site was a form dairy barn next door.
Site was a form dairy barn next door.
You can really see the blood door.
You can really see the blood in the poo in that pile.
You can really see the blood in the poo in that pile.
Environmentally, I mean, I in the poo in that pile.
Environmentally, I mean, I know owls must be important.
Environmentally, I mean, I know owls must be important.
Specifically, what's their Know owls must be important.
Specifically, what's their what's their contribution? Specifically, what's their what's their contribution? Well, getting all these what's their contribution? Well, getting all these vermin is the main thing.
Well, getting all these vermin is the main thing.
The farmers love them.
Vermin is the main thing.
The farmers love them.
They put up owl boxes so that the farmers love them.
They put up owl boxes so that the owls will live on their they put up owl boxes so that the owls will live on their farm.
The owls will live on their farm.
It ruins their irrigation for farm.
It ruins their irrigation for one thing.
It ruins their irrigation for one thing.
All the, uh One thing.
All the, uh The holes.
All the, uh The holes.
The burrowing, right? The holes.
The burrowing, right? Yep.
The burrowing, right? Yep.
Am I looking at poo-encrusted yep.
Am I looking at poo-encrusted vomit? Am I looking at poo-encrusted vomit? That's exactly what it is.
Vomit? That's exactly what it is.
Those are the good ones.
That's exactly what it is.
Those are the good ones.
It's like those chocolates those are the good ones.
It's like those chocolates you get in the box, you know, it's like those chocolates you get in the box, you know, and every now and then, there's you get in the box, you know, and every now and then, there's a disappointing center, only and every now and then, there's a disappointing center, only it's disappointing on the a disappointing center, only it's disappointing on the outside and the inside.
It's disappointing on the outside and the inside.
Next to the dairy was an old outside and the inside.
Next to the dairy was an old grain bin.
Next to the dairy was an old grain bin.
The only thing it holds now is grain bin.
The only thing it holds now is owls and their vomit.
The only thing it holds now is owls and their vomit.
I see vomit.
Owls and their vomit.
I see vomit.
I see poo.
I see vomit.
I see poo.
There's a dead owl in here.
I see poo.
There's a dead owl in here.
Yeah, very likely from the there's a dead owl in here.
Yeah, very likely from the west nile virus.
Yeah, very likely from the west nile virus.
Hmm.
West nile virus.
Hmm.
Careful.
Hmm.
Careful.
Now you're talking.
Careful.
Now you're talking.
Now it's easy.
Now you're talking.
Now it's easy.
Watch that metal on your now it's easy.
Watch that metal on your butt.
Watch that metal on your butt.
Thank you.
Butt.
Thank you.
Okay.
Thank you.
Okay.
Look at all that.
Okay.
Look at all that.
Yeah, that's a jackpot look at all that.
Yeah, that's a jackpot there.
Yeah, that's a jackpot there.
Yeah, this is a lucky day.
There.
Yeah, this is a lucky day.
Some of it's very light.
Yeah, this is a lucky day.
Some of it's very light.
Some of it's very dense.
Some of it's very light.
Some of it's very dense.
You're starting to get some of it's very dense.
You're starting to get excited about those things.
You're starting to get excited about those things.
This is kind of a tragedy excited about those things.
This is kind of a tragedy here, isn't it? This is kind of a tragedy here, isn't it? You reckon the west nile got here, isn't it? You reckon the west nile got him? You reckon the west nile got him? Probably.
Him? Probably.
They just don't fall off their probably.
They just don't fall off their perch and drop for nothing.
They just don't fall off their perch and drop for nothing.
Although most birds can be perch and drop for nothing.
Although most birds can be infected with west nile, crows, although most birds can be infected with west nile, crows, blue jays, magpies, hawks, infected with west nile, crows, blue jays, magpies, hawks, eagles, and owls are most likely blue jays, magpies, hawks, eagles, and owls are most likely to die from it.
Eagles, and owls are most likely to die from it.
I wanted to know more about the to die from it.
I wanted to know more about the owl's ears, so Don came down to I wanted to know more about the owl's ears, so Don came down to show me.
Owl's ears, so Don came down to show me.
These white owls are called show me.
These white owls are called barn owls, and they wouldn't these white owls are called barn owls, and they wouldn't come near us.
Barn owls, and they wouldn't come near us.
So I got to examine a dead one.
Come near us.
So I got to examine a dead one.
There's an ear hole, let's so I got to examine a dead one.
There's an ear hole, let's see, right at the corner where there's an ear hole, let's see, right at the corner where his beak would come in.
See, right at the corner where his beak would come in.
Right, I see it.
His beak would come in.
Right, I see it.
And on this side Right, I see it.
And on this side It's way down there.
And on this side It's way down there.
Yeah.
It's way down there.
Yeah.
So that's the thing that allows yeah.
So that's the thing that allows him to target it and echolocate.
So that's the thing that allows him to target it and echolocate.
Oh, you just about got it.
Him to target it and echolocate.
Oh, you just about got it.
A good treasure hunter goes oh, you just about got it.
A good treasure hunter goes where the treasure is.
A good treasure hunter goes where the treasure is.
I learned that just getting to where the treasure is.
I learned that just getting to the treasure can be an I learned that just getting to the treasure can be an adventure.
The treasure can be an adventure.
You need a push? Adventure.
You need a push? [ Laughs .]
No, don't push me.
You need a push? [ Laughs .]
No, don't push me.
I'm liable to tear something [ laughs .]
No, don't push me.
I'm liable to tear something loose.
I'm liable to tear something loose.
I think you're stuck.
Loose.
I think you're stuck.
[ Laughs .]
I think you're stuck.
[ Laughs .]
I'm jacked up pretty good [ laughs .]
I'm jacked up pretty good here.
I'm jacked up pretty good here.
Yeah, you are.
You're stuck.
Here.
Yeah, you are.
You're stuck.
It's my midsection.
Yeah, you are.
You're stuck.
It's my midsection.
Yeah, I can tell.
It's my midsection.
Yeah, I can tell.
Which is unfortunate because yeah, I can tell.
Which is unfortunate because I had big plans for my which is unfortunate because I had big plans for my midsection later.
