Can you guess what I’m talking about? If you are familiar with morse code, then you will be able to figure it out.

Working by myself on the ranch leads to a lot of random thinking time, hence the title of my other blog “Ranch Ruminations”. Last week while I was feeding cows I got to wondering how to call the cows in morse code with the horn…

Before you think I’m really, really crazy… Everyone has their own way of calling the cows.

  • My dad has always been a fan of calling ’em with “Jingle Bells” on the horn. Especially in the middle of the July heat.
  • We hollar at our cows with a “Woooo (similar to a Razorback Hog Call), Come on Girls” (or “Come on Boys” respective for the bulls)
  • Amy Kirk (Twitter) says “We use a long and two short honks; my husband’s family’s old partyline!”
  • Jillian (Twitter) calls her cows with a “honk randomly & holler “Coy!” Why coy? No clue…”
  • Jeff Fowle (Twitter) just uses the “canine interpreter” when the horn doesn’t work.

How do you call the cows? or pigs? or chickens? or maybe just the kids around the house…

By the way, I was trying to figure out how to say “moo” in morse code. 2 Long and 6 short dashes. The cows come to the call, but of course, they come runnin at the sight of a feed wagon any time of day.

Published by Ryan Goodman

Ryan Goodman works in grassroots advocacy as a communications consultant with beef cattle farmers and ranchers across the United States. He is a proud alumnus of Oklahoma State University, with studies focusing on cattle reproduction and nutrition. Ryan's experience in the beef industry range from family farms and ranches in several states to large feedlots and non-profit policy organizations. Ryan is an avid trail and ultrarunner, proudly showing how beef can be an important part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Find Ryan on social media as @BeefRunner.