I had big plans for my midsection later.
Great big exhale, and then Midsection later.
Great big exhale, and then Now you just got to drop down.
Great big exhale, and then Now you just got to drop down.
I'm in.
Now you just got to drop down.
I'm in.
And when the treasure is owl I'm in.
And when the treasure is owl vomit, you sometimes also find and when the treasure is owl vomit, you sometimes also find an owl.
Vomit, you sometimes also find an owl.
Look at this thing.
An owl.
Look at this thing.
[Bleep.]
Look at this thing.
[Bleep.]
[Bleep.]
[Bleep.]
[Bleep.]
They won't hurt you.
[Bleep.]
They won't hurt you.
No, it won't hurt me, but they won't hurt you.
No, it won't hurt me, but who's gonna clean up my no, it won't hurt me, but who's gonna clean up my underpants? Who's gonna clean up my underpants? Once our buckets were full of underpants? Once our buckets were full of pellets, it was time to head to once our buckets were full of pellets, it was time to head to the processing plant.
Pellets, it was time to head to the processing plant.
It's a nice ride.
The processing plant.
It's a nice ride.
Yeah, it's pretty comfy.
It's a nice ride.
Yeah, it's pretty comfy.
And this is a lovely pad.
Yeah, it's pretty comfy.
And this is a lovely pad.
The processing plant is and this is a lovely pad.
The processing plant is convenient to Don's home.
The processing plant is convenient to Don's home.
In fact, it's his back porch.
Convenient to Don's home.
In fact, it's his back porch.
Spread them out so there are in fact, it's his back porch.
Spread them out so there are not too many on top of each of spread them out so there are not too many on top of each of each other.
Not too many on top of each of each other.
A nice, even distribution each other.
A nice, even distribution without a lot of top heaviness.
A nice, even distribution without a lot of top heaviness.
Yeah, so the liquid will be without a lot of top heaviness.
Yeah, so the liquid will be able to get on each one.
Yeah, so the liquid will be able to get on each one.
In this spray container is a able to get on each one.
In this spray container is a mixture of water and corn starch in this spray container is a mixture of water and corn starch that will be sprayed on the mixture of water and corn starch that will be sprayed on the pellets.
That will be sprayed on the pellets.
When it dries, it acts as a pellets.
When it dries, it acts as a binder so the pellets remain when it dries, it acts as a binder so the pellets remain intact during shipping.
Binder so the pellets remain intact during shipping.
And control the spray.
Intact during shipping.
And control the spray.
Well And control the spray.
Well I was with you right up to the well I was with you right up to the point about the control.
I was with you right up to the point about the control.
Try to get it on the pellets.
Point about the control.
Try to get it on the pellets.
There you go.
Try to get it on the pellets.
There you go.
Like this? There you go.
Like this? Oh, man, you catch on fast.
Like this? Oh, man, you catch on fast.
It seems like I'm wasting a oh, man, you catch on fast.
It seems like I'm wasting a lot of your proprietary corn it seems like I'm wasting a lot of your proprietary corn starch and mortar formula.
Lot of your proprietary corn starch and mortar formula.
Am I over-soaking? Starch and mortar formula.
Am I over-soaking? No, you need a lot more.
Am I over-soaking? No, you need a lot more.
Does this represent no, you need a lot more.
Does this represent sate-of-the-art delivery system does this represent sate-of-the-art delivery system you've been able to devise thus sate-of-the-art delivery system you've been able to devise thus far? You've been able to devise thus far? No, I could probably come up far? No, I could probably come up with something better.
No, I could probably come up with something better.
You think? With something better.
You think? [ Chuckling .]
Yeah.
You think? [ Chuckling .]
Yeah.
Oh, I was doing it exactly [ chuckling .]
Yeah.
Oh, I was doing it exactly right, wasn't I? Oh, I was doing it exactly right, wasn't I? Well, I think you were trying right, wasn't I? Well, I think you were trying too hard.
Well, I think you were trying too hard.
That's probably it.
Too hard.
That's probably it.
My my eagerness to please is that's probably it.
My my eagerness to please is often my downfall.
My my eagerness to please is often my downfall.
So you want these soaking wet? Often my downfall.
So you want these soaking wet? When they get rained on, so you want these soaking wet? When they get rained on, they're soaking wet, and when when they get rained on, they're soaking wet, and when the rain goes away, they're they're soaking wet, and when the rain goes away, they're actually harder than and the rain goes away, they're actually harder than and easier to get than in the actually harder than and easier to get than in the summertime.
Easier to get than in the summertime.
I think it's just about gone.
Summertime.
I think it's just about gone.
It's empty, done.
I think it's just about gone.
It's empty, done.
It'll take three days for the it's empty, done.
It'll take three days for the pellets to dry completely.
It'll take three days for the pellets to dry completely.
The factory employs a pellets to dry completely.
The factory employs a sate-of-the-art drying system the factory employs a sate-of-the-art drying system that uses a fan and a space sate-of-the-art drying system that uses a fan and a space heater beneath the sorting that uses a fan and a space heater beneath the sorting table.
Heater beneath the sorting table.
Don had another load of pellets table.
Don had another load of pellets that were dry and ready for the Don had another load of pellets that were dry and ready for the final step wrapping in foil.
That were dry and ready for the final step wrapping in foil.
Take one about like that.
Final step wrapping in foil.
Take one about like that.
Corner to corner like a butcher take one about like that.
Corner to corner like a butcher would do? Corner to corner like a butcher would do? Uh-huh.
Would do? Uh-huh.
Roll for a couple of times.
Uh-huh.
Roll for a couple of times.
Fold it over.
Roll for a couple of times.
Fold it over.
Fold it over.
Fold it over.
Fold it over.
And there's your product.
Fold it over.
And there's your product.
Give a little twist on the and there's your product.
Give a little twist on the end? Give a little twist on the end? Then they'll know it's from end? Then they'll know it's from you.
So, if I'm a sixth grader and my teacher has ordered some of your vomit, basically it shows my teacher has ordered some of your vomit, basically it shows up all wrapped up nice and neat your vomit, basically it shows up all wrapped up nice and neat as can be.
Up all wrapped up nice and neat as can be.
And I unwrap it, and I start to as can be.
And I unwrap it, and I start to pull the owl vomit open, and all and I unwrap it, and I start to pull the owl vomit open, and all of the goodies in there.
Pull the owl vomit open, and all of the goodies in there.
It's very exciting.
Of the goodies in there.
It's very exciting.
You got a skull there.
It's very exciting.
You got a skull there.
You got teeth.
You got a skull there.
You got teeth.
That's a mouse.
You got teeth.
That's a mouse.
That's a mouse head.
That's a mouse.
That's a mouse head.
There's fur.
That's mouse fur.
That's a mouse head.
There's fur.
That's mouse fur.
More little mouse bones.
There's fur.
That's mouse fur.
More little mouse bones.
So, basically, this is what's more little mouse bones.
So, basically, this is what's left of a mouse.
So, basically, this is what's left of a mouse.
And there's his back leg.
Left of a mouse.
And there's his back leg.
Yeah.
And there's his back leg.
Yeah.
And this is an ulna, I yeah.
And this is an ulna, I believe.
And this is an ulna, I believe.
Ulna that's the arm, believe.
Ulna that's the arm, right? Ulna that's the arm, right? Yeah, it goes with that guy.
Right? Yeah, it goes with that guy.
See how they fit? Yeah, it goes with that guy.
See how they fit? So the college students see how they fit? So the college students basically take these hunks of so the college students basically take these hunks of vomit, and they reconstruct the basically take these hunks of vomit, and they reconstruct the entire I mean, you could have vomit, and they reconstruct the entire I mean, you could have an entire animal in there.
Entire I mean, you could have an entire animal in there.
I saw that owl pellets are a an entire animal in there.
I saw that owl pellets are a lot like candy or cereal.
I saw that owl pellets are a lot like candy or cereal.
There's a surprise in every lot like candy or cereal.
There's a surprise in every package.
There's a surprise in every package.
From the barnyard to the package.
From the barnyard to the backyard to the schoolyard near from the barnyard to the backyard to the schoolyard near you.
Backyard to the schoolyard near you.
The journey of owl vomit.
You.
The journey of owl vomit.
Look what I found on the the journey of owl vomit.
Look what I found on the "dirty jobs" website.
Look what I found on the "dirty jobs" website.
"Hi, Mike.
My name's Steve.
"Dirty jobs" website.
"Hi, Mike.
My name's Steve.
I'm a cowboy down here at the "hi, Mike.
My name's Steve.
I'm a cowboy down here at the circle "x" ranch in Brian, I'm a cowboy down here at the circle "x" ranch in Brian, Texas.
Circle "x" ranch in Brian, Texas.
We have 3,500 head of cattle Texas.
We have 3,500 head of cattle down here, and once a year, we we have 3,500 head of cattle down here, and once a year, we need to figure out which ones down here, and once a year, we need to figure out which ones are pregnant and when they're need to figure out which ones are pregnant and when they're due.
Are pregnant and when they're due.
This process is called palpating due.
This process is called palpating and requires us to reach inside this process is called palpating and requires us to reach inside the cow through the rectum and and requires us to reach inside the cow through the rectum and feel how big the fetus is the cow through the rectum and feel how big the fetus is through the wall of the uterus.
Feel how big the fetus is through the wall of the uterus.
As jobs go, this one is pretty through the wall of the uterus.
As jobs go, this one is pretty dirty.
As jobs go, this one is pretty dirty.
What do you say? Dirty.
What do you say? Are you up for it?" What do you say? Are you up for it?" Well, Steve Are you up for it?" Well, Steve Yippy ki-yi-yay.
This is Steve, and you are, uh, well, you're I'm the cattle manager.
Well, you're I'm the cattle manager.
You're a cowboy is what you I'm the cattle manager.
You're a cowboy is what you are.
You're a cowboy is what you are.
Yes.
Are.
Yes.
But you're Yes.
But you're Mechanized cowboy.
But you're Mechanized cowboy.
A mechanized cowboy.
Mechanized cowboy.
A mechanized cowboy.
The basic goal with this a mechanized cowboy.
The basic goal with this palpation is to determine how the basic goal with this palpation is to determine how far along a cow is in its palpation is to determine how far along a cow is in its pregnancy? Far along a cow is in its pregnancy? You want to know if they're pregnancy? You want to know if they're pregnant to begin with.
You want to know if they're pregnant to begin with.
And if they're not pregnant, pregnant to begin with.
And if they're not pregnant, that gives you a reason to cull and if they're not pregnant, that gives you a reason to cull the cow 'cause she's not that gives you a reason to cull the cow 'cause she's not producing or making any money the cow 'cause she's not producing or making any money for you.
Producing or making any money for you.
Do I look like a cowboy? For you.
Do I look like a cowboy? Right now, you do.
Do I look like a cowboy? Right now, you do.
You're gonna look even more like right now, you do.
You're gonna look even more like it in a little bit.
You're gonna look even more like it in a little bit.
'Cause I tell you, I It in a little bit.
'Cause I tell you, I I don't know what I'm doing.
'Cause I tell you, I I don't know what I'm doing.
Well, this is the best way to I don't know what I'm doing.
Well, this is the best way to learn.
Well, this is the best way to learn.
I expected to be riding a learn.
I expected to be riding a horse.
I expected to be riding a horse.
Turns out a modern cowboy's horse.
Turns out a modern cowboy's saddle is made of vinyl, and the turns out a modern cowboy's saddle is made of vinyl, and the ride has handlebars instead of saddle is made of vinyl, and the ride has handlebars instead of reins.
Ride has handlebars instead of reins.
But at least I got to wear the reins.
But at least I got to wear the right hat.
But at least I got to wear the right hat.
Palpation has to be done in a right hat.
Palpation has to be done in a controlled setting.
Palpation has to be done in a controlled setting.
This meant herding the cows controlled setting.
This meant herding the cows through a progressively this meant herding the cows through a progressively narrowing series of pens towards through a progressively narrowing series of pens towards the barn.
Narrowing series of pens towards the barn.
In the final stage, the pens are the barn.
In the final stage, the pens are so narrow, we had to lose the in the final stage, the pens are so narrow, we had to lose the atvs and, like the cows, hoof it so narrow, we had to lose the atvs and, like the cows, hoof it the rest of the way.
Atvs and, like the cows, hoof it the rest of the way.
This is what we call the tub.
The rest of the way.
This is what we call the tub.
This thing I'll just fold in this is what we call the tub.
This thing I'll just fold in like this, and push it in like this thing I'll just fold in like this, and push it in like that, and they can't push it like this, and push it in like that, and they can't push it open.
That, and they can't push it open.
So, at this point, it's one open.
So, at this point, it's one at a time.
So, at this point, it's one at a time.
Well, we'll get several at a time.
Well, we'll get several loaded in here.
Well, we'll get several loaded in here.
But from that point on right loaded in here.
But from that point on right there, as they go in the chute, but from that point on right there, as they go in the chute, it'll be one at a time.
There, as they go in the chute, it'll be one at a time.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! It'll be one at a time.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! Ho! Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! Ho! Nothing to see here.
Ho! Nothing to see here.
Move along.
Nothing to see here.
Move along.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! Move along.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! Mission sort of accomplished? Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! Mission sort of accomplished? Sort of accomplished.
Mission sort of accomplished? Sort of accomplished.
We're about half through.
Sort of accomplished.
We're about half through.
Now, what we're gonna do is, we're about half through.
Now, what we're gonna do is, we'll let one cow into the now, what we're gonna do is, we'll let one cow into the squeeze chute.
We'll let one cow into the squeeze chute.
This is a squeeze chute? Squeeze chute.
This is a squeeze chute? This is a squeeze chute.
This is a squeeze chute? This is a squeeze chute.
Look at that.
This is a squeeze chute.
Look at that.
You know, whichever arm you look at that.
You know, whichever arm you prefer.
You know, whichever arm you prefer.
There's a wall between the prefer.
There's a wall between the rectum and the uterus, and you there's a wall between the rectum and the uterus, and you can go in there.
Rectum and the uterus, and you can go in there.
You know, the wall is real can go in there.
You know, the wall is real flexible.
You know, the wall is real flexible.
Okay.
Flexible.
Okay.
That's why you want to have okay.
That's why you want to have no fingernails.
That's why you want to have no fingernails.
None.
No, I No fingernails.
None.
No, I Because you don't want to none.
No, I Because you don't want to scratch anything on the inside.
Because you don't want to scratch anything on the inside.
No.
Scratch anything on the inside.
No.
This will cure me of my no.
This will cure me of my nail-biting habit once and for this will cure me of my nail-biting habit once and for all, I'm sure.
Nail-biting habit once and for all, I'm sure.
Yes, it will.
All, I'm sure.
Yes, it will.
And the uterus will be under yes, it will.
And the uterus will be under here, and if it has a calf in and the uterus will be under here, and if it has a calf in it, it'll feel like something.
Here, and if it has a calf in it, it'll feel like something.
Well, if it's about 60 days it, it'll feel like something.
Well, if it's about 60 days old, it's gonna be a ball of well, if it's about 60 days old, it's gonna be a ball of fluid.
Old, it's gonna be a ball of fluid.
Four months, they start going fluid.
Four months, they start going over the pelvis and going down four months, they start going over the pelvis and going down into the stomach where they're over the pelvis and going down into the stomach where they're carried most down in the lower into the stomach where they're carried most down in the lower part of the belly.
Carried most down in the lower part of the belly.
And then once they get ready to part of the belly.
And then once they get ready to calve, they start coming back up and then once they get ready to calve, they start coming back up into the the calving canal Calve, they start coming back up into the the calving canal Mm-hmm.
Into the the calving canal Mm-hmm.
And giving birth.
Mm-hmm.
And giving birth.
So if it bites me, we know and giving birth.
So if it bites me, we know we're pretty much ready to go.
So if it bites me, we know we're pretty much ready to go.
You got that right.
We're pretty much ready to go.
You got that right.
[ Laughs .]
You got that right.
[ Laughs .]
This one lever here works the [ laughs .]
This one lever here works the head gate.
This one lever here works the head gate.
Yeah.
Head gate.
Yeah.
This lever here works the yeah.
This lever here works the squeeze in.
This lever here works the squeeze in.
Uh-huh.
Squeeze in.
Uh-huh.
And this works the uh-huh.
And this works the tailgate opens it up and lets and this works the tailgate opens it up and lets the cow in.
Tailgate opens it up and lets the cow in.
This is all cow [bleep.]
here? The cow in.
This is all cow [bleep.]
here? Yes, sir.
This is all cow [bleep.]
here? Yes, sir.
Good, great.
Yes, sir.
Good, great.
Okay, let's palpate.
Good, great.
Okay, let's palpate.
Okay.
Okay, let's palpate.
Okay.
Romantic thoughts of cowboys okay.
Romantic thoughts of cowboys and the old west aside, cattle romantic thoughts of cowboys and the old west aside, cattle ranching is about making money.
And the old west aside, cattle ranching is about making money.
To be profitable, the cow must ranching is about making money.
To be profitable, the cow must have at least one calf every to be profitable, the cow must have at least one calf every year, which is why palpating is have at least one calf every year, which is why palpating is a crucial task.
Year, which is why palpating is a crucial task.
What I do is, I kind of just a crucial task.
What I do is, I kind of just take this in my hand and kind of what I do is, I kind of just take this in my hand and kind of go like this Take this in my hand and kind of go like this Yeah.
Go like this Yeah.
Rub it over there, and then yeah.
Rub it over there, and then I kind of cup my hand like this rub it over there, and then I kind of cup my hand like this and go in like that.
I kind of cup my hand like this and go in like that.
And then you go in there to And go in like that.
And then you go in there to Good, lord, man.
And then you go in there to Good, lord, man.
And you just kind of start good, lord, man.
And you just kind of start sweeping from side to side, and you just kind of start sweeping from side to side, looking for the fetus.
Sweeping from side to side, looking for the fetus.
Now, it's got to be looking for the fetus.
Now, it's got to be underneath your hand, right? Now, it's got to be underneath your hand, right? It's underneath, yes.
Underneath your hand, right? It's underneath, yes.
All right.
It's underneath, yes.
All right.
Is this at all uncomfortable for all right.
Is this at all uncomfortable for the cow? Is this at all uncomfortable for the cow? It is.
The cow? It is.
To some degree, it is.
It is.
To some degree, it is.
To some degree.
To some degree, it is.
To some degree.
Yes.
To some degree.
Yes.
About the degree of your arm.
Yes.
About the degree of your arm.
Yes.
About the degree of your arm.
Yes.
You go in there and tell me what yes.
You go in there and tell me what you think, what you find.
You go in there and tell me what you think, what you find.
All right.
Ohh, dear.
You think, what you find.
All right.
Ohh, dear.
And then just kind of make a all right.
Ohh, dear.
And then just kind of make a little cone like this.
And then just kind of make a little cone like this.
Making a cone and going in.
Little cone like this.
Making a cone and going in.
Going in.
Making a cone and going in.
Going in.
The goal is to palpate going in.
The goal is to palpate without frightening the cow or the goal is to palpate without frightening the cow or damaging her organs.
Without frightening the cow or damaging her organs.
You got to push a little.
Damaging her organs.
You got to push a little.
You got to push pretty hard.
You got to push a little.
You got to push pretty hard.
All right.
You got to push pretty hard.
All right.
The rectal walls are very all right.
The rectal walls are very strong, and injuries to cows the rectal walls are very strong, and injuries to cows from palpating are rare.
Strong, and injuries to cows from palpating are rare.
Contractions and tightening of from palpating are rare.
Contractions and tightening of the rectum however are normal.
Contractions and tightening of the rectum however are normal.
I'm going from left to right and the rectum however are normal.
I'm going from left to right and pushing in.
I'm going from left to right and pushing in.
What you should be able to pushing in.
What you should be able to find is, when you go in there, what you should be able to find is, when you go in there, you'll find her reproductive find is, when you go in there, you'll find her reproductive tract should be right below your you'll find her reproductive tract should be right below your hand.
Tract should be right below your hand.
Okay, actually, I feel like hand.
Okay, actually, I feel like I'm in a ring.
Okay, actually, I feel like I'm in a ring.
I just went through another I'm in a ring.
I just went through another all right, you got to go I just went through another all right, you got to go through the rectal rings.
All right, you got to go through the rectal rings.
All right.
Through the rectal rings.
All right.
Once you get through all of all right.
Once you get through all of those, then you ought to be able once you get through all of those, then you ought to be able to pan around and find the those, then you ought to be able to pan around and find the reproductive tract.
To pan around and find the reproductive tract.
It's gonna go about that long, reproductive tract.
It's gonna go about that long, and then it's gonna kind of it's gonna go about that long, and then it's gonna kind of split off, and you're gonna have and then it's gonna kind of split off, and you're gonna have one horn this way and one horn split off, and you're gonna have one horn this way and one horn this way.
One horn this way and one horn this way.
Horns? This way.
Horns? Yeah, well, uterine horns.
Horns? Yeah, well, uterine horns.
Oh, okay.
Yeah, well, uterine horns.
Oh, okay.
And then each uterine horn, oh, okay.
And then each uterine horn, there will be an ovary.
And then each uterine horn, there will be an ovary.
It's almost as though the cow there will be an ovary.
It's almost as though the cow doesn't like my arm inside her it's almost as though the cow doesn't like my arm inside her rectum.
Doesn't like my arm inside her rectum.
They do squeeze an awful lot.
Rectum.
They do squeeze an awful lot.
Okay, I feel something that they do squeeze an awful lot.
Okay, I feel something that feels different than everything okay, I feel something that feels different than everything else around me.
Feels different than everything else around me.
Right, and that should be the else around me.
Right, and that should be the reproductive tract.
Right, and that should be the reproductive tract.
All right.
Reproductive tract.
All right.
And this particular cow is all right.
And this particular cow is not pregnant.
And this particular cow is not pregnant.
So this was, like, a not pregnant.
So this was, like, a surprise.
So this was, like, a surprise.
Normally when I notice my arm surprise.
Normally when I notice my arm is coated with feces and blood, normally when I notice my arm is coated with feces and blood, I take a pause.
Is coated with feces and blood, I take a pause.
But when I'm palpating cows, I take a pause.
But when I'm palpating cows, well, that's just a natural part but when I'm palpating cows, well, that's just a natural part of the process.
Well, that's just a natural part of the process.
Good.
Of the process.
Good.
This is an unpregnant cow? Good.
This is an unpregnant cow? Right.
This is an unpregnant cow? Right.
Is there a better word than right.
Is there a better word than unpregnant? Is there a better word than unpregnant? Open.
Unpregnant? Open.
Open.
Do it? Sure.
The earliest the fetus can be sure.
The earliest the fetus can be detected by palpating is the earliest the fetus can be detected by palpating is 45 days, at which point it's detected by palpating is 45 days, at which point it's about an inch and a half long.
45 days, at which point it's about an inch and a half long.
At three months, it'll be six about an inch and a half long.
At three months, it'll be six inches.
At three months, it'll be six inches.
At five months, it'll be a foot inches.
At five months, it'll be a foot to a foot and a half.
At five months, it'll be a foot to a foot and a half.
And at seven months, it can vary to a foot and a half.
And at seven months, it can vary from 2 to almost 3 feet in and at seven months, it can vary from 2 to almost 3 feet in length.
From 2 to almost 3 feet in length.
What's the term? Length.
What's the term? The gestation is nine months, what's the term? The gestation is nine months, and their heat cycle is 18 to the gestation is nine months, and their heat cycle is 18 to 21 days.
And their heat cycle is 18 to 21 days.
A cow and a woman are a lot 21 days.
A cow and a woman are a lot alike.
A cow and a woman are a lot alike.
You're talking from an alike.
You're talking from an anatomical standpoint? You're talking from an anatomical standpoint? Yes.
Anatomical standpoint? Yes.
I mean, their gestation is the yes.
I mean, their gestation is the same.
I mean, their gestation is the same.
Right.
Same.
Right.
The heat cycle is the right.
The heat cycle is the same.
The heat cycle is the same.
Ughh.
Same.
Ughh.
Man, I don't know what the heck ughh.
Man, I don't know what the heck I'm feeling here.
Man, I don't know what the heck I'm feeling here.
I feel the horns of the uterus.
I'm feeling here.
I feel the horns of the uterus.
I feel I feel the horns of the uterus.
I feel Something squishy.
I feel Something squishy.
I feel Something squishy.
I feel Oh, that's what I felt.
I feel Oh, that's what I felt.
You just go right in there with oh, that's what I felt.
You just go right in there with all the nonchalance.
You just go right in there with all the nonchalance.
Well, you've already opened all the nonchalance.
Well, you've already opened it up for me.
Well, you've already opened it up for me.
So I'm guessing that this it up for me.
So I'm guessing that this one's not pregnant.
So I'm guessing that this one's not pregnant.
This is my official guess, but I one's not pregnant.
This is my official guess, but I don't know.
This is my official guess, but I don't know.
You're right.
She's not bred.
Don't know.
You're right.
She's not bred.
She's not bread? You're right.
She's not bred.
She's not bread? She's open.
She's not bread? She's open.
You know, it's neat the way she's open.
You know, it's neat the way the poo gets on the end of their you know, it's neat the way the poo gets on the end of their tail and then comes around the poo gets on the end of their tail and then comes around and Tail and then comes around and [ Cow mooing .]
And [ Cow mooing .]
Exactly.
[ Cow mooing .]
Exactly.
See, as you're putting your exactly.
See, as you're putting your hand inside, they clamp down on see, as you're putting your hand inside, they clamp down on them rings, trying to keep you hand inside, they clamp down on them rings, trying to keep you from getting inside.
Them rings, trying to keep you from getting inside.
Yes, I'm noticing that.
From getting inside.
Yes, I'm noticing that.
And then as you as you yes, I'm noticing that.
And then as you as you stay in there, they kind of and then as you as you stay in there, they kind of release, you know, relax and let stay in there, they kind of release, you know, relax and let you go on in.
Release, you know, relax and let you go on in.
I can't move my hand, so I you go on in.
I can't move my hand, so I either have to back up I can't move my hand, so I either have to back up Either back up or try have to either have to back up Either back up or try have to go a little further forward.
Either back up or try have to go a little further forward.
Okay, now, this cow's probably go a little further forward.
Okay, now, this cow's probably about six months' bred.
Okay, now, this cow's probably about six months' bred.
Yeah? About six months' bred.
Yeah? The reason you can't find yeah? The reason you can't find anything it's way over her the reason you can't find anything it's way over her pelvis.
Anything it's way over her pelvis.
Oh, I didn't go in far pelvis.
Oh, I didn't go in far enough? Oh, I didn't go in far enough? Right, well, right now, I've enough? Right, well, right now, I've got the uterine artery in right, well, right now, I've got the uterine artery in between my fingers.
Got the uterine artery in between my fingers.
It's about the size of my between my fingers.
It's about the size of my finger It's about the size of my finger Uh-huh.
Finger Uh-huh.
And it's pulsating, uh-huh.
And it's pulsating, feeding that baby.
and it's pulsating, feeding that baby.
Got it.
Feeding that baby.
Got it.
See how it's pulsating? Got it.
See how it's pulsating? Yeah, yeah.
See how it's pulsating? Yeah, yeah.
'Cause she's got that baby yeah, yeah.
'Cause she's got that baby way over into the pelvic area 'Cause she's got that baby way over into the pelvic area Uh-huh.
Way over into the pelvic area Uh-huh.
Way down deep.
Uh-huh.
Way down deep.
I'm gonna say five months.
way down deep.
I'm gonna say five months.
Okay.
I'm gonna say five months.
Okay.
I'd say she's about right okay.
I'd say she's about right about five.
I'd say she's about right about five.
About five? About five.
About five? Yeah.
About five? Yeah.
When you come around the side yeah.
When you come around the side of that, especially on the when you come around the side of that, especially on the right, that's where I feel of that, especially on the right, that's where I feel the I feel like I can feel right, that's where I feel the I feel like I can feel the features of the fetus.
The I feel like I can feel the features of the fetus.
Right.
The features of the fetus.
Right.
Palpating your cows in your right.
Palpating your cows in your herd, you learn who's pregnant palpating your cows in your herd, you learn who's pregnant and who has a they have a herd, you learn who's pregnant and who has a they have a proficiency of breeding back and who has a they have a proficiency of breeding back fast.
Proficiency of breeding back fast.
Right.
Fast.
Right.
And I've had cows calve in right.
And I've had cows calve in January and get bred back and and I've had cows calve in January and get bred back and calve again in December the same January and get bred back and calve again in December the same year.
Calve again in December the same year.
What we're learning here is year.
What we're learning here is making the herd more efficient? What we're learning here is making the herd more efficient? More efficient, more making the herd more efficient? More efficient, more productive.
More efficient, more productive.
Which means ultimately productive.
Which means ultimately somewhere down the line which means ultimately somewhere down the line hamburgers cheaper? Somewhere down the line hamburgers cheaper? I hope it doesn't get any hamburgers cheaper? I hope it doesn't get any cheaper, but I hope it doesn't get any cheaper, but But reasonable? Cheaper, but But reasonable? Reasonable.
But reasonable? Reasonable.
There'll be more supply reasonable.
There'll be more supply available.
There'll be more supply available.
It's kind of a messy job, but Available.
It's kind of a messy job, but You think? It's kind of a messy job, but You think? Yeah, you're pretty clean for you think? Yeah, you're pretty clean for palpating cows.
Yeah, you're pretty clean for palpating cows.
She's real pregnant.
Palpating cows.
She's real pregnant.
Yeah.
She's real pregnant.
Yeah.
I feel ears.
Yeah.
I feel ears.
I feel a little head.
I feel ears.
I feel a little head.
I'm gonna say 4 1/2 4 1/2 I feel a little head.
I'm gonna say 4 1/2 4 1/2 months.
I'm gonna say 4 1/2 4 1/2 months.
4 1/2 to 5.
Months.
4 1/2 to 5.
Yeah? 4 1/2 to 5.
Yeah? Yeah, 'cause you can really yeah? Yeah, 'cause you can really distinctly feel the different yeah, 'cause you can really distinctly feel the different pieces aspects of the calf.
Distinctly feel the different pieces aspects of the calf.
Now, I felt the face right on pieces aspects of the calf.
Now, I felt the face right on that one, right? Now, I felt the face right on that one, right? Yes.
That one, right? Yes.
So I'm not imagining.
Yes.
So I'm not imagining.
I felt ear ears.
I feel a, uh So I'm not imagining.
I felt ear ears.
I feel a, uh Yes.
I felt ear ears.
I feel a, uh Yes.
Through the nose, jaw? Yes.
Through the nose, jaw? Oh, steady.
Through the nose, jaw? Oh, steady.
Hold on a second.
Oh, steady.
Hold on a second.
You gonna do it? Hold on a second.
You gonna do it? Oh, dear.
You gonna do it? Oh, dear.
I may have gone in the wrong oh, dear.
I may have gone in the wrong hole.
I may have gone in the wrong hole.
You did go in the wrong one.
Hole.
You did go in the wrong one.
Is everything gonna be all you did go in the wrong one.
Is everything gonna be all right? Is everything gonna be all right? It should be all right.
Right? It should be all right.
That was a clean glove, thank it should be all right.
That was a clean glove, thank goodness.
That was a clean glove, thank goodness.
Yeah, I mean, I'm saying, goodness.
Yeah, I mean, I'm saying, where's all the poo? Yeah, I mean, I'm saying, where's all the poo? Well, there's no poo in a vulva.
Where's all the poo? Well, there's no poo in a vulva.
No wonder she was so upset with well, there's no poo in a vulva.
No wonder she was so upset with me.
No wonder she was so upset with me.
Go back in there.
Me.
Go back in there.
What? Is there a surprise? Go back in there.
What? Is there a surprise? Yeah.
What? Is there a surprise? Yeah.
Good grief she's about to yeah.
Good grief she's about to have a baby.
Good grief she's about to have a baby.
Well, she's probably about have a baby.
Well, she's probably about seven months.
Well, she's probably about seven months.
Movement, too.
Seven months.
Movement, too.
Yeah.
Movement, too.
Yeah.
Nibbling.
Yeah.
Nibbling.
Yeah.
Nibbling.
Yeah.
Little calf nibbling me.
Yeah.
Little calf nibbling me.
I'm gonna need my arm back.
Little calf nibbling me.
I'm gonna need my arm back.
He's a very nice bull.
I'm gonna need my arm back.
He's a very nice bull.
He's been in the pasture with he's a very nice bull.
He's been in the pasture with about 80 heifers.
He's been in the pasture with about 80 heifers.
They must be exhausted.
About 80 heifers.
They must be exhausted.
[ Laughs .]
They must be exhausted.
[ Laughs .]
He did a good job.
[ Laughs .]
He did a good job.
We palpated him, and he bred he did a good job.
We palpated him, and he bred about 40 of them.
We palpated him, and he bred about 40 of them.
Heifers? About 40 of them.
Heifers? Yes.
Heifers? Yes.
Look at him.
Yes.
Look at him.
Oh, yeah, he knows where he's look at him.
Oh, yeah, he knows where he's going.
Oh, yeah, he knows where he's going.
Come on, sweetie.
Going.
Come on, sweetie.
I believe he may enjoy this.
Come on, sweetie.
I believe he may enjoy this.
What in the world is this? I believe he may enjoy this.
What in the world is this? This is an electrojac.
What in the world is this? This is an electrojac.
It's for it's this is an electrojac.
It's for it's electro-ejaculated.
It's for it's electro-ejaculated.
We're gonna use this to collect electro-ejaculated.
We're gonna use this to collect the semen on this bull.
We're gonna use this to collect the semen on this bull.
I'm sorry.
The semen on this bull.
I'm sorry.
It sounded like you said an I'm sorry.
It sounded like you said an electrojac? It sounded like you said an electrojac? An electro-ejaculator, yes.
Electrojac? An electro-ejaculator, yes.
It's gonna stimulate the bull to an electro-ejaculator, yes.
It's gonna stimulate the bull to make him It's gonna stimulate the bull to make him [ Laughs .]
I get it.
Make him [ Laughs .]
I get it.
But this is a serious device? [ Laughs .]
I get it.
But this is a serious device? Yes, it is.
But this is a serious device? Yes, it is.
That's big daddy.
Yes, it is.
That's big daddy.
What the hell? That's big daddy.
What the hell? [ Laughs .]
What the hell? [ Laughs .]
It looks like a spaceship.
[ Laughs .]
It looks like a spaceship.
Yeah, that's what it's gonna it looks like a spaceship.
Yeah, that's what it's gonna feel like for that bull.
Yeah, that's what it's gonna feel like for that bull.
Oh, dear.
Feel like for that bull.
Oh, dear.
It's like a tackle box from a oh, dear.
It's like a tackle box from a that's probably what it is.
It's like a tackle box from a that's probably what it is.
Very it's like a tackle that's probably what it is.
Very it's like a tackle box from Amsterdam very it's like a tackle box from Amsterdam these can be manually box from Amsterdam these can be manually stimulation, or you can set it these can be manually stimulation, or you can set it on an automatic stimulation.
Stimulation, or you can set it on an automatic stimulation.
Well, what does number 99 on an automatic stimulation.
Well, what does number 99 here prefer? Well, what does number 99 here prefer? We're probably gonna give him here prefer? We're probably gonna give him the manual.
We're probably gonna give him the manual.
We're gonna give him a little the manual.
We're gonna give him a little manual.
We're gonna give him a little manual.
Oh, yes.
Manual.
Oh, yes.
We semen-test all of our oh, yes.
We semen-test all of our bulls before we turn them out we semen-test all of our bulls before we turn them out with the cows.
Bulls before we turn them out with the cows.
All right.
With the cows.
All right.
'Cause we want to make damn all right.
'Cause we want to make damn sure when they go out with 'cause we want to make damn sure when they go out with cows that they're fertile.
Sure when they go out with cows that they're fertile.
And just like everything else on cows that they're fertile.
And just like everything else on the ranch, they got to pay for and just like everything else on the ranch, they got to pay for themselves.
The ranch, they got to pay for themselves.
Sure.
Themselves.
Sure.
Well, this is this is kind of sure.
Well, this is this is kind of a reward maybe for a job well well, this is this is kind of a reward maybe for a job well done.
A reward maybe for a job well done.
Physiologically, are we done.
Physiologically, are we stimulating the prostate? Physiologically, are we stimulating the prostate? Yes.
Stimulating the prostate? Yes.
And when he ejaculates, you'll yes.
And when he ejaculates, you'll take a little bit of that sperm and when he ejaculates, you'll take a little bit of that sperm and catch it on a slide and look take a little bit of that sperm and catch it on a slide and look at it through a microscope and and catch it on a slide and look at it through a microscope and see if it's good or bad.
At it through a microscope and see if it's good or bad.
If it's good, he's good to go see if it's good or bad.
If it's good, he's good to go for a year.
If it's good, he's good to go for a year.
Right.
For a year.
Right.
Just go ahead.
Whoops.
Right.
Just go ahead.
Whoops.
Bulls are no different from just go ahead.
Whoops.
Bulls are no different from cows in that to earn their keep, bulls are no different from cows in that to earn their keep, they, too, must produce calves.
Cows in that to earn their keep, they, too, must produce calves.
So semen is collected to check they, too, must produce calves.
So semen is collected to check for the presence of sperm and so semen is collected to check for the presence of sperm and to see that the bull is in good for the presence of sperm and to see that the bull is in good health and functioning properly, to see that the bull is in good health and functioning properly, so to speak.
Health and functioning properly, so to speak.
Yep, just go right on in.
So to speak.
Yep, just go right on in.
Doesn't look like he dislikes yep, just go right on in.
Doesn't look like he dislikes it.
Doesn't look like he dislikes it.
No.
It.
No.
You're in there good.
No.
You're in there good.
God.
You're in there good.
God.
Oh, I'm sorry, buddy.
God.
Oh, I'm sorry, buddy.
All right, now just drop that oh, I'm sorry, buddy.
All right, now just drop that tail over.
All right, now just drop that tail over.
Just drop it down, then you get tail over.
Just drop it down, then you get back here and make sure it stays just drop it down, then you get back here and make sure it stays in.
Back here and make sure it stays in.
All right.
In.
All right.
There you go.
All right.
There you go.
How often is the current there you go.
How often is the current pulsing? How often is the current pulsing? It's about every two or three pulsing? It's about every two or three seconds.
The semen sample looked good.
But Steve also wanted to visually confirm that the bull's but Steve also wanted to visually confirm that the bull's equipment was healthy and in visually confirm that the bull's equipment was healthy and in working order.
Equipment was healthy and in working order.
On this machine, we can do it working order.
On this machine, we can do it automatically where it's set at on this machine, we can do it automatically where it's set at a certain time, and then we turn automatically where it's set at a certain time, and then we turn it over to manual, and then we a certain time, and then we turn it over to manual, and then we just move this dial back and it over to manual, and then we just move this dial back and forth.
Just move this dial back and forth.
Oh, when you say manually Forth.
Oh, when you say manually Right here.
Oh, when you say manually Right here.
You mean from there? Right here.
You mean from there? From here, yes.
you mean from there? From here, yes.
Thank god, huh? From here, yes.
Thank god, huh? There was a serious thank god, huh? There was a serious miscommunication between us there was a serious miscommunication between us there, Steve.
Miscommunication between us there, Steve.
He does seem to be bypassing the there, Steve.
He does seem to be bypassing the erection part and going straight he does seem to be bypassing the erection part and going straight for the Erection part and going straight for the yeah, he's dropping semen.
For the yeah, he's dropping semen.
Yeah.
Yeah, he's dropping semen.
Yeah.
This thing may not be charged yeah.
This thing may not be charged up enough to do the job.
This thing may not be charged up enough to do the job.
In spite of the electricity up enough to do the job.
In spite of the electricity and everything else, I mean, he in spite of the electricity and everything else, I mean, he looks camera-shy to me.
And everything else, I mean, he looks camera-shy to me.
He's not giving us an looks camera-shy to me.
He's not giving us an erection today, but the semen he's not giving us an erection today, but the semen sample we did get from him erection today, but the semen sample we did get from him looked good, and he has been sample we did get from him looked good, and he has been with cows, and he did do a good looked good, and he has been with cows, and he did do a good job breeding cows, so With cows, and he did do a good job breeding cows, so We got the sperm but not the job breeding cows, so We got the sperm but not the erection.
We got the sperm but not the erection.
Got the sperm but not the erection.
Got the sperm but not the erection.
Got the sperm but not the erection.
That's ultimately erection.
That's ultimately disappointing.
That's ultimately disappointing.
I guess we can remove the probe.
Disappointing.
I guess we can remove the probe.
Yes, sir.
I guess we can remove the probe.
Yes, sir.
We'll take that out.
Don't worry about it, 99 happens to the best of us.
Look, if you have a dirty job or happens to the best of us.
Look, if you have a dirty job or know somebody who does, we want look, if you have a dirty job or know somebody who does, we want to know about it.
Know somebody who does, we want to know about it.
Go to discovery.
Com/dirtyjobs to know about it.
Go to discovery.
Com/dirtyjobs and tell us all about it.
Go to discovery.
Com/dirtyjobs and tell us all about it.
If it's dirty enough, I'll come and tell us all about it.
If it's dirty enough, I'll come out, and we'll get dirty if it's dirty enough, I'll come out, and we'll get dirty together.
Out, and we'll get dirty together.
Sound like fun? Captions by vitac captions paid for by discovery communications, inc.
I have gone through the bottom of a barn before.
Really? What was that like? That must have been exciting.
Yeah, it was.
Luckily, I didn't get hurt.
[ Chuckles .]
Well, did you take a blow to the head by any chance? I could have [laughing.]
Maybe